Social Media Tax Scams Trigger $162 Million in IRS Penalties

Social Media Tax Scams Trigger $162 Million in IRS Penalties

Tax education articles and IRS representation advice for individuals and small businesses
September 17, 2025•3 min read

Social media rumors are turning into real-life financial nightmares. The IRS recently announced over $162 million in penalties for individuals who filed false or exaggerated claims based on misleading social media tax “hacks.” Taxpayers are now facing not only denied refunds but life-altering back taxes, penalties, and threats of enforcement action.

If you’ve been caught in one of these traps, you need expert representation immediately. Contact Steve Perry, EA, today at (678) 717-9818 or email [email protected] before the IRS makes your financial situation far worse.

Why This Matters Now

The IRS has seen a rise in false claims for credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, American Opportunity Credit, and adoption credits—all promoted by influencers or fraudulent “tax tips.” On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, taxpayers were told they could “hack the system” to unlock thousands in extra refunds. But those same “hacks” have triggered:

  • Refund freezes, withholds, or reversals

  • Accuracy-related penalties and fines

  • Audits reaching back years

  • Massive tax bills with growing interest every month

For the IRS, these aren’t mistakes; they’re fraud. Once a false claim is flagged, the fallout is financial devastation: penalties of 20 percent, interest that compounds, and in some cases, referral to the IRS Criminal Investigation Division.

The Real Consequences of Breaking IRS Rules

When the IRS determines you willfully claimed false credits, the nightmare goes far beyond simply paying back the refund. Taxpayers have reported:

  • Garnished wages, tax liens, and ruined credit for years

  • Seizures of bank accounts and business income streams

  • Permanent bans from claiming certain credits again

  • Investigations that put your family and future under a microscope

This isn’t just about owing more. It’s about your reputation, your livelihood, and your ability to move forward without IRS debt crushing you for the next decade.

Steve Perry, EA: The Calm Voice Against the IRS Storm

Amid panic, fear, and sleepless nights, there is one professional whose reputation cuts through the noise—Steve Perry, EA. With over a decade of tax battle experience, Steve is known for standing toe-to-toe with the IRS and protecting taxpayers who thought their situations were hopeless.

He listens calmly, explains your rights, and builds an airtight defense against unjust penalties. Unlike “cheap tax services” that may have landed you in this spot, Steve brings the authority and proven strategy to negotiate settlements, stop IRS collection actions, and restore control over your financial future.

Don’t wait until the IRS has already sent a Final Notice of Intent to Levy. That’s when families lose paychecks and businesses lose accounts.

Call Steve Perry today at (678) 717-9818, email [email protected], or Message Steve directly on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/steveperrybtm.

The Plus Side of Acting Now

Facing IRS debt or penalties may feel impossible, but choosing the right representation can turn the tide. With Steve Perry in your corner, you gain:

  • Immediate protection from aggressive IRS action

  • An advocate who knows IRS procedure and how agents think

  • Relief strategies ranging from penalty abatement to installment agreements to Currently Not Collectible status

Most importantly, you get peace of mind. While fear may have brought you here, action is what gets you out. Every client Steve takes on has one thing in common—they leave stronger and with a clear plan forward.

Don’t Let Fear Paralyze You

The IRS is not stopping its crackdown. More penalties, more audits, and more ruined lives are coming. But the people who survive this aren’t the ones who wait—they’re the ones who act quickly, who make the call, and who trust a battle-tested professional like Steve Perry.

This is your chance to get ahead of the IRS before they get ahead of you. Don’t let a bad decision fueled by social media cost you your future.

Call (678) 717-9818, email [email protected], or Message Steve directly on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/steveperrybtm.

irstaxtaxesrepresentationIRS penalties false tax credit claimssocial media tax scamsSteve Perry Enrolled Agent AtlantaIRS audits 2025penalty abatement IRS helpIRS wage garnishment defensefalse tax credit fraud defensetax problems Georgia help
Steve Perry is a seasoned tax expert and Enrolled Agent licensed by the Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before the IRS. As the founder of Books, Taxes & More, LLC, Steve brings a no-nonsense, veteran-led approach to solving complex tax issues. With a background in military leadership, accounting, and financial services, he is fiercely committed to defending clients against aggressive IRS tactics and helping them preserve more of their hard-earned money. Whether it’s tax representation, planning, or preparation—Steve speaks IRS so you don’t have to.

Steve Perry

Steve Perry is a seasoned tax expert and Enrolled Agent licensed by the Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before the IRS. As the founder of Books, Taxes & More, LLC, Steve brings a no-nonsense, veteran-led approach to solving complex tax issues. With a background in military leadership, accounting, and financial services, he is fiercely committed to defending clients against aggressive IRS tactics and helping them preserve more of their hard-earned money. Whether it’s tax representation, planning, or preparation—Steve speaks IRS so you don’t have to.

Back to Blog