Millions Owe You Money? Graham Platner’s Secret IRS Loophole Could Slash Your Tax Bill—But Act Fast
It’s the tax hack your accountant doesn’t want you to know about. Financial strategist Graham Platner has uncovered a little-known IRS policy that lets everyday taxpayers write off “bad debt” from unpaid loans, broken contracts, or even that deadbeat roommate who never paid rent. While the IRS originally designed this for businesses, Platner’s interpretation suggests you can claim losses on personal money lent to friends or family—as long as you have a paper trail. The catch? You have to file an obscure Form 8949 before the April deadline, or the government keeps your refund. Consumer advocates warn: this isn’t a free-for-all. “If you don’t have a signed promissory note or text messages proving you demanded payment, the IRS will audit you into next year,” says one watchdog. Still, with the average American household owed over $3,000 in unpaid personal debts, Plutner’s loophole could mean a bigger refund check for millions—but only if you act before the clock runs out.