As the 2025 tax season draws near, experts are urging taxpayers to exercise caution when utilizing artificial intelligence tools for tax filing, particularly given recent legal shifts and significant personal changes. Joyce Chen from the California Association of Registered Agents warns, “The issue people will face with AI is that they need to scrutinize when that information was last updated. If not, you risk relying on outdated data and facing potential setbacks.”
Chen emphasizes the importance of verifying insights from AI or social media against guidance from tax professionals, the IRS, or, if you’re in California, the Franchise Tax Board. “Raising awareness through social media can be beneficial, but it’s crucial to follow up with accurate information,” she added.
Kaya Klotzek, director of the California Tax Education Council, shares her apprehensions about the average taxpayer’s skill in leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT effectively. “They might struggle with how to phrase their questions or identify the right keywords for ChatGPT,” Klotzek explains. “You might have experienced big life changes this year—like getting married, having kids, or going through a divorce. You may need to file differently or perhaps establish head of household status. These details won’t necessarily be prompted by AI.”
Klotzek also cautions that many social media influencers deliberately use eye-catching content to capture attention, often leading to generalized advice that might not fit your circumstances or location.
Taxpayers should remember that the deadline for filing 2025 returns is Wednesday, April 15th. Both Chen and Klotzek recommend utilizing resources from their respective organizations, the California Association of Registered Agents and the California Council on Tax Education, to vet supposed tax experts and find trustworthy assistance this tax season.
