Is Trusting TikTok for Tax Advice a Bad Idea?

You’ve probably scrolled through TikTok or Instagram and seen someone dishing out “game-changing” tax hacks. Some of it sounds tempting, some of it sounds ridiculous — and honestly, a lot of it is just plain wrong.

With Making Tax Digital (MTD) changing the way people file, and more Gen Z entrepreneurs stepping into the business world, it’s no surprise that social media has become a go-to source for information. The problem? Not all advice is created equal.

At Number Crunch, we do share tips on socials — but ours are written by actual accountants (and double-checked before we hit post). Not everyone online can say the same.

Why You Should Be Careful with Online Tax Advice

The internet has made it easier than ever for anyone to grab a phone, hit record, and act like an expert. Just like you’ll find flat-Earth theories next to legitimate news, financial misinformation sits side-by-side with genuine advice.

Here’s what to look out for:

• Credentials matter. A real tax adviser in the UK should be linked to a recognised firm or have verifiable qualifications (you can usually check professional memberships on public registers).

• Too good to be true? Then it probably is. Be cautious of sweeping statements like “this hack will slash your tax bill in half” — tax law isn’t that simple.

• Fact check it yourself. Most HMRC guidance is online and easy to find (if not exactly fun reading).

That’s why we brand everything we put out — so you know it comes from Number Crunch and not a random influencer chasing views.

How to Protect Yourself from Dodgy Advice

If you spot tax tips online that make you raise an eyebrow, here’s what to do:

• Screenshot or save the post in case you need proof later.

• Ask the creator for their credentials or sources — if they’re genuine, they won’t mind sharing.

• Don’t act on advice until you’ve checked it against official HMRC guidelines or spoken to a professional.

If you’re ever unsure, you can bring it to us at Number Crunch and we’ll look at it together. If it’s nonsense, at least we’ll get a laugh out of it — though misinformation can be genuinely harmful, so we also flag scams directly with HMRC when needed.

Already Followed Bad Advice?

Don’t panic — it happens more often than you’d think.

• Minor mistakes can usually be fixed by correcting your tax return or filing an amendment.

• Bigger issues may take a bit more work, but the sooner you act, the easier it is to limit penalties.

• If HMRC gets in touch, respond quickly and explain what happened. Showing evidence that you were misled might not erase the issue, but it helps build your case.

And remember: you don’t need to feel embarrassed. Social media is designed to influence, and plenty of people get caught out. The key thing is fixing it fast.

The Takeaway

Social media is fun, quick, and addictive — but it’s not where you should be making financial decisions. Tax is serious, and the wrong move could cost you money or land you in hot water with HMRC.

That doesn’t mean tax advice has to be boring though — we work hard to explain things in plain English (with a bit of personality). Because what’s more fun than keeping your finances in check and your tax bill under control?

👉 For tax advice you can actually trust, chat with the Number Crunch team today.