The IRS has announced its interest rates for the final quarter of 2025, with no changes from the previous quarter. These rates, effective from October 1 through December 31, 2025, play an essential role in how both individuals and businesses manage their tax responsibilities. Staying current on IRS interest rate trends can help taxpayers make […]
Tax Guide for Self-Employed Personal Trainers
Key Takeaways Working as a personal trainer can be extremely rewarding. But there’s one part of the job that rarely gets talked about: taxes. Whether you train clients at a gym, contract with a fitness studio, or build an online coaching business, you’ll quickly realize that taxes for personal trainers can get complicated. This guide […]
IRS Installment Agreement vs. Currently Not Collectible: Which Option Is Right for You?
When you owe the IRS and don’t have the funds to pay in full, the stress can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, the IRS offers tax relief programs designed to help taxpayers manage their debt without immediate financial ruin. The two most common options are the IRS Installment Agreement and Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status. While both […]
New IRS Scam Alert: Phony Notices with Dangerous Flash Drives | Optima Tax Relief
A new IRS scam is targeting taxpayers who owe. As the IRS moves away from paper checks, scammers are mailing notices with flash drives to trick you into giving up your sensitive information. CEO David King and Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney Philip Hwang share practical tips on how to verify your notices […]
What is Form 1099-DA?
The tax landscape for digital assets is rapidly changing, and at the center of that change is a brand-new reporting form: Form 1099-DA. If you’ve traded cryptocurrencies, purchased an NFT, or even experimented with stablecoins, you’ll soon be hearing a lot about this form. Investors and brokers alike need to understand what it is, why […]
Am I Responsible for My Spouse’s Back Taxes?
When you marry, you often share many aspects of your life with your spouse: your home, your finances, and perhaps even your dreams. However, what happens when it comes to tax liabilities? Specifically, are you responsible for your spouse’s back taxes? This question can cause significant stress and confusion. To navigate this issue, it is […]
How to Read Your IRS Transcript and Understand Account Codes
If you’ve ever ordered an IRS transcript, you know they can look overwhelming at first glance. Rows of numbers, dates, and abbreviations may leave you wondering what any of it actually means. The good news is that once you understand IRS transcript codes, these records become a powerful tool for tracking your return, refunds, and […]
The Most (and Least) Tax-Friendly States for Retirees
Choosing where to live in retirement can stretch or shrink a nest egg by six figures over time. The most tax-friendly states for retirees aren’t just the ones with no income tax. They’re also the places where Social Security, pensions, IRA/401(k) withdrawals, property, sales, and even estate rules align with your specific income mix and […]
Can the IRS Take My Social Security?
Social Security benefits provide a crucial lifeline to millions of Americans, especially retirees and disabled individuals. Owing back taxes does not prevent you from applying for or receiving these benefits. However, once payments begin, the IRS has the legal authority to seize up to 15% of your monthly Social Security retirement. They can also levy […]
Tax Pros and Cons of Hiring Family in Your Business
Hiring family in your business can feel like a natural choice. Many entrepreneurs start small and lean on spouses, children, or parents to help keep things running. For some, it’s about trust and loyalty, knowing you can count on a family member to care about the business as much as you do. For others, it’s […]