There was widespread confusion after the Tesla CEO claimed the program, which allows Americans to file their taxes straight to the IRS, had been "deleted."

This should be a banner year for taxpayers seeking free tax-preparation. But one key IRS program is under fire.

CEO Elon Musk wants to close down tax loopholes as part of his wide-ranging remit at the Department of Government Efficiency, but

Though the billionaire presidential adviser created confusion when he said he’d “deleted” the agency behind it, the free filing program is still available—at least for the coming tax season.

This should be a banner year for taxpayers seeking free tax-preparation. But one key IRS program is under fire.

Elon Musk posted Monday on his social media site that he had “deleted” 18F, a government agency that worked on technology projects such as the IRS’ Direct File program.

Direct File, a system that allows people in some states to file directly with the IRS for free, is in fact still available, despite Musk posting cryptic messages on his social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

The IRS Direct File program is revolutionizing tax filing for millions of Americans by offering a no-cost, streamlined process for uncomplicated returns. Despite its benefits, the program faces opposition from private tax-preparation companies and political figures.