Viral 'tax hack' advice on social media
Social media posts sometimes promise tax shortcuts or credits that most people do not qualify for. Following that advice can delay a refund or lead to penalties, and the IRS put misleading tax advice on its 2026 Dirty Dozen list.
How it works
A video or post claims there is a little-known credit, a way to get a bigger refund, or a simple 'hack' for filing. It may push a broad 'self-employment tax credit' or other claims that do not apply to you. People who follow the advice can file returns with false information. The IRS says this kind of social media misinformation remains a major driver of tax problems, and that people who knowingly file fraudulent returns can face civil or criminal penalties. Trust IRS.gov or a qualified tax professional, not a viral post, when you decide what to claim.
Red flags
- A social post promises a large refund or a credit that sounds too easy.
- The advice is vague, urgent, or tells you to hide details on a return.
- Someone promoting the 'hack' also wants a fee, a signup, or your personal information.
- You cannot find the same guidance on IRS.gov.
What to do
- Do not file a return based only on a social media tip.
- Check IRS.gov or talk with a trusted tax professional before you claim an unusual credit.
- If you already filed and think the advice was wrong, ask a tax professional about correcting the return.
- You can report suspected tax scams at IRS.gov/SubmitATip and report related consumer fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Where to report it
- reportfraud.ftc.gov — the FTC's report form.
- ic3.gov — the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.