Cross-check a preparer's draft tax return with two AI chatbots before you sign
Before filing, run your preparer's draft and your tax documents past two chatbots, then take any shared findings to your preparer as questions.
1. Copy this prompt
Paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Grok (the free versions work), then replace the [highlighted brackets] with your details. Leave out account numbers and SSNs.
Review my draft tax return against my tax documents (personal details removed). Draft return: [ATTACH]. Documents: [ATTACH W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, ETC.]. Changes this year: [MOVE, NEW JOB, CHILD, HOME PURCHASE, SALE OF ASSETS]. 1) Match every figure on the return to a source document and list any that don't match (form, line, what the return says, what the document says). 2) Flag possible missed deductions or credits, with the rule behind each. 3) Estimate the money impact of each and label it as an estimate. 4) Write the issues as polite questions for my preparer. Tell me which items you're least sure about.
2. Follow these steps
(stored only in your browser; uncheck to erase)
What to expect, and what to do if they say no
What happened when people tried it
Reported She says both found the same two errors, which once corrected would save them $2,686. The errors weren't described.
What the AI did: Before filing, a LinkedIn poster ran her CPA-prepared draft returns and all of the couple's 2025 tax documents through both ChatGPT and Claude.
Source: LinkedIn post by Katharine (Katie) Kormanik · 2026-04-05 · Self-reported; not independently verified
Why this works
The problem: Even professionally prepared returns can contain data-entry errors or missed items, and most people sign without reviewing them.
How AI helps: AI can match each figure on the draft to your source documents, flag mismatches and possible missed deductions, and turn them into questions for your preparer.
Tools & what they cost
| Tool | Cost |
|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Free option available (Paid upgrades exist, but the free version works for this) Free tier; paid plans available |
| Claude | Free option available (Paid upgrades exist, but the free version works for this) Free tier; paid plans available |
What do these labels mean?
- Free No cost at all.
- Free option available Paid upgrades exist, but the free version works for this.
- Costs money You pay a set price or subscription.
- Takes a cut of savings Charges a percentage of what it saves you.
- Time · Difficulty Our estimates for a typical first try, not guarantees.
- Reported What the linked source says happened, often self-reported. Your results will vary.
Watch out for
- Treat AI findings as questions for a professional; chatbots can be wrong about tax rules.
- Don't upload unredacted documents with Social Security numbers.
- The reported saving is what the poster expects once errors are corrected, not a confirmed refund.
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Sources
Last verified 2026-10-19. Not financial, legal, tax or medical advice. Disclaimer.