Today, Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, shares what a federal tax lien is and what steps you can take if the IRS has already filed one against your home. Option One: Pay Your Balance in Full The fastest way to remove a lien is to pay your tax debt […]
Article from July 2025
What You Need to Know About State Tax Audits
We often discuss IRS tax audits, but you can just as easily be audited by your state. Like an IRS audit, state tax audits can be stressful and intimidating for taxpayers. But what triggers a state tax audit? Is it less severe than an IRS audit? Would a state tax audit result in an automatic […]
Saving for College: 529 Plan Tax Benefits
Saving for education can be overwhelming. However, it can be a little easier with the help of a dedicated education savings account. By starting earlier and saving more efficiently, you can boost your ability to pay for educational costs, whether that’s for your children, a family member, or even yourself. One of the most popular […]
Estate Tax Considerations for Widows: Do You Owe Taxes on Your Spouse’s Estate?
Losing a spouse is one of life’s most difficult experiences. Alongside the emotional toll, many surviving spouses also face the stress of handling estate and tax matters. One of the most common questions widows ask is: “Will I owe taxes on my spouse’s estate?” This article will walk you through key estate tax considerations for […]
What is the Qualified Business Income Deduction?
In recent years, the tax landscape for businesses has undergone significant changes. One notable provision is the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, first enacted under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. This deduction provides a valuable tax break for eligible business owners and was originally set to expire in 2025. However, the […]