When completing their tax return, some taxpayers are now changing their reflexes: instead of consulting tax notices, they are consulting artificial intelligence. An attractive solution faced with the complexity of certain rules, often considered difficult to understand.
On paper, AI (ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, etc.) has it all: it responds instantly, simplifies procedures and offers concrete examples. But in tax matters, this help can also become risky if used without recoil. Decryption with Michaël Cecchetto, accountant.
Is artificial intelligence really useful for completing your tax return?
In many cases, AI can actually make life easier for taxpayers. This is particularly the case for deciphering certain technical concepts. “AI can be useful for popularizing tax rules and guide the taxpayer, especially when he is lost in the face of certain technical concepts”explains Michaël Cecchetto, accountant. For example, it can help to understand an obscure box such as that linked to home employment, explain how tax brackets work or even remind you of the main tax credits available. “A parent may thus discover that he or she can declare childcare costsor an employee quickly checks if he exceeds a tax threshold » specifies the expert.
Other frequent use: preparation in advance. A self-employed worker can ask what expenses are generally deductible (equipment, travel, subscriptions) and obtain an initial reading grid before completing their official declaration. In these situations, AI acts as a educational tool and an obvious time saver.
What are the risks of error with AI for tax returns?
But this efficiency has its limits. As soon as the personal situation goes beyond the standard framework, the answers can become approximate, or even erroneous. “He’s not an accountant. The AI does not know your situation in detail, and it may give incomplete answers »warns Michaël Cecchetto, who cites an example: “A cohabiting couple asks if they can make a joint declaration. An AI may respond by mistake that it is possiblewhile the law requires a separate declaration. Same problem for specific devices like the furnished rental (LMNP), where a misunderstanding of the tax system can lead to significant errors. »
Yet another pitfall: advice that is too generic. Here too Michaël Cecchetto gives a concrete case: “To the question “how to pay less taxes”, AI can suggest schemes such as rental investment or tax-exempt donations, without checking whether the taxpayer is actually eligible. » Finally, some information may be outdated. Tax scales and rules change every year, and an unupdated answer can be misleading.
How to use AI without risk for your tax return?
Should we therefore abandon the idea of using AI? Not necessarily. Used well, it can remain a good point of support.
It is particularly effective for:
- understand the tax rules
- prepare your declaration
- check simple calculations
But she should never be used as a sole source. “AI can serve as a starting point, but it does not replace human verification, especially for complex situations »concludes Michaël Cecchetto.
