Screenshot from “Are You Okay?”
We all know that tax advice on the internet too often is wrong. But award-winning actor Tramell Tillman recently offered a great tax season public service announcement on Instagram.
Tillman, who plays no-nonsense office supervisor Seth Milchick in Apple TV’s “Severance,” told “Are You Okay?” that he wished he were better at doing his taxes.
The image atop this post is a screenshot, so the white triangle won’t get you his tax comments, and host Brianna Morales’ declaration of it as a tax season PSA.
But you can watch Tillman urge us to “please, do not do your own taxes unless you know what you’re doing” at this Instagram Reel.
Heads up. Have your sound on since his tax advice leads off the video. If you miss it, no worries. It’s very short, so you can replay it without taking up much of your valuable time.
Using tax software to file: If you are comfortable doing your own taxes, tax software might be a good option. It automatically takes the info you provide and populates where it is needed elsewhere on your annual tax return.
Plus, it does the math for you. Then you can electronically send your Form 1040 to the Internal Revenue Service. E-filing also means the IRS can process your return sooner, meaning you should get you your tax refund more quickly.
A quick detour for my own PSA/FYI for early filers. The IRS will start processing returns on Jan. 26, but returns filed before then will be held until that day.
If your adjusted gross income is $89,000 or less, check out the tax software available at Free File. As the name indicates, the tax preparation and e-filing options at the IRS.gov site, offered this year by eight tax software companies, do not cost eligible taxpayers a cent.
Getting professional help: If, however, you’re the least bit apprehensive about your taxes, get professional help.
Yes, I know most tax preparers already are swamped. They are in higher demand this year since several individual tax provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed last Independence Day, retroactively apply to our 2025 taxes.
These include tax breaks for tip and overtime income, as well as a Senior Bonus tax deduction for filers age 65 or older. There’s also a new potential write-off for interest on a loan used to buy a new vehicle. A good tax pro can help ensure you qualify for and correctly claim these, and other, tax breaks.
Start by determining which type of tax professional is best for your personal circumstances. Then when you’ve narrowed your selection, thoroughly check out your potential tax preparer.
My post on how the tax law changes highlight the importance of professional tax help examines the types of tax pros available, and has tips on how to make sure you find a reputable one.
I know the process can be time consuming, but you want to make sure you get the best tax help possible. A little delay in getting your taxes done correctly, and receipt of your tax refund, is worth the price. Heck, the tax pro might be able to get you even more tax money back from Uncle Sam.
So, take all the time you need to do your taxes right. For many of us, that also means time spent hiring a tax professional.
As Tillman’s worth-repeating PSA points out, “Please, do not do your own taxes unless you know what you’re doing.”
