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 […]
Ask Phil: Are Student Loan Collections Back?
Today, Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, discusses what’s happening with student loan collections and what it means if you’ve defaulted on yours. Yes, Student Loan Collections Are Back After years of pauses and extensions, federal student loan collections have officially resumed. If you’ve defaulted on your student loans, this […]
Tax Tips for Hair Stylists, Barbers, and Salon Owners
Whether you’re a salon booth renter, mobile stylist, barbershop owner, or running a full-scale salon, tax season can feel very intimidating. The beauty industry has unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to tax deductions, self-employment obligations, and business structuring. This comprehensive guide on tax tips for hair stylists, barbers, and salon owners will help […]
How to Calculate Your Withholding So You Don’t Owe or Overpay
One of the most frustrating experiences during tax season is discovering that you owe the IRS money, or on the flip side, realizing that you’ve been overpaying taxes all year. These scenarios typically happen with improper tax withholding. Fortunately, there’s a way to fix this. Understanding how to calculate your tax withholding so you don’t […]
2025 Q2 Estimated Tax Payments Are Due. Are You Prepared?
Estimated tax payments play a critical role in helping taxpayers meet their annual tax obligations. For many individuals, including the self-employed, retirees, and investors, these quarterly payments are the primary way to stay compliant with tax requirements. With 2025 Q2 payment deadline approaching, now is the time to ensure you’re prepared and avoid potential penalties. […]
IRS Crypto Enforcement 2025
Cryptocurrency taxes have always been complicated, but 2025 has taken things to a new level. With rapid shifts in regulation, enforcement, and political priorities, many crypto investors are left wondering what’s next. The IRS spent years working toward expanded oversight of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, only to have that effort reversed almost overnight. The repeal […]
Optima Newsletter – June 2025
Back Taxes and Divorce: Who Pays What? Many divorcing couples are surprised to learn how complex and persistent IRS debt can be, especially when it’s tied to years of joint tax filings. The question of who pays what isn’t always as simple as looking at a divorce decree or who earned more money. Read More […]
What You Need to Know About Underpayment of Tax Penalties
Taxes are an essential part of a functioning society, providing the government with the necessary funds to provide public services and support various programs. However, when it comes to paying taxes, many individuals and businesses may find themselves making mistakes or underestimating their obligations. This can lead to tax underpayment, a situation that often incurs […]
How Long Can My State Collect Back Taxes?
Owing back taxes is never a pleasant situation, but it’s even more stressful when you’re unsure how long the state has to collect those taxes. While the IRS has fairly standardized time limits, the rules for state-level tax collection vary widely—and in some cases, the clock might never stop ticking. Understanding how long your state […]
How to Report Rental Income and Avoid IRS Red Flags
Rental income is an important source of revenue for many property owners, but it also carries specific tax reporting responsibilities. If you’re a landlord or a property owner who rents out your property, understanding how to report rental income correctly and avoid IRS red flags is essential to ensure compliance and minimize the risk of […]