Understanding the Pitfalls of Social Media Tax Advice

In our highly connected digital world, social media has transformed into a prolific source of information, covering diverse subjects ranging from culinary delights to financial advice, including intricate tax matters. However, leveraging these platforms for tax guidance harbors significant risks. Erroneous or deceptive tax advice on social media platforms can lead to severe repercussions for taxpayers. Here's how to navigate these traps and protect your financial integrity.

Image 2

The Social Media Advice Surge - Platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram are teeming with influencers and so-called tax experts sharing strategies and tips. Despite often altruistic intentions, inaccuracies, and misleading information abound. Such misinformation arises as users overly simplify complex tax laws, resulting in widespread errors.

Common Misinformation Pitfalls - A range of misinformation circulates socially, such as false guidance regarding tax credits like the Fuel Tax Credit and the Sick and Family Leave Credit. Contrary to common beliefs promoted online, the Fuel Tax Credit is designated for off-highway business use, inapplicable to most individual taxpayers. The Sick and Family Leave Credit is meant for employers who pay wages to qualifying employees on leave, not a deduction individuals can claim. Such mistakes lead to incorrect filings, risking substantial fines for ineligible claims.

Yet another widespread scheme involves improper suggestions regarding Forms W-2 and 1099, encouraging false income declarations to inflate refunds, complicating an individual's standing with the IRS.

Case in Point - The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) remains a topical issue, with individuals misunderstanding its provisions and following misguided advice from promotions. Designed as a refundable tax credit to support businesses during pandemic-induced hardships, the ERC has become complex terrain due to misleading endorsements. Influencers marketed it as an effortless route to relief, often charging hefty fees before disappearing, leaving employers to reconcile unjust claims with the IRS, facing audits, penalties, and legal danger. This scenario underscores the dangers of deceitful promotions and inadequate evaluations.

Image 1

The True Impact - Trusting incorrect tax advice can have ominous outcomes. Improper credit or deduction claims can precipitate harsh financial and legal aftershocks. Consider these potential risks:

Gain Year-Round Financial Clarity and Confidence
Partner with Lizza & Carullo CPAs & Advisors for ongoing guidance, proactive tax planning, and strategic financial support. Whether you’re growing a business or navigating personal taxes, our year-round advisory approach helps you stay organized, tax-efficient, and in control — with a team that’s here when you need us, not just at tax time.
Schedule Your Discovery Call

  1. Refund Interruptions: The IRS scrutinizes suspect claims, delaying or denying refunds if suspicions arise.

  2. Penalties and Levies: Acting on misguidance exposes taxpayers to penalties. An Excessive Claim Penalty, 20% of the excessive amount, can accrue based on erroneous claims. Fraud cases involve penalties up to 75% of evaded taxes. Negligence penalties at 20% compound these risks, highlighting the need for reliable advice over misleading social media claims.

  3. Legal Dangers: Repeated tax missteps invite audits and prosecutions, with potential imprisonment for fraudulence.

  4. Risk of Identity Theft: Engaging with dubious advisers may lead to identity theft or fraud by compromising private online interactions.

  5. Long-Term Financial Consequences: Incorrect filings can affect future audits and hinder ability to claim legitimate refunds.

Stay Proactive - To mitigate these risks, approach social media advice with a discerning eye. Key strategies include:

  • Verify Sources: Vet social media advice against reliable sources, such as the IRS or qualified tax professionals.

  • Recognize Scams: Stay informed through the IRS “Dirty Dozen” list, identifying recurring scam tactics.

  • Flag Fraud: Report fraudulent activity via IRS Form 14242. This safeguards against wider scams and protects others.

Handling taxes is complicated on its own; adding misinformation into the mix compounds this confusion. While social media holds informative potential, it requires critical discernment in what advice to heed. Poor choices may not only jeopardize your refund but escalate into severe financial and legal challenges.

Seek knowledgeable decisions using established resources like IRS advisories and professional consultations. True confidence in tax management emerges from informed decision-making, steering clear of hazardous advice, and adopting reliable guidance for a seamless and secure tax journey. Prioritize your financial future by bypassing the allure of unreliable social media tax recommendations.

For tailored tax support to maximize legitimate benefit claims, contact our firm for expert guidance grounded in precision and integrity.

Image 3

Gain Year-Round Financial Clarity and Confidence
Partner with Lizza & Carullo CPAs & Advisors for ongoing guidance, proactive tax planning, and strategic financial support. Whether you’re growing a business or navigating personal taxes, our year-round advisory approach helps you stay organized, tax-efficient, and in control — with a team that’s here when you need us, not just at tax time.
Schedule Your Discovery Call
Share this article...

Want tax & accounting tips and insights?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .
Lizza & Carullo CPAs & Advisors Smart tax and advisory support for your business and personal finances.
Welcome to the Lizza & Carullo CPABot. I can help you learn about our Business Advisory Programs, year-round personal tax planning, how to work with our team, and how to schedule a Discovery Call. What would you like to do today?
Please fill out the form and our team will get back to you shortly The form was sent successfully