Most taxpayers are used to seeing the term adjusted gross income, or AGI, when filing their tax returns. This is mostly due to the fact that your AGI dictates which tax credits and deductions you qualify for. While the term modified adjusted gross income, or MAGI, is not heard as often, it too plays a […]
Ask Phil: What is an IRS Levy Notice?
Today, Optima Tax Relief’s Lead Tax Attorney, Phil Hwang, discusses IRS notices, including when you can expect a notice to turn into enforcement and how to respond to a notice. When does the IRS Levy? Receiving an IRS notice can be very intimidating, especially when you are being notified of a tax balance due. But […]
1099s Explained: FAQs
Form 1099 is more common than ever with many taxpayers turning to side hustles for extra income. Now that we have a good understanding of what types of 1099s there are and what they are used for, we can review some of the most frequently asked questions about them. Here are some of the most […]
What are Deferred Tax Liabilities?
Last week we broke down deferred tax assets and how they can help reduce tax liability. Today, we’re breaking down its counterpart: deferred tax liabilities. But what exactly is a deferred tax liability, and how does it work? Here’s an overview of deferred tax liabilities, how they arise, and their implications for businesses and individuals. […]
Ask Phil: The 411 on Tax Scams
Today, Optima Tax Relief’s Lead Tax Attorney, Phil Hwang, discusses tax scams, including how to spot them and how to avoid being conned. Tax fraud and scams are growing in popularity and have even recently taken on newer forms. Taxpayers are often conned over text, phone, email, and even regular postal mail. Some taxpayers have […]
What Are Deferred Tax Assets?
When looking into the net worth of a business or individual, one of the first couple of things we look at are assets and liabilities. Assets are resources or properties owned by an individual, organization, or entity that have value. They can be used to generate future economic benefits. Real estate, vehicles, cash, inventory, intellectual […]
How Are Gambling Winnings Taxed?
Most people dabble in gambling at some point in life. It might look like a day at the racetrack, a quick stop at the gas station for a lottery ticket, or a weekend in Las Vegas. The IRS views all these activities as gambling, among many others. More importantly, the IRS wants everyone to know […]
Ask Phil: The 411 on Levies & Garnishments
Today, Optima Tax Relief’s Lead Tax Attorney, Phil Hwang, discusses levies and garnishments, including which assets the IRS can seize and how the IRS can garnish your wages. A levy is a legal seizure against your assets that results from owing back taxes. In truth, the IRS can seize just about anything you own. This […]
How to Keep Good Tax Records
Tax time can be a stressful period for individuals and businesses alike. However, maintaining accurate and organized tax records throughout the year can make the process much smoother and alleviate unnecessary headaches. Whether you’re a freelancer, small business owner, or an individual taxpayer, this guide will provide you with valuable tips on how to keep […]
When Does the IRS Pursue Criminal Charges?
Tax evasion and tax fraud are federal crimes. Both involve the willful attempt to either evade the assessment or the payment of taxes. But at what point does the IRS pursue criminal charges for these actions? What consequences are included in the criminal charges? How does one prevent these charges from being brought upon them? […]