Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, answers a common question: “Is filing taxes voluntary—do I really have to file?” The answer is yes… but also no. While the U.S. tax system is technically considered voluntary, there’s an important catch that taxpayers need to understand. What “Voluntary” Really Means The system is called voluntary […]
Ask Phil: What the IRS 10-Year Collection Rule Really Means
Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, answers a common concern: “I got a letter from the IRS saying I owe taxes from more than 10 years ago. Can they still collect?” The answer is yes—and it all comes down to something called the Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED). What Is the CSED? […]
Ask Phil: Can I Make a Payment Before Filing an Amended Return?
Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, answers another question from Reddit: “Can I make an estimated tax payment before filing a 1040-X?” A Form 1040-X is used to amend a previously filed tax return, and in this case, the taxpayer is looking to correct multiple years—possibly due to missing income. Understanding […]
Ask Phil: Reddit Question: Why Do I Owe $23K for 2019-2020 Taxes?
Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, answers another tax question from Reddit: “I just received an IRS letter saying I owe $23,000 for 2019 and 2020 taxes I never filed. Has anyone successfully negotiated this down?” How You Can Owe Taxes Without Filing The IRS may have filed the returns […]
Ask Phil: Should I Wait 60 days to file my taxes?
Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, answers another question from Reddit about getting back into tax compliance. In this case, the taxpayer hasn’t filed taxes in 10 years and was told by an enrolled agent that they likely only need to file the last six years to become current with the IRS. However, they’re wondering if […]
Ask Phil: Phil’s 2026 Tax Season Predictions — Refunds, IRS Service, and the Tips Deduction
Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, shares his predictions and insights for the upcoming 2026 tax season. From refunds to IRS service levels, here’s what taxpayers can expect. Hot Take #1: Tax Refunds Will refunds go up or down this year? While some expect increases, Phil’s take is that refunds will likely stay about […]