The tax filing deadline is just around the corner. If you need more time to prepare your tax return, you can file a tax extension. While a tax extension won’t give you more time to pay your taxes, it will allow a few more months to file your tax return without receiving a failure-to-file penalty. […]
What To Do If Your Tax Refund is Stolen
Tax season is a time of anticipation for many individuals, with the hope of receiving a tax refund. However, the unfortunate reality is that tax refunds, like any valuable document, can be vulnerable to theft. If you find yourself in the distressing situation of having your tax refund stolen, it’s crucial to take swift action […]
Live Here, Work There. Where Do I Pay State Income Taxes?
After weeks or months of job seeking, you land your dream job — but it’s in a different state. The location of the job is close enough so that you can commute every day rather than move. However, you are still faced with the dilemma of where and how to pay state income taxes. Here’s […]
What is an Offer in Compromise (OIC)?
Tax debts can be a significant burden, causing stress and financial strain for individuals and businesses alike. Fortunately, the IRS offers various options to help taxpayers settle their debts, one of which is known as an Offer in Compromise (OIC). An Offer in Compromise is a valuable tool that allows eligible taxpayers to settle their […]
Are Employee Stock Options Considered Income?
Employee stock options (ESOs) have long been a cornerstone of compensation packages offered by companies. They are particularly common in the realm of technology and startups. ESOs represent a unique opportunity for employees to share in the success of the company they work for. They allow employees to potentially reap significant financial rewards as the […]
Who Must Pay Additional Medicare Tax?
Medicare is a vital program in the United States, providing health insurance coverage to millions of seniors and certain individuals with disabilities. To fund Medicare, various taxes are levied, including the Medicare tax. However, there’s an additional 0.9% Medicare tax that targets higher-income earners. Understanding who must pay this additional tax is crucial for both […]
IRS Collections Are Back. Will You Be Affected?
The IRS has resumed collections. If you recently received an IRS notice or owe back taxes, you could be at risk of a lien, levy, garnishment, or other means of tax collection. Optima CEO David King and Lead Tax Attorney Philip Hwang provide helpful insight on what your IRS notice means, what you need to […]
14 States That Cut Their Income Tax Rates in 2024
In a move signaling a significant shift in fiscal policy, 14 states across the United States implemented cuts to individual income taxes in 2024. This development comes as states reassess their tax structures amid changing economic landscapes and evolving political priorities. Here’s a breakdown of the 14 states that cut their income tax rates in 2024. […]
Optima Newsletter – March 2024
Hoping for the Child Tax Credit? Don’t Wait to File The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bill that has the potential to grant families significant tax benefits. The aim is to strengthen tax breaks, offering substantial financial support to American households and leading to significant savings. Among the many items addressed in the […]
Net Investment Income Explained
Net Investment Income (NII) is a crucial concept in finance, particularly for investors, financial planners, and those subject to taxation. It encompasses various forms of income derived from investment assets, such as interest, dividends, capital gains, rental income, and more. Understanding NII is essential for optimizing investment strategies, tax planning, and financial decision-making. This article […]