While you may not have heard of the term “imputed income,” chances are that you might be receiving it from an employer. Imputed income is essentially non-cash goods or services that you receive from your employer as a form of income. Many people think of taxable income as only the money they receive in their […]
What Does My IRS Notice Mean?
Receiving an IRS notice can be stressful, but understanding what it means is the first step toward resolving your tax situation. In Part 2 of our IRS Notices series, CEO David King and Lead Tax Attorney Philip Hwang explain what your notice means and outline the key steps you can take to resolve your tax […]
IRS Announces Interest Rates for Q2 of 2025
The IRS has announced that interest rates for the second quarter of 2025 will remain unchanged from the first quarter. These rates apply to tax overpayments, underpayments, large corporate underpayments, and corporate overpayments exceeding certain thresholds. While the rates remain steady, their impact on taxpayers and businesses remains significant. Understanding these interest rates is crucial […]
What Are Capital Gains?
Capital gains represent the profit earned when an asset is sold for more than its original purchase price. This concept is crucial for investors, homeowners, and anyone involved in the buying and selling of valuable assets. Understanding how capital gains work and their tax implications can help individuals and businesses make informed financial decisions and […]
What is an IRS Lien Discharge?
An IRS tax lien can create significant financial burdens for individuals and businesses alike. When a taxpayer fails to pay their federal tax debt, the IRS may place a lien on their property. This secures its interest in the taxpayer’s assets. This lien can make it difficult to sell property, secure loans, or conduct other […]
Do Tax Advocates Really Help?
Dealing with the IRS can be overwhelming, especially for taxpayers facing financial hardship. Tax advocates play a crucial role in ensuring that individuals and businesses receive fair treatment and assistance in resolving tax issues. These professionals act as intermediaries, helping taxpayers manage IRS matters while ensuring compliance with tax laws. Whether dealing with delayed refunds, […]
Optima Newsletter – March 2025
What Are Capital Gains? Capital gains represent the profit earned when an asset is sold for more than its original purchase price. This concept is crucial for investors, homeowners, and anyone involved in the buying and selling of valuable assets. Understanding how capital gains work and their tax implications can help individuals and businesses make […]
Ask Phil: How Do Natural Disasters Affect My Taxes?
Today, Optima Tax Relief Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, discusses what tax relief options are available to taxpayers affected by the natural disasters, like the Southern California wildfires and East Coast hurricanes. Casualty Losses Casualty losses are financial losses from unexpected events like hurricanes, wildfires, or theft. To qualify for a deduction, the loss must […]
1099s Explained: The Basics
Receiving a 1099 is becoming more and more common with the rise in small businesses, side hustles, and the desire for a second stream of income. With the additional income comes a different tax filing process. If you receive a 1099, it’s because you earned a certain amount of income from a non-employer. Like most […]
What To Do If You Receive IRS Notice CP45
Receiving a notice from the IRS can be unsettling, especially if you were expecting a tax refund and instead learn it has been applied to a debt. IRS Notice CP45 informs you that your tax refund has been used to pay a past-due debt owed by your spouse. This can happen if you filed a […]