Key Takeaways:

• Elon Musk's tweet about the deletion of 18F caused confusion regarding the IRS' Direct File program.
• The Direct File program, designed to facilitate easy tax filing for Americans, is still operational for the upcoming season.
• Musk's controversial remarks have raised questions about government oversight and efficiency.

In a recent post on his social media platform, tech billionaire Elon Musk sparked uncertainty among taxpayers when he claimed to have “deleted” 18F, a federal agency involved in technology projects like the IRS' Direct File program. Many interpreted his statement to suggest that the free tax filing service might no longer be accessible, prompting clarification from various sources, including TIME.

According to officials familiar with the IRS operations, despite Musk's claims, the Direct File program is indeed still accepting returns ahead of the upcoming tax season. The confusion primarily stems from Musk’s social media assertion that implied a complete shutdown of the agency, leading many to assume the program was no longer viable.

As of now, both the Direct File and 18F websites remain operational, although Musk's announcement led to the deletion of the 18F account on X. The IRS had previously committed to making the Direct File system permanent, expanding its availability from 12 to 25 states for the 2025 tax season.

The initiative allows users in specific states with straightforward tax situations to file their returns directly with the IRS without any associated costs. The IRS' move to implement this program faced pushback from commercial tax preparation firms, who expressed concerns about the potential impact on their business models, as many Americans spend an average of $140 annually for tax prep services.

Much skepticism surrounds Musk’s comments, notably since he was appointed by former President Trump as part of his “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), which aims to decentralize government operations. Critics have raised alarms about the implications of operating outside traditional checks and balances. Director Musk's comments, made in response to a user labeling 18F as “far left,” have stoked fears of a broader impact on governmental operations.

Despite the turmoil, a credible source from within the IRS has verified that the Direct File service continues to function as planned. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reiterated during his confirmation hearing that the program would be in place for the next tax season, commencing from January 27. The push towards a more user-friendly tax filing process could significantly benefit millions of Americans, ensuring access to desperately needed free services.