The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the federal agency responsible for administering and enforcing tax laws in the United States. Operating under the Department of the Treasury, the IRS plays a vital role in collecting taxes, processing tax returns, issuing refunds, and ensuring compliance with tax obligations. Understanding how the IRS functions is essential for […]
1099s Explained: The Basics
Receiving a 1099 is becoming more and more common with the rise in small businesses, side hustles, and the desire for a second stream of income. With the additional income comes a different tax filing process. If you receive a 1099, it’s because you earned a certain amount of income from a non-employer. Like most […]
What To Do If You Receive IRS Notice CP45
Receiving a notice from the IRS can be unsettling, especially if you were expecting a tax refund and instead learn it has been applied to a debt. IRS Notice CP45 informs you that your tax refund has been used to pay a past-due debt owed by your spouse. This can happen if you filed a […]
Ask Phil: What’s on Phil’s 2025 Tax Radar?
Today, Optima Tax Relief Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, sheds light on the top things on his 2025 tax radar. Here’s what to watch out for this tax filing season. Form 1099-K Taxpayers should keep an eye out for Form 1099-K this year, especially if they received payments through third-party platforms like Venmo, PayPal, or Stripe. […]
What are Unrealized Gains?
When you invest in assets such as stocks, real estate, or cryptocurrencies, you may notice the value of your investments fluctuate over time. If your assets increase in value but you have not sold them, you are experiencing what is known as unrealized gains. Understanding unrealized gains is essential for making informed investment decisions, planning […]