Social media rewards simple answers. Tax compliance does not. A strategy that works for one person may fail for another because filing status, income type, state rules, and documentation standards are different.

Why Viral Tax Tips Go Wrong

  • They present edge-case deductions as universal opportunities.
  • They skip substantiation and recordkeeping requirements.
  • They rarely distinguish between federal and California treatment.

How to Vet Advice Before You Act

  • Check the claim against IRS or FTB primary guidance.
  • Assess whether your facts actually match the scenario.
  • Verify high-impact decisions with a qualified preparer.
If advice cannot explain documentation standards, it is incomplete advice.

Planning Takeaway

Use social posts as prompts for questions, not filing instructions. A fast validation step can prevent costly corrections later.