Articles by Elyssa Carlos

How Does Self-Employment Tax Work? 

If you’re self-employed, you likely know that managing your taxes can feel more complicated than simply having an employer deduct them from your paycheck. One of the most critical aspects of your tax responsibility is self-employment tax, which covers Social Security and Medicare contributions. In this guide, we’ll break down what self-employment tax is, how […]

How to Stop an IRS Levy 

An IRS levy is one of the most severe collection actions the IRS can take against a taxpayer who owes back taxes. Unlike a lien, which is a legal claim against your property, a levy actually allows the IRS to seize your assets to satisfy your tax debt. These can include wages, bank accounts, and […]

Will Hiring Optima Tax Relief Affect Your Credit Score?

Today, Optima Tax Relief Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, answers a burning question: “Will hiring Optima Tax Relief affect your credit score?”  The short answer is no. Hiring Optima Tax Relief does not directly affect your credit score. However, there are a few ways the process could impact your credit indirectly.   If you don’t pay your […]

The IRS Filed a Substitute for Return. Now What? 

One of the most significant obligations U.S. taxpayers have is to file an annual federal tax return. However, life gets busy, and sometimes individuals either forget or deliberately neglect to file. When this happens, the IRS doesn’t simply forget about it. Instead, they may take matters into their own hands by filing a “Substitute for […]

How to Earn Money as an IRS Whistleblower 

The IRS Whistleblower Program is an initiative that rewards individuals who report tax noncompliance to the IRS, potentially leading to significant monetary awards. If you are aware of tax evasion or fraud, you may be eligible to earn a percentage of the proceeds recovered from the offender. This guide will explore how you can earn […]