Articles by Elyssa Carlos

AGI vs. MAGI

Most taxpayers are used to seeing the term adjusted gross income, or AGI, when filing their tax returns. This is mostly due to the fact that your AGI dictates which tax credits and deductions you qualify for. While the term modified adjusted gross income, or MAGI, is not heard as often, it too plays a […]

Ask Phil: IRS Notices

Today, Optima Tax Relief’s Lead Tax Attorney, Phil Hwang, discusses IRS notices, including when you can expect a notice to turn into enforcement and how to respond to a notice.  When does the IRS Levy? Receiving an IRS notice can be very intimidating, especially when you are being notified of a tax balance due. But […]

1099s Explained: FAQs

Form 1099 is more common than ever with many taxpayers turning to side hustles for extra income. Now that we have a good understanding of what types of 1099s there are and what they are used for, we can review some of the most frequently asked questions about them. Here are some of the most […]

1099s Explained: Types

Now that we know the basics of IRS Form 1099, we can take a closer look at the different types of 1099s you can receive. Remember, if you received any income outside your employer, you might receive a 1099. While most types of Form 1099 are not commonly received, there are a handful that you […]

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 and like […]