When a spouse passes away, it can feel like your world has been turned upside down. Beyond the emotional weight of grief, there are also significant financial considerations to manage. Among the most critical are Social Security survivor benefits. For many widows, these benefits offer essential income support. However, understanding how they are taxed can […]
Article from June 2025
Why Did I Get a Refund from the IRS but Owe My State?
It’s a situation many taxpayers find themselves in every year: they receive a refund from the IRS after filing their federal tax return, only to discover that they owe money to their state. This outcome can be both confusing and frustrating. After all, if you overpaid your taxes to the federal government, how is it […]
Can the IRS Levy a Joint Bank Account?
When it comes to IRS collection efforts, few actions feel more intrusive than a bank account levy. If you share a bank account with a spouse who owes tax debt, it’s only natural to worry: Can the IRS levy a joint bank account? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no. While […]
Ask Phil: Missed Your Tax Deadline?
Today, Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, shares what to do if you missed the tax deadline and how to avoid making things worse. Step One: Pay What You Can If you missed the deadline but have the funds available, the best thing you can do is pay your tax […]
Optima’s “Tax Show for People Who Owe” Builds Momentum as Go-to Resource for Taxpayers Facing IRS Debt
Now in its fourth year, the bi-weekly YouTube series offers honest, engaging insights into IRS processes, tax debt solutions, and what struggling taxpayers need to know The Tax Show for People Who Owe, a popular video series produced by Optima Tax Relief, the nation’s leading tax firm, continues to gain traction among taxpayers looking for clarity, […]