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Articles by Deanna Aldayyat

2026 Tax Season Predictions and Key Trends – Optima Tax Relief

Tax season is almost here! Do you know what to expect this year? CEO David King and Chief Tax Officer & Lead Tax Attorney Philip Hwang cover the trends shaping the year ahead, including total filings, refunds, non-filer taxes, and IRS collections, helping taxpayers stay informed and prepared. If You Need Tax Help, Contact Us […]

Can I File Taxes If My Parents Claim Me?

Many taxpayers believe that being claimed as a dependent automatically prevents them from filing a tax return. This misunderstanding is especially common among college students, young adults living at home, and first-time filers whose parents still provide financial support. In reality, dependency status does not eliminate your ability or your obligation to file taxes.  This article answers the question […]

Can the IRS Suspend Your Licenses? 

Key Takeaways The IRS cannot suspend driver’s licenses, professional licenses, or business licenses. These actions are controlled exclusively by state agencies under state law. The IRS’s only direct license-related enforcement power is passport certification, which applies when a taxpayer has a “seriously delinquent tax debt.” For 2026, the IRS passport certification threshold is approximately $66,000, […]

Should You Pay Off Credit Card Debt or Back Taxes First? 

When financial pressure builds, most people instinctively focus on the debts that feel the most urgent. Credit card balances often trigger that reaction because of their high interest rates and visible impact on credit scores. Back taxes, on the other hand, can feel abstract especially if the IRS has not yet taken action. This difference in perception leads many taxpayers to […]

Student Loan Interest Deduction: How Much Can You Really Claim? 

Key Takeaways   The student loan interest deduction is often described as a simple tax break that lets borrowers deduct up to $2,500 per year. In practice, it is anything but simple. Income limits, eligibility rules, and loan requirements mean that many taxpayers who believe they qualify ultimately receive little or no benefit at all.  This article explains how the […]