The ROAR Podcast Series

Tech & Taxes: Do you trust AI with your taxes?


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Techishly Jenn host Jennifer Jolly on AI and Taxes – all photos Techishly Jenn

The IRS is using it. So are many filers. Here’s what you need to know. “I am more concerned about the IRS having really bad AI than I am about our tax software having decent AI. The IRS and AI—what could possibly go wrong?” That’s the question driving this episode of Techishly Jenn. Tax season is here, and for the first time, AI isn’t just a feature—it’s actively processing your return and the IRS system reviewing it. Algorithm vs. algorithm. And your biggest check of the year is sitting right in the middle. Host Jennifer Jolly talks with Intuit executive Mark Notarainni about how TurboTax and Credit Karma are using AI with guardrails, human review, and serious security protections. But she doesn’t stop there. She tracks down real users—like 26-year-old startup founder Musa Hakim Jr., who says AI made filing “easier, faster, clearer”—and skeptics like performer Barbara Kamara, who caught ChatGPT giving flat-out wrong tax advice. From cost basis errors that cost people thousands, to the IRS using machine learning to flag side hustles and crypto, this episode breaks down what’s hype, what’s helpful, and what could bite you if you’re not paying attention.

https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7983902/7983902_2026-02-19-004902.64kmono.mp3

What You’ll Learn

  • How the IRS uses AI to flag higher-risk returns (and what triggers it)
  • Why random chatbots are dangerous for tax advice—and what makes tax-specific AI different
  • What “AI + human review” actually means inside TurboTax and Credit Karma
  • How AI caught $12,000 in missing deductions for one type of filer alone
  • Why transparency matters more than speed when your refund is on the line
  • The real difference between automation and guardrails
  • Connect with Jenn 
    • Listen on WGN, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify
    • Newsletter: Techish by Jennifer Jolly
    • YouTube: @TechishbyJenniferJolly
    • TikTok: @JenniferJollyTechish
    • Instagram: @JennJolly
    • Twitter/X: @JenniferJolly
    • LinkedIn: Jennifer Jolly
    • Episode Resources

      • TurboTax
      • Credit Karma
      • Consumer Reports insights on AI transparency
      • Techish | Jennifer Jolly | Substack
      • Tell Us What You Think…Would you trust AI to do your taxes? Have you already filed this year? Did it help — or just make things more confusing? Drop your thoughts below. Support the Show…If you like what you hear, please rate and review Techishly Jenn — it helps more people find the show. Questions or comments? Email [email protected].

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