Becoming a parent brings joy and new responsibilities, including changes to your tax situation. Whether you recently welcomed a baby through birth or adoption, the IRS offers several credits and deductions that can lower your tax bill or increase your refund. Understanding how to claim these benefits correctly can help new parents make the most of […]
What is Schedule C?
For small business owners, figuring out taxes can often be complicated. Among the many forms and documents required by the IRS, Schedule C stands out as a vital component for sole proprietors and single-member LLCs. It’s the key to reporting income and expenses for your business, ultimately determining your taxable profit or loss. In this […]
Optima Newsletter-November
What Happens If You Ignore IRS Collection Letters? The Worst Case Scenario If you’ve ever asked yourself, “can I ignore the IRS?”, you’re not alone. Many taxpayers feel overwhelmed by notices from the IRS and hope that ignoring them will make the problem disappear. Unfortunately, the reality is far more serious. Ignoring IRS collection letters […]
GoFundMe: How are Donations Taxed?
Crowdfunding is the act of funding a project by collecting small donations from a large number of individuals, often online. GoFundMe has become a powerful platform for individuals and organizations to raise funds for various causes. These range from medical expenses and emergency relief to community projects and personal aspirations. However, many users of the […]
What Happens If You Ignore IRS Collection Letters? The Worst Case Scenario
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “can I ignore the IRS?”, you’re not alone. Many taxpayers feel overwhelmed by notices from the IRS and hope that ignoring them will make the problem disappear. Unfortunately, the reality is far more serious. Ignoring IRS collection letters can trigger a series of escalating actions, from mounting penalties to wage […]
IRS Warns of New ‘Notification of IRS Audit & Investigation’ Phishing Scam Targeting Taxpayers
Tax scams are evolving fast, and cybercriminals have found new ways to exploit fear, urgency, and trust. One of the latest threats making the rounds involves fake IRS emails with the subject line “Notification of IRS Audit & Investigation.” These emails look authentic, reference IRS procedures, and often include official-sounding language designed to make you […]
The Difference Between a Tax Levy and a Tax Lien
Falling behind on your taxes can lead to serious consequences, but few IRS collection actions create more confusion, or fear, than tax liens and tax levies. Although the two terms sound similar, they represent very different stages in the IRS collection process. A tax lien is the government’s legal claim to your property as security […]
File Now or File Later? How to Choose the Right Tax Filing Strategy | Optima Tax Relief
Not sure whether to file your tax returns now or wait? CEO David King and Chief Tax Officer & Lead Tax Attorney Philip Hwang discuss how timing your filing can impact your situation, when it’s better to renegotiate a payment plan, and whether filing early, filing an extension, or hiring a professional could save you […]
How to Report Employer Stock Options on Your Taxes
If your employer offers stock options as part of your compensation, you could have a powerful opportunity to build wealth, but also a complex tax situation to navigate. Whether you hold Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) or Non-Qualified Stock Options (NSOs), understanding how to report stock options on your tax return is crucial to avoid costly […]
Tax Filing Tips for Flight Attendants and Pilots
Pilots and flight attendants navigate a unique work environment; one that stretches across states, time zones, and even continents. While this lifestyle comes with freedom and travel perks, it also creates special tax challenges. Understanding how pilot taxes and flight attendant deductions work is essential for accurate filing and for avoiding missed opportunities to reduce […]