Articles by Elyssa Carlos

Do I Have to Report Tips on My Tax Return?

Tips, gratuities, or service charges – these additional payments to service workers are a common part of our daily lives. Whether you’re leaving a tip for your waiter, bartender, taxi driver, or hairdresser, it’s essential to know how these earnings should be handled from a tax perspective. The short answer is yes, you generally do […]

Ask Phil: Tax Extension Deadline

Today, Optima Tax Relief’s Lead Tax Attorney, Phil Hwang, discusses the October tax extension deadline.   The tax extension deadline this year is October 16, 2023. Remember, an extension to file your taxes is not an extension to pay your taxes. But what if you’re still unable to pay your tax bill? One option is to […]

Do I Need Health Insurance to File Taxes?

Filing taxes can be a complex and daunting task, with various rules and regulations to consider. One common question that often arises is whether you need health insurance to file taxes. The answer to this question is intricately tied to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its provisions. In this article, we’ll explore the relationship […]

Tax Tips for Social Media Influencers

Social media influencers have become a prominent and lucrative part of the digital landscape. With millions of followers and lucrative brand partnerships, many influencers are turning their passion for content creation into a full-time career. However, with great success comes greater financial responsibility, including managing taxes. In this article, we’ll provide valuable tax tips for […]

What is the Presidential Election Campaign Fund?

Every year when you file your taxes, you are asked a question about whether you want to donate $3 to the Presidential Election Campaign. The Presidential Election Campaign Fund (PECF) is a system of public funding for presidential campaigns in the United States. It was established as a result of the Federal Election Campaign Act […]