How a Pint and Some Bad Tax Advice Could Cost You Thousands 💸 (What to Do Instead)
Think your mate’s tax tips over a pint are solid advice? Think again. This blog reveals why casual tax chat can lead to costly mistakes — and why speaking to a trusted financial professional is the smarter move.
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The Tax Faculty
6/13/20252 min read
Why Your Mate's Tax Advice from the Pub Might Cost You – And What to Do Instead"
We’ve all been there.
You’re at the pub, catching up with a mate, when the topic suddenly turns to… tax.
"You don’t need to declare that — HMRC never checks."
"Claim it all as ‘expenses’, mate. That’s what I do."
"Don’t bother with an accountant — it’s all online now anyway!"
😬 Sound familiar?
Here’s the deal: your friend probably means well — but they’re not a tax professional. And while their “tips” might sound tempting (especially after a drink or two), they could actually cost you far more than the price of a round.
1. Your Situation Is Unique — Google (and Gary from the pub) Doesn’t Know That
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to tax. Whether it’s your personal tax allowance, business expenses, or whether you even need to file a tax return, the answer depends on your circumstances.
Your friend might be:
In a different income bracket
Working in a totally different industry
Misunderstanding what’s legal vs. “what they can get away with”
Spoiler alert: HMRC doesn’t accept “my mate told me” as a valid excuse.
2. Bad Advice = Big Consequences
Taking dodgy tax advice can lead to:
Fines for underpayment
Investigations that cost time and money
Stress you really don’t need
And remember — HMRC can go back up to 20 years if they suspect deliberate avoidance. That’s a long time to have a “that one pub chat” hanging over you.

3) Speak to someone who understands tax and understands you.
A qualified accountant can:
Help you claim what you’re actually entitled to
Make sure you’re compliant and audit-proof
Save you time, money, and sleepless nights
And if you're based in Durham, even better — we know the local landscape, regional grants, and common pitfalls specific to businesses and individuals right here.
The Bottom Line? Save the Pints for the Chat — and Leave the Tax to Us
Pubs are great for laughs, stories, and maybe even business ideas. But when it comes to tax advice, the safest — and smartest — move is to work with someone who knows their PAYE from their P11D.
Your mate means well, but probably isn’t an accountant
Bad tax advice can cost you dearly
Your finances deserve personalised, professional support
We’re here to help — whether it’s April 5th or just a random Tuesday
Schedule a free consultation with The Tax Faculty today to see how our local team can offer you and your business a bespoke professional financial service that meets your needs.
The Tax Faculty LLP - info@thetaxfaculty.co.uk
Call us on 0800 0016 878 for a free consultation
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