The IRS is sounding the alarm as fraudulent tax advice spreads across social media, costing Americans over $162 million since 2022. Thousands have faced penalties for filing inaccurate returns after following misleading posts that promote unqualified tax credits and deductions. Scammers often promise “easy refunds” or urge people to lie on tax forms. Officials encourage reporting suspicious advice to the IRS and warn against responding to unofficial websites. Taxpayers are urged to consult a certified public accountant for trustworthy assistance. The Illinois CPA Society offers a free directory to connect individuals with qualified advisors at www.icpas.org/findacpa. Stay vigilant and seek expert help.
Taxpayers are urged to stay alert as fraudulent tax advice continues to circulate on social media. The IRS encourages anyone who encounters suspicious posts or misleading information to report them directly to [email protected] or file a complaint with the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Those who believe they may have filed an incorrect tax return due to bad advice should consider amending their return. Any official communication from the IRS will arrive by mail, so prompt responses are important. For reliable tax information and assistance, it’s best to consult reputable sources, such as IRS.gov or organizations like the Illinois CPA Society.