CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — As tax season ramps up, Champaign County residents are being urged to think twice before trusting tax tips circulating on social media. Federal officials say a spike in misleading online posts is pushing Illinois taxpayers—especially younger filers and first‑time taxpayers—toward serious and expensive mistakes.

The IRS has issued repeated alerts about fraudulent schemes spreading across platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. These posts often encourage users to claim tax credits they don’t qualify for or to submit amended returns based on false promises of “easy money.” The fallout has been significant: since 2022, more than 32,000 taxpayers nationwide have been hit with civil penalties totaling over $162 million.

Local tax professionals say they’re seeing the effects close to home. Champaign-area CPAs report an uptick in residents seeking help after filing inaccurate returns based on social media advice. Some have received IRS letters warning of potential penalties, while others are discovering they may need to amend their returns to avoid further consequences.

Common red flags include posts claiming everyone qualifies for certain credits, urging taxpayers to ignore IRS notices, or directing users to suspicious websites instead of IRS.gov. . Some even encourage people to falsify information—an action that can lead to steep fines or, in extreme cases, criminal investigation.

Taxpayers who encounter questionable posts are encouraged to report them to the IRS or the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Those who believe they may have filed incorrectly should respond promptly to any IRS correspondence and consider amending their return.

For Champaign County residents seeking reliable help, certified public accountants remain a trusted resource. The Illinois CPA Society offers a free “Find a CPA” directory that allows taxpayers to search for professionals by location, services offered, and languages spoken.