75% of tax professionals say social media is driving filing season confusion, February survey finds

A new February survey from the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) finds that social media tax claims are increasingly influencing taxpayer behavior this filing season. 

In a nationwide poll of 268 tax professionals, approximately 75% reported that clients are referencing tax information they have seen in headlines or on social media more frequently than in prior years. 

At the same time, most respondents say the 2026 filing season is progressing about as expected, suggesting that confusion, not systemic disruption, is the primary challenge. 

What is causing filing season confusion in 2026? 

According to the survey, the most frequently cited issue tax professionals encounter in client meetings is misunderstandings of deductions or exclusions. 

Practitioners report spending significant time clarifying: 

• Deduction eligibility requirements 

• Documentation and recordkeeping standards 

• Qualification thresholds 

• How certain provisions apply to individual circumstances 

“Tax professionals are increasingly serving as interpreters of information clients encounter online,” said Tom O’Saben, EA, director of tax content at NATP. “We’re seeing more conversations that begin with something a taxpayer read online and then shift to clarifying what actually applies under current tax law.” 

Which tax deductions are creating the most questions? 

Open-text responses from the survey indicate that confusion often centers on deductions that require detailed eligibility review and supporting documentation. 

Common areas of clarification include: 

• Overtime deduction qualification 

• Documentation requirements not clearly reflected on standard tax forms 

• Differences between federal and state deduction treatment 

• Record collection and substantiation standards 

“Most of the friction we’re seeing isn’t about refund timing,” O’Saben said. “It’s about eligibility and documentation. Taxpayers want to ensure they qualify, and professionals are helping walk through those details carefully.” 

Is filing season 2026 more difficult than last year? 

Nearly half of the survey respondents reported somewhat or significantly more work than usual. However, a majority indicated that filing season is tracking within expected ranges overall. This suggests a clarification-heavy season rather than a crisis-driven one. 

Tax professionals report elevated time spent correcting misinformation and explaining deduction rules, but not widespread operational breakdowns. 

Why social media tax advice can be misleading 

Tax provisions often depend on: 

• Income thresholds 

• Filing status 

• Documentation requirements 

• State-level differences 

• Timing rules 

Short-form or viral content may omit these qualifiers, leading taxpayers to assume eligibility where additional criteria apply. Professionals emphasize that individualized analysis remains critical for accurate compliance. 

About the February filing season survey 

The February poll surveyed 268 tax professionals nationwide during peak filing season to assess workload, client behavior trends and common friction points. 

NATP conducts recurring polling throughout filing season to monitor practitioner experience and emerging trends. Additional updates are expected in March and April as the filing deadline approaches.