Tax season just got a whole lot more infuriating, thanks to some Silicon Valley shenanigans at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In a move that screams “corporate interests over public good,” the beloved Direct File – a free tax filing tool that actually made doing taxes slightly less painful – is about to get axed.

The plot twist? It only took one meeting with tax software lobbyists to put this taxpayer-friendly tool on the chopping block. Sam Corcos, a tech exec with ties to SpaceX, apparently decided that making taxes easier for everyday Americans wasn’t as important as protecting the profit margins of tax preparation companies.

The Lobby’s Sneaky Playbook

Free File Inc., a group originally created by Intuit (hello, TurboTax), has been playing a long game of preventing the government from offering free tax filing services. Their strategy? Promise a “free” service while making it nearly impossible to find or use.

The Corporate Connections

What’s particularly spicy is that some DOGE team members apparently own shares in Intuit, raising some serious eyebrows about potential conflicts of interest. Todd Newnam, a key player in this drama, conveniently listed Intuit shares in his financial disclosures. Coincidence? We think not.

The Bottom Line

Direct File, which currently serves 25 states, is expected to survive through the 2025 tax filing season. But after that? It’s likely getting the corporate boot. Because apparently, making taxes accessible and affordable just isn’t a priority in tech-bro land.

Tax season just got a whole lot more capitalist – and we’re not here for it.