Wondering what stood out during the 2026 tax season? CEO David King and Chief Tax Officer & Lead Tax Attorney Philip Hwang break down major trends, including the IRS projection of over 20 million taxpayers filing extensions and what that signals for the filing landscape. Find out why so many filers requested extensions, how to […]
What to Do If You Owe Taxes in Multiple States
Owing taxes in more than one state can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure why it’s happening or how to fix it. Whether you moved during the year, worked remotely, or earned income across state lines, multi-state tax obligations are more common than ever. The key is understanding how state tax rules work so you can file correctly, avoid penalties, and minimize the risk of double taxation. This guide breaks down […]
Ask Phil: Can I Make a Payment Before Filing an Amended Return?
Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, answers another question from Reddit: “Can I make an estimated tax payment before filing a 1040-X?” A Form 1040-X is used to amend a previously filed tax return, and in this case, the taxpayer is looking to correct multiple years—possibly due to missing income. Understanding […]
Are Home Renovations Tax Deductible?
Homeownership often comes with ongoing upgrades, repairs, and renovation projects, but are these home renovations tax deductible? The answer isn’t as simple as a yes or no. While most renovations aren’t immediately deductible, certain improvements can provide valuable tax benefits through deductions, credits, or reduced capital gains when you sell your home. This guide breaks down exactly how home renovations affect your taxes, […]
What Do Tax Attorneys Do? Hiring Help for IRS Collections
Dealing with the IRS can feel overwhelming—especially when unpaid taxes lead to mounting penalties, aggressive notices, or collection actions like wage garnishments and bank levies. Many taxpayers find themselves asking the same question: what do tax attorneys do, and do I really need one? Tax attorneys are legal professionals who specialize in tax law and represent individuals and […]
Optima Tax Relief Named a 2026 Top Workplace by USA Today
Recognized for excellence in leadership and innovation, the nation’s top tax resolution firm continues to set the standard for employee satisfaction. Optima Tax Relief, the nation’s leading provider of tax relief services, proudly announces it has been named a 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces Award winner. This honor recognizes the company’s ongoing dedication to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing […]
Tax Tips for Seniors and Retirees
As the golden years approach, seniors and retirees face a new set of financial challenges, with tax planning becoming increasingly important. Understanding the tax implications of retirement income sources, investments, and deductions can significantly impact a retiree’s financial well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore some valuable tax tips specifically designed for seniors and retirees, helping them navigate the […]
Top 10 Tax Deductions Every Freelance Writer Should Claim
Freelance writing offers flexibility, creativity, and independence, but it also comes with tax responsibilities that traditional employees don’t face. The good news is that there are numerous freelance writer tax deductions available that can significantly reduce your taxable income if you know what to claim. Many freelance writers leave money on the table simply because they are unsure what qualifies as […]
The Tax Consequences of Winning the Lottery or a Big Prize
Winning the lottery or a big prize can be lifechanging, whether it’s a multimillion-dollar jackpot, a luxury car, or a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. However, what many winners don’t realize is that a major portion of their prize will never make it into their bank accounts because of taxes. The tax consequences of winning the lottery are […]
IRS Penalty Abatement Help: How a Tax Pro Can Help
IRS penalties can quickly turn a manageable tax obligation into a stressful financial burden. Many taxpayers do not realize that missed filing deadlines, underpayments, or even simple mistakes can trigger penalties and compounding interest. The good news is that the IRS offers options for relief, known as IRS penalty abatement, which can reduce or even remove these extra charges. However, navigating this process […]