Today, Optima Tax Relief Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, discusses a hot topic: itemized deductions vs. standard deduction. Which is better for you? Deciding whether to itemize deductions or take the standard deduction depends on your specific financial situation. For the 2024 tax year, the standard deduction amounts are: You may benefit from itemizing if your […]
My OIC was Rejected. Now What?
If your Offer in Compromise (OIC) is rejected by the IRS, it can feel discouraging, but you still have options. Understanding why the offer was rejected and how to proceed can empower you to pursue alternative solutions for addressing your tax debt. Here’s a detailed guide on what to do if your OIC is denied, […]
Can I Claim My Parent as a Dependent?
Caring for an elderly parent can be a financial toll, especially when you also have children to care for. Claiming a parent as a dependent can provide significant financial benefits, but there are specific IRS rules and requirements that must be met to qualify. If you’re supporting an elderly parent, understanding these rules can help […]
Can I Modify My IRS Payment Plan?
When faced with tax debt, an IRS payment plan, also known as an installment agreement, offers a lifeline. It allows taxpayers to pay off their debt in smaller, more manageable amounts over time. But what if your financial circumstances change? Can you modify an IRS payment plan, and if so, how? The answer is yes. […]
My Tax Debt Hit $50,000. Now What?
When your tax debt reaches or exceeds $50,000, the situation becomes more serious with heightened IRS collection efforts and potential penalties. In this article, we’ll explore what happens when your tax debt crosses this threshold, provide real-life examples, and discuss available tax relief options to help manage your situation. IRS Actions When Your Tax Debt […]
Ask Phil: What is IRS Form 1040-X?
Today, Optima Tax Relief Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, discusses IRS Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Many taxpayers wonder what they should do if they made an error on their tax returns. Maybe you filed under the wrong status or received another 1099 after you filed your taxes. Perhaps you forgot to claim […]
Are Political Donations Tax Deductible?
Political donations are a vital part of democratic systems, empowering individuals to support their preferred candidates, parties, and causes. As Election Day approaches, people often wonder whether their contributions to political campaigns, committees, or candidates can be deducted on their tax returns. This question arises frequently, especially in the context of other charitable donations, which […]
Ask Phil: Will Hiring Optima Tax Relief Affect Your Credit Score?
Today, Optima Tax Relief Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, answers a burning question: “Will hiring Optima Tax Relief affect your credit score?” The short answer is no. Hiring Optima Tax Relief does not directly affect your credit score. However, there are a few ways the process could impact your credit indirectly. If you don’t pay your […]
How to Earn Money as an IRS Whistleblower
The IRS Whistleblower Program is an initiative that rewards individuals who report tax noncompliance to the IRS, potentially leading to significant monetary awards. If you are aware of tax evasion or fraud, you may be eligible to earn a percentage of the proceeds recovered from the offender. This guide will explore how you can earn […]
How Data Breaches Affect Your Taxes
Over 2.9 billion records of personal data, including Social Security numbers, were leaked on the dark web, putting taxpayers at risk of tax identity theft. Optima CEO David King and Lead Tax Attorney Philip Hwang explain what tax identity theft is, how it can affect you, and how to resolve it! If You Need Tax […]