News
13 August, 2025
Time to toss TikTok tax tips
As millions of Australians lodge their tax return, CPA Australia is urging taxpayers to be wary of tax advice circulating on social media, especially TikTok.
The professional body has observed numerous misleading claims from so-called “finfluencers” with large followings promoting dubious tax deductions.
CPA Australia Tax Lead Jenny Wong highlighted some common false claims, including:
Claiming expenses for a pet as a guard dog while working from home;
Using a luxury designer handbag as a work laptop bag;
Claiming thousands of dollars in fuel costs without receipts.
“In many cases the advice from these accounts is simply wrong. In other cases, the claims have an ounce of truth but would apply only to a very small group of workers,” she said.
“For example, some farmers may be able to claim expenses related to their sheep dogs, but the idea that a dog owner in a major city can claim expenses for a guard dog while they work from home is simply absurd.
“Some finfluencers exaggerate the potential for certain claims to garner attention and likes.
“This is not serious advice, it should be ignored.
“Having a large following on TikTok doesn’t automatically make someone an expert on a particular subject, especially one as complex as the Australian tax system.”
Ms Wong cautioned that poor tax advice could lead to missed entitlements or severe penalties.
“The ATO uses data-driven profiles to identify which claims are realistic and which look like complete nonsense,” she said.
“Making false tax claims could result in hefty fines, a criminal record or even imprisonment.”
She also warned about relying on AI tools like ChatGPT for tax advice, noting, “AI tools are only as good as the information you put into them.
“They are simply not able to compute the nuances of the Australian tax system or your specific circumstances.”
Ms Wong’s advice is to seek professional tax help, keep thorough records, and understand what deductions truly apply to your work.
The cost of professional tax advice is itself tax deductible.
