Today, Optima Tax Relief’s Lead Tax Attorney, Phil Hwang, discusses maximizing tax deductions. Everyone wants a big refund. So, how do we know we’re maximizing our deductions to accomplish this? It depends on whether you choose to take the standard deduction or itemize your deductions. Most taxpayers find it more financially rewarding to take the […]
Ask Phil Video Series
Ask Phil: Private Collection Agencies
Today, Optima Tax Relief’s Lead Tax Attorney, Phil Hwang, discusses private collection agencies, otherwise known as PCAs. Unbeknownst to some taxpayers, the IRS doesn’t always collect taxes on their own. Sometimes they hire private collection agencies (PCAs). The IRS contracts these agencies to collect overdue tax debt from individuals and businesses. That said, if a […]
Ask Phil: Tax Forms
Today, Optima Tax Relief’s Lead Tax Attorney, Phil Hwang, discusses the most common tax forms every taxpayer should know about. Tax Form 1040 or 1040-X The well-known U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, Form 1040 is what you will use to report both your income and deductions to determine your tax liability every tax year. Form […]
Ask Phil: IRS Audits
Today, Optima Tax Relief’s Lead Tax Attorney, Phil Hwang, discusses his 5 top tips for how to avoid an IRS audit. File Your Taxes: Some taxpayers don’t file because they think they don’t have to. The minimum requirement to file a tax return depends on your filing status and income, but generally most U.S. citizens […]
Ask Phil: IRS Notices
Today, Optima Tax Relief’s Lead Tax Attorney, Phil Hwang, discusses IRS notices, including when you can expect a notice to turn into enforcement and how to respond to a notice. When does the IRS Levy? Receiving an IRS notice can be very intimidating, especially when you are being notified of a tax balance due. But […]
Ask Phil: Tax Scams
Today, Optima Tax Relief’s Lead Tax Attorney, Phil Hwang, discusses tax scams, including how to spot them and how to avoid being conned. Tax fraud and scams are growing in popularity and have even recently taken on newer forms. Taxpayers are often conned over text, phone, email, and even regular postal mail. Some taxpayers have […]