Elon Musk caused a lot of excitement this week when he claimed the office was responsible for The direct file of the IRS The tax return program has been “deleted”, but the program has not actually disappeared for now and you are safe to use – for now.
Musk, CEO of Tesla and Spasks, among other companies, emerged as a close adviser to President Donald Trump, who appointed the businessman to lead the Department of Efficiency of the Government – or Doge – Free Making Organization focused on cutting of federal programs and spending. Walking to his X platform (formerly Twitter) on Monday night, Musk responded to the publication of the right -wing influence touching the direct files program, saying it was over.
“That group has been deleted”, Wrote Musk, without elaboration.
The potential violation of tax filing, among many other federal programs, comes just as Americans turn their attention to tax affairs. IRS began accepting tax returns on January 27 and will continue to accept them through traditional April 15 for Most fillers.
Whatever Musk and Doge do, the direct file remains available through its Official IRS web site For residents of 25 countries where it has been expelled so far. Although it is unclear what can happen to the service in the near future, an IRS official who responds to the CNET investigation said that tax returns already submitted through a direct record will be treated like any other return and should not be influenced by any changes in the program.
What is a direct file?
The direct file was first used by the IRS in 2024 in 12 countries as a service that allows taxpayers to submit their annual yields directly to the agency for free, extending the previous but less free file service. Musk's claim to move away from the program has caused concern and confusion to many, as the service was well received as a whole.
The program was expanded by 2025, with new features and availability in 25 countries. Whether it will be available by the end of the tax season remains to be seen.
Trump administration moves, including indefinite freezing of IRS employment, have raised concerns about whether the tax return processing will be slowed this year, but these worries They seem to be unfounded for now.
Will the direct file disappear?
Speaking to CNET via email correspondence, Assasen Bauman, a registered agent and an IRS enrollment expert on all taxes, he noted that both the agency and the new finance secretary appointed Trump, Scott Besen. However, given the chaotic state of things right now, the future is in the short term is not clear and may be subjected to improper decision making, so anyone interested in using this year should
“Everything that said, things have become a little unpredictable in Washington, so there is always a chance that the administration decides to withdraw the program,” Bowman wrote. “My advice for people who have the right to use a direct file is to use it, but to carefully monitor the status of their return as processed and, of course, to keep copies of everything they have submitted.”
How can I use a direct file safe this year?
On the topic of whether the program will be around by the end of the 2025 tax season, Baumann came in more detail about the steps to be taken by taxpayers with a direct file if they decide to use this year.
“Anyone who uses a direct file for their tax return in 2024 should carefully monitor the status of a refund,” Bowman explained. “Processing should take less than a few days. Moreover, do not throw those W-2 and other documents.