Grok To Procrastinators: Please Don’t Let Me Do Your Taxes!

With one week before the tax deadline, major AI chatbots are warning users not to rely on them to prepare or file returns.

When asked whether it could help prepare a 2025 tax return, Elon Musk’s Grok cautioned against using AI for filing, saying models “miscalculate refunds by thousands on average,” and instead recommended software like TurboTax or a licensed professional.

“Not a good idea for actually preparing or filing your 2025 return,” Grok responded. “Tax code is too complex and changes yearly — AI (including me) often hallucinates details or misses nuances, leading to errors that could trigger IRS issues.”

The Daily Wire checked with other leading platforms, including Google’s Gemini, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and Anthropic’s Claude, using the same prompt. They offered similar guidance, saying they can help explain tax concepts but should not be used.

“It is highly discouraged to use generative AI like me, ChatGPT, or similar platforms to actually prepare or calculate your tax returns,” Gemini warned. ChatGPT advised using it as “your helper” but not “your tax preparer.” Claude agreed, blaming nuanced tax laws. 

Across platforms, chatbots cited similar concerns, warning that AI can make mistakes, lack full financial context, and miss important edge cases. But the more significant issue is liability: if the IRS finds errors in a return, the person who files it, not the software or AI, is responsible for any additional taxes, penalties, and interest.

Traditional tax software such as TurboTax or H&R Block operates similarly, with users responsible for the information submitted. That risk is why many taxpayers opt to pay more for a CPA or licensed tax preparer, who can assume some professional liability if given accurate information.

While chatbots discourage using AI to file returns, they recommend using it as a “smart assistant” to explain tax concepts and stay organized. AI tools can help users understand forms like a 1099 versus a W-2, clarify deductions, and translate complex language from tax software into simpler terms. 

However, those capabilities come without legal accountability, a concern lawmakers are beginning to address. In New York, proposed legislation would restrict AI tools from offering legal or financial advice, including tax guidance, without proper oversight. Critics argue the bill’s broad language could limit even basic, useful responses.

“The problem is evident in the bill’s operative provision,” said Oliver Roberts, an adjunct law professor at Washington University. “Subsection 2(a) prohibits a chatbot proprietor from ‘permit[ting]’ a chatbot to provide any ‘substantive response, information, or advice.’”