“TikTokTax”: Why Your Accountant Is Side-Eyeing Your Reels
Ah, TikTok and Instagram Reels — where banana bread recipes, viral dance trends, and now… tax advice flourish. Somewhere between the latest “hot girl walk” tutorial and a 7-second motivational quote, someone with a ring light and questionable credentials just convinced you to write off your dog as a business expense.
Let’s talk about it.
Social Media + Taxes = A Taxing Situation
In the world of social media, the line between entertainment and education gets blurrier than a 2006 camera phone pic. Influencers confidently spout lines like:
“If you start an LLC, you never have to pay taxes again.”
“Write off your entire vacation — just call it a business trip!”
“Buy a G-Wagon and the IRS basically pays for it.”
Sounds too good to be true? That’s because it usually is.
Viral ≠ Valid
Just because a post has a million views doesn’t mean it’s accurate. Algorithms reward engagement — not expertise. Unfortunately, the IRS doesn’t accept “But this guy on TikTok said so” as a valid defense during an audit.
Here’s why trusting your taxes to TikTok can be downright dangerous:
Laws vary by state and even by industry. That “write-off hack” might work for someone else — and land you in hot water.
Tax code is nuanced (read: frustrating and full of fine print). A 60-second video can’t capture the complexities of depreciation schedules or the difference between a contractor and an employee.
Some influencers are straight-up scammers. Let’s not sugarcoat it. Some of them know what they’re doing is misleading — and they’re cashing in on clicks.
Real Stories, Real Headaches
Accountants everywhere have seen it all:
A new client deducting $20K in “business entertainment” because an influencer said to save every receipt from date night.
Someone who formed 3 LLCs because a Reel said it would “triple their deductions.”
A poor soul who tried to write off their pet iguana as a “security system.”
Spoiler: The IRS didn’t find it funny.
Enter: Actual Professionals
Your CPA might not have 2 million followers or a trendy coffee aesthetic, but they do have:
Licenses
Years of education & experience
A genuine desire to keep you out of tax court
Plus, they know your unique situation — not just some “one-size-fits-all” tax tip meant to go viral.
What You Can Do Instead
Use TikTok as inspiration, not instruction. Hear something interesting? Screenshot it and bring it to your accountant to see if it applies.
Look for creators with real credentials. CPAs and Enrolled Agents are out there making content, too — they’re just probably not lip-syncing.
Ask real questions to real professionals. Most accountants would love to clarify things for you (and prevent future chaos).
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Trend Land You in Trouble
Social media is fantastic for laughs, learning, and maybe discovering a new dinner recipe. But when it comes to your taxes? Stick to the pros. The IRS doesn’t care if you went viral — they just want accurate math and honest reporting.
And remember: if it sounds too good to be true on TikTok… it probably belongs in the same category as sea moss gummies and “manifesting a refund.”