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Articles by Elyssa Carlos

Why Did I Get a Refund from the IRS but Owe My State? 

It’s a situation many taxpayers find themselves in every year: they receive a refund from the IRS after filing their federal tax return, only to discover that they owe money to their state. This outcome can be both confusing and frustrating. After all, if you overpaid your taxes to the federal government, how is it […]

Can the IRS Levy a Joint Bank Account?

When it comes to IRS collection efforts, few actions feel more intrusive than a bank account levy. If you share a bank account with a spouse who owes tax debt, it’s only natural to worry: Can the IRS levy a joint bank account? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no. While […]

Ask Phil: Missed Your Tax Deadline? 

Today, Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, shares what to do if you missed the tax deadline and how to avoid making things worse.  Step One: Pay What You Can  If you missed the deadline but have the funds available, the best thing you can do is pay your tax […]

IRS Direct File: Recent News

Tax season can be a daunting time for many Americans. The IRS hopes to ease taxpayer stress with its new free tax filing pilot program, Direct File. This initiative aims to simplify the tax-filing process and make it more accessible for all taxpayers. In this article, we will explore the key features of the program […]