As we officially move into the third quarter of 2024, the IRS has announced that interest rates will remain unchanged. This decision continues the trend of stability in interest rates, providing predictability for taxpayers and financial planners alike. Here’s a breakdown of the recent IRS announcement. Current Interest Rates For the third quarter of 2024, […]
IRS Form 1099-LTC Explained
As the landscape of health care and financial planning evolves, it becomes increasingly crucial to understand the various tax forms that can impact both. One such form is the IRS Form 1099-LTC. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what Form 1099-LTC is, its purpose, and how it affects taxpayers. What is IRS […]
What is a Taxpayer Assistance Center?
Navigating tax laws and filing requirements can be overwhelming for many individuals and businesses. To help ease this burden, the IRS offers a valuable resource known as a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). These centers provide in-person help for various tax-related issues. They help ensure that taxpayers have access to the information and support they need. […]
What is the Adoption Credit?
Building a family can take many forms. Adoption stands as a powerful testament to the generosity and love that individuals and couples can offer to children in need. However, adoption can be an expensive process, often deterring potential parents from taking this big step. To alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with adoption, the […]
Tax ID Theft is on the Rise. Are You Protected?
There’s been a 45% increase in tax identity theft since the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re dealing with tax identity theft, it could affect when you receive your tax refund! Optima CEO David King and Lead Tax Attorney Philip Hwang explain what tax fraud is, how your sensitive tax information can be used against you, and […]
How are Royalties Taxed?
Royalties represent payments made to an individual or entity for the ongoing use of their assets, such as intellectual property, natural resources, or creative works. These payments can provide a significant income stream, but they also come with tax implications that vary based on the type of royalty and the jurisdiction. Here’s a comprehensive look […]
What is Schedule A?
Schedule A is a tax form used in the United States for itemizing deductions on individual tax returns. Taxpayers opt for this form to maximize their deductions beyond the standard deduction provided by the IRS. This can lead to significant tax savings, especially for those with substantial deductible expenses. This article will cover the essentials […]
Optima Tax Relief Wins Three Stevie Awards for Excellence in Customer Service
Optima Tax Relief is proud to announce that it has been honored with three prestigious Stevie® Awards, showcasing its commitment to delivering exceptional customer service in the financial services sector. The awards include the Silver Award for Customer Service Department of the Year, the Bronze Award for Front-Line Customer Service Team of the Year, and the Silver […]
Tax Evasion vs. Tax Avoidance
Taxation is essential for funding public services and infrastructure. However, compliance with tax regulations varies, leading to the practices of tax evasion and tax avoidance. These terms, often confused, represent two different behaviors. This article goes into the specifics of tax evasion and tax avoidance, illustrated with specific examples to clarify their differences and implications. […]
401(k) Options for the Self-Employed
As a self-employed individual, it might be easy to forget about putting money away for retirement. Unlike employees who might automatically enroll in a company-sponsored 401(k), self-employed professionals must proactively set up and manage their retirement plans. However, several 401(k) options are tailored specifically for the self-employed, offering some tax advantages and the opportunity to […]