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The Dangers of Social Media Tax Advice

In today's digital landscape, social media is a go-to source for a wide array of information, including tax guidance. However, while platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram offer easy access to tax tips, they also present significant risks for unsuspecting taxpayers. Misleading or incorrect tax advice on social media can lead to severe financial consequences. Here's how you can navigate these pitfalls and safeguard your financial wellbeing.

The Trend of Online Tax Guidance - Social media is bustling with influencers and self-declared experts dishing out tax strategies. Although many aim to help, errors and false information are common. Often, complex tax issues are oversimplified, amplifying misinformation and leading to common errors among users.

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Misleading Advice Schemes - Recent social media trends showcase a range of tax-related misinformation, including erroneous advice about credits like the Fuel Tax Credit and the Sick and Family Leave Credit. These credits are often misrepresented as universally accessible, which is not accurate. For instance, the Fuel Tax Credit is specifically for off-highway business use, not for most taxpayers, while the Sick and Family Leave Credit is only for eligible employers who pay qualifying employees on family and medical leave. Misconceptions like these lead to incorrect claims, which can carry significant penalties.

Another misguidance is related to Forms W-2 and 1099, where social media posts may advise inflating income figures to boost refund amounts, thereby complicating matters with the IRS.

Illustrative Example - A current notable issue involves the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). Many business owners have been misled by social media and promotional material claiming easy eligibility for this credit. Promoters, often demanding hefty upfront fees, have encouraged businesses to falsely claim the ERC, leading to substantial IRS audits and penalties when the claims prove unsubstantiated. Business owners, initially drawn by the prospect of government aid, find themselves ensnared in complex legal and financial issues due to deceptive advice.

The Consequences of False Tax Information - Relying on incorrect tax information can have dire outcomes, including:

  1. Refund Delays or Denials: The IRS scrutinizes suspect refund claims, which can result in postponed or refused refunds.
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  1. Penalties and Fines: Acting on bad or fraudulent social media advice can result in penalties such as the Excessive Claim Penalty at 20% of the unallowed claim, ousting false claimants with severe financial burdens. Fraud penalties can ramp up to 75% of any unpaid tax due.
  2. Legal Repercussions: Repeated misuse may lead to audits and criminal charges, including potential imprisonment.
  3. Identity Theft Dangers: Engaging with dubious tax advice providers increases the risk of identity theft as private information might be shared in unsecured environments.
  4. Long-Term Financial Issues: Incorrect tax filings can alter financial trajectories, instigate future audits, and complicate future credit and refund claims.

Proactive Defense Measures - To counter these risks, approach social media tax tips with caution. Consider these strategies:

  • Validate Before Believing: Always verify social media advice with credible sources. Official IRS resources and licensed tax professionals offer sound guidance.
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  • Stay Informed of Scams: Watch for the IRS’ “Dirty Dozen” list to learn about prevalent tax scams.
  • Report Suspected Fraud: Use Form 14242 on the IRS website to report fraudulent advice, safeguarding others from potential scams.

Filing taxes is challenging enough without dealing with incorrect information. Although social media can be useful, it is vital to critically assess the advice you receive. Misguided tips can impact not just your refund but lead to serious and costly repercussions.

Make informed choices by relying on proven resources like IRS publications and professional tax assistance. Knowledge is key to secure tax filing, and by avoiding dubious social media advice and adhering to legitimate information, you can ensure a smooth tax process. Safeguard your financial stability by bypassing unsafe social media tax advice.

For custom tax advice and to explore legitimate tax-saving opportunities, reach out to our office in Gilbert, AZ, for expert guidance, ensuring accuracy and integrity in your financial dealings.

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