Nothing feels more like adulting than doing your taxes.
Tax Day is fast approaching on April 15, and young people today have more resources than ever to help them file quickly and cheaply, from artificial intelligence to social media to good, old-fashioned answers from mom and dad.
But the expanse of resources for young people can be not only overwhelming but also misleading, according to Lisa Greene-Lewis, CPA and expert at TurboTax.
“I have seen it out there, there is a lot of misinformation,” Greene-Lewis says.
And taking charge of your taxes can be an important first step in financial well-being for many young people, who are currently making ends meet in a landscape of slow hiring and high costs. Many have turned to creator jobs or found themselves balancing multiple gigs at once.
Here are the tips to look out for and how to make the most of tax season for young people.
Many young people have started producing content online to make money, especially as hiring for traditional 9-to-5 positions slows with few positions available. But it takes investment to be a creator, too. And when they buy the necessary supplies to make videos or photos for digital audiences, it can be confusing what is deductible for self-employed influencers, videographers, photographers and other creatives, Greene-Lewis says.
One of the most confusing online claims is that personal items, such as clothes, used for creator profiles can be itemized on taxes, Greene-Lewis says. But this isn’t the case in reality.
It’s sadly not the jeans you buy for your brand you can deduct, she says. Camera equipment, production tools and home offices are deductible, though, she says, so don’t skip these. Keep diligent records of what you buy for work if you are self-employed and that effort could save you money down the road, she says.
It may be tempting to ask ChatGPT for free, fast tax help and advice. But be cautious about giving your taxpayer information to AI: Social Security numbers, addresses, birth dates and other private information are not protected in open chats, Greene-Lewis said.
“Its okay to get general information, but definitely not tax advice or doing your taxes,” she says.
Instead, ask a trusted friend or family member, a tax filing service, or use the IRS free filing service, which is available to Americans with an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less.
Many students and young workers believe they shouldn’t file taxes because they are in school and don’t make a salary. But Greene-Lewis says do it anyway. Students can get payment through the American Opportunity Tax Credit, a credit for qualified education expenses paid for an eligible student for the first four years of higher education.
“If they’re not filing they’re leaving money on the table,” she says. In short: Always read your W-2, even if you don’t think you owe taxes, and maybe you can get money back taken by your employer.
The rules of taxes just changed, adding further confusion, Greene-Lewis says.
Many young people don’t understand how they could save under the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” Greene-Lewis says. A January 2026 TurboTax survey found that 41% of Americans felt completely clueless about how the new law impacts their 2025 tax returns.
But the bill actually offers a few ways to save money if young people are aware they exist. A first is a new deduction for up to $25,000 tips, which could serve young people currently working in service or gig jobs such as rideshare driving or cosmetic services. Another benefit is up to $12,500 in overtime ($25,000 for married couples), as long hours in multiple jobs impacts many young people’s wallets. And it offers an expanded Child Tax Credit for parents with children under 17.
“They might not realize how easy it is,” Greene-Lewis says.
If you’re a single person filing without any dependents, it may seem like your return would be pretty cut-and-dry. But as a final step, take a moment to read through your entire IRS return, according Greene-Lewis. You may catch a last-minute mistake or find that you unexpectedly owe money.
“Take a look at your return to make sure you’re getting the refund your eligible for,” she says. “You want to look at it for things to track for the next year, as well … Use it as a guide.”
And keep your returns in a safe place, she says. You may find useful insights from last year’s return when tax season inevitably returns.
“Keep up to seven years of tax documents,” she says. “It’s a good practice as you get older.”
Young people use cryptocurrency more than any other generation. But don’t fall for claims that crypto is immune to taxes. It’s important for young people to remember that if they invested in cryptocurrency in 2025, they need to report that, Greene-Lewis says.
“It’s just like a stock, if you sell it, you’re taxed on the gains,” she says. “They don’t realize it can be taxed.”
Young people are sometimes also paid in crypto, she said. If that’s you, it’s going to show on a 1099 form just like any other income. And if it comes time to sell, you’ll be taxed on the gains.
Also remember that refunds should be used intentionally, Greene-Lewis says. A February 2026 study conducted by Qualtrics on behalf of Intuit TurboTax of 1,000+ U.S. adults ages 18 and older found the majority of Americans (69%) say they expect to receive a tax refund this year, and most of those respondents (70%) say they use their refund to cover basic living expenses, like paying rent and paying bills.
“It doesn’t have to all be for savings, (but) I wouldn’t blow it all,” she says. “I would pay off debt and then start an emergency fund and invest in your retirement.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Don’t fall for these tax scams and myths targeting young people
