IRS Phishing Emails: Real Examples and Warning Signs IRS phishing emails remain one of the most widespread threats to taxpayers, and they continue to grow more sophisticated each year. As more tax services move online, scammers have found new ways to impersonate the Internal Revenue Service and trick people into sharing personal data or sending […]
Optima Tax Relief’s Philip Hwang Headlines Tax Notes Podcast Ahead of 2026 Filing Season
Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Philip Hwang, recently appeared on the Tax Notes podcast to discuss what taxpayers can expect during the 2026 tax filing season. As the newest national chair of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP), Phil shared how the panel brings real-world taxpayer feedback to the IRS to help improve […]
2026 Tax Season Trends Part 2: What to Expect for Owed Taxes and Offer in Compromise – Optima Tax Relief
Wondering what the 2026 tax season will look like? CEO David King and Chief Tax Officer & Lead Tax Attorney Philip Hwang share their insights, diving into trends around taxpayers who owe, total balances owed, and the future of Offer in Compromise filings and approvals. If You Need Tax Help, Contact Us Today for a […]
What Is IRS Automated Collection System (ACS)?
When taxpayers fall behind on federal taxes, the IRS doesn’t immediately assign an agent to seize assets or make in-person visits. Instead, most delinquent accounts are first routed through a centralized enforcement program known as the IRS Automated Collection System, commonly referred to as ACS. This system is the backbone of IRS civil tax collection and is responsible for managing millions of […]
Are Incarcerated Individuals Required to File Taxes?
Many people believe that incarceration automatically removes a person’s obligation to file taxes. This assumption is understandable, but it is incorrect. The IRS does not exempt individuals from federal tax responsibilities simply because they are incarcerated. Instead, tax filing requirements depend on income, filing status, and the specific tax year in question, just as they […]