Tax scams have become one of the most popular ways criminals steal money and identities. The IRS flagged over $5.7 billion in tax fraud last year and 2023 is not looking any better with so many tax scams circulating. Luckily, there are ways to help avoid tax scams and fraud. Here are the most common […]
What is Supplemental Income?
These days it is very common for individuals to have regular income, as well as supplemental income. While regular income earned through an employer typically has taxes withheld, some supplemental income does not. If you earn supplemental income, it’s important to learn how it is taxed and when. Here is a brief overview of supplemental […]
What You Need to Know About Severance Packages & Taxes
Losing your job is stressful enough as it is. If you are offered a severance package when let go, your first thought might not be on taxes. However, even severance pay is considered income which means it is taxable. Here we will discuss what you need to know about severance packages and how they affect […]
Tax Guide for the Self-Employed
Being your own boss can feel freeing and powerful. However, with great power comes great responsibility, especially when it comes to taxes. Taking care of all business aspects on your own means you should be prepared to handle all the financial work that comes with the new adventure. Here’s a brief tax guide for the […]
Optima Newsletter – February 2023
Tax Credits vs. Tax Deductions Tax season is officially here. As you prepare to file your tax return, it might be helpful to research ways to decrease your tax liability. A popular way to do this is to claim tax credits and tax deductions. Credits and deductions often seem like the same thing, but they […]
Life Transitions That Affect Your Taxes: Part II
For the most part, our tax situation remains consistent year after year. However, every now and then there are certain life transitions that can dramatically change how you file your taxes, even if just for that year. Here, we will continue to review some of the most common life transitions that can affect your taxes. […]
Life Transitions That Affect Your Taxes: Part I
For the most part, our tax situation remains consistent year after year. However, every now and then there are certain life transitions that can dramatically change how you file your taxes, even if just for that year. Here are some of the most common life transitions that can affect your taxes. Getting Married While a […]
Does the IRS Use Private Collection Agencies (PCAs)?
Now that IRS enforcement is picking back up, some taxpayers are seeing that the IRS has placed their overdue tax account with a private collection agency (PCA). CEO David King and Lead Tax Attorney Philip Hwang provide helpful tips on what collection agencies you can trust, how PCAs will notify you of your tax balance […]
How to Get Rid of Back Taxes
IRS enforcement has cooled in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, but the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act is equipping the agency with over $45 billion for tax enforcement. With high interest rates in place, now is an even worse time to owe the IRS. Here is an overview of back taxes and how to get […]
Optima Newsletter – January 2023
Tax Tips for 2023 The 2023 tax filing season will be different than the past few years and getting prepared early can help make the process much easier. Some of the changes expected in 2023 could affect tax bills, which in turn could affect tax refunds. Here are some tax tips for 2023. Read More […]