Articles by Elyssa Carlos

Zelle and Taxes: Will I Receive a 1099-K?

We’ve been warned about the new 1099-K reporting thresholds for over a year now. However, there is one payment app that is not included in these new policy changes: Zelle. In this article, we’ll give an overview of Zelle, including its features, why it is not required to abide by the new thresholds, and if […]

What is the SALT Deduction?

If you’ve never heard of the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction, you’re not alone. But if you have, you may know that it is a topic that often raises eyebrows and sparks debates. For many taxpayers, the SALT deduction plays a significant role in their financial planning and overall tax liability. This is especially true […]

Ask Phil: Private Collection Agencies

Today, Optima Tax Relief’s Lead Tax Attorney, Phil Hwang, discusses private collection agencies, otherwise known as PCAs.   Unbeknownst to some taxpayers, the IRS doesn’t always collect taxes on their own. Sometimes they hire private collection agencies (PCAs). The IRS contracts these agencies to collect overdue tax debt from individuals and businesses.   That said, if a […]

2023 State Income Tax Rates and Brackets

We often discuss federal taxes here, from tax filings to deductions and credits. However, it’s important to note that federal taxes are typically only one half of a taxpayer’s responsibility. In addition to filing and paying federal taxes each year, taxpayers must also stay on top of their state tax responsibilities if they have any. […]

Tax Tips for Seniors and Retirees

As the golden years approach, seniors and retirees face a new set of financial challenges, with tax planning becoming increasingly important. Understanding the tax implications of retirement income sources, investments, and deductions can significantly impact a retiree’s financial well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore some valuable tax tips specifically designed for seniors and retirees, […]