Articles by Optima Financial Group

Tax Tips to Lower Taxes on Lotto Winnings

Who wins after every lotto draw? The taxman does, of course! Optima Tax Relief wants to help you save by providing tips for lowering taxes on your lotto winnings. How Much Are Lotto Winnings Taxed? Not only is the lottery a tax on people who are bad at math –US lotteries generally only pay out […]

Tax Deductions for Professional Gamblers

What could be better than winning $8.3 million at the World Series of Poker next week? Not paying taxes on all $8.3 million. Since a federal court ruling two years ago, there are tax deductions for professional gamblers similar to those for self-employed contractors and small businesses. Expenses like travel, meals, and lodging can be cut from […]

IRS Form 1040-ES & Estimated Tax for Individuals

You’re self-employed, which means that you no longer have to punch a clock or make that daily commute to spend the day in a cubicle. However, along with the freedom to set your own schedule comes the responsibility to make sure Uncle Sam gets his cut – and receives what you owe in a timely […]

7 Most Outrageous Tax Deductions

Think only celebrities and big corporations get away with outrageous tax deductions? We’ve put together a few reasonable ones you can take advantage of next year, and a few of the more outrageous tax deductions for fun. 1. Put your pup to work! Employing man’s best friend to protect your company grounds can offer some leeway with […]

Are Game Show Prizes Taxed?

Before you envy those game show contestants who win big, you need to hear the rest of the story. Some winners scoop up prizes worth tens of thousands of dollars, and maybe even a car. But often they don’t realize that those items are taxable. Depending on the details, they may not be able to […]