When it comes to taxes, there’s no room for guesswork. Yet, every tax season, we see social media filled with influencers, random posts, and flashy videos promising “tax hacks” or ways to “legally avoid paying taxes.” Here’s the deal: most of this advice is bad. Like really bad. The kind that can cost you thousands of dollars, get you audited, or worse, land you in legal trouble.
Let’s break down why taking tax advice from people on social media is one of the worst financial decisions you could make.
1. They Aren’t Tax Professionals
The person giving you advice on TikTok or Instagram might be great at building a following, but chances are they aren’t a certified tax professional. Filing taxes is not a one-size-fits-all activity. There are federal laws, state laws, deductions, credits, and countless nuances that only a trained professional can fully understand. Relying on someone who isn’t a certified expert is like trusting your mechanic to perform heart surgery—doesn’t matter how confident they are, they’re just not qualified.
2. Clickbait = Bad Advice
Social media thrives on attention. That means the advice you see is designed to get clicks and likes, not necessarily to provide you with accurate, nuanced information. When you see someone promoting a “secret tax loophole,” ask yourself: why isn’t every tax professional recommending this? Often, these “loopholes” are misunderstood or taken out of context. At best, you miss out on deductions. At worst, you end up in trouble with the IRS.
3. Your Tax Situation is Unique
No two people have the same financial situation. Your job, your state of residence, your income sources, your deductions—everything is unique. So even if the advice you see online worked for someone else, it doesn’t mean it’s going to work for you. Blindly following advice without taking into account your individual circumstances can leave money on the table, or worse, lead to penalties.
4. The IRS Doesn’t Care About Your Instagram Feed
One of the biggest dangers of following social media tax advice is the risk of an IRS audit. The IRS isn’t going to care if you saw a post claiming you could write off all your meals or deduct your entire rent. They follow strict guidelines and can easily spot improper deductions. And guess what? If you’ve filed incorrectly because you followed bad advice, it’s you who’s on the hook—not the person who posted the video.
5. Get Real Advice From Real Professionals
The only way to ensure you’re maximizing your tax return legally is by getting advice from a real tax professional—someone who has years of experience and credentials to back up their advice. A CPA or enrolled agent knows the tax code inside and out, can identify deductions you might not be aware of, and can ensure your return is as optimized as possible.
It’s tempting to turn to social media for answers, especially when tax season feels overwhelming. But if you’re serious about getting your finances right, social media should be the last place you look for tax advice. Stick to the pros—they’re the only ones who can navigate the ever-changing tax landscape safely.