When your tax debt reaches or exceeds $50,000, the situation becomes more serious with heightened IRS collection efforts and potential penalties. In this article, we’ll explore what happens when your tax debt crosses this threshold, provide real-life examples, and discuss available tax relief options to help manage your situation. IRS Actions When Your Tax Debt […]
Ask Phil: What is IRS Form 1040-X?
Today, Optima Tax Relief Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, discusses IRS Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Many taxpayers wonder what they should do if they made an error on their tax returns. Maybe you filed under the wrong status or received another 1099 after you filed your taxes. Perhaps you forgot to claim […]
What is the Widow’s Penalty?
Losing a spouse is an emotionally overwhelming experience, and unfortunately, for many widows, the challenges extend beyond the realm of grief. The “widow’s penalty” refers to the financial disadvantages that widows often face after the death of their partners. This penalty manifests in various forms, from reduced Social Security benefits to inflated Required Minimum Distributions […]
Are Political Donations Tax Deductible?
Political donations are a vital part of democratic systems, empowering individuals to support their preferred candidates, parties, and causes. As Election Day approaches, people often wonder whether their contributions to political campaigns, committees, or candidates can be deducted on their tax returns. This question arises frequently, especially in the context of other charitable donations, which […]
How Does Self-Employment Tax Work?
If you’re self-employed, you likely know that managing your taxes can feel more complicated than simply having an employer deduct them from your paycheck. One of the most critical aspects of your tax responsibility is self-employment tax, which covers Social Security and Medicare contributions. In this guide, we’ll break down what self-employment tax is, how […]
How to Stop an IRS Levy
An IRS levy is one of the most severe collection actions the IRS can take against a taxpayer who owes back taxes. Unlike a lien, which is a legal claim against your property, a levy actually allows the IRS to seize your assets to satisfy your tax debt. These can include wages, bank accounts, and […]
Ask Phil: Will Hiring Optima Tax Relief Affect Your Credit Score?
Today, Optima Tax Relief Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, answers a burning question: “Will hiring Optima Tax Relief affect your credit score?” The short answer is no. Hiring Optima Tax Relief does not directly affect your credit score. However, there are a few ways the process could impact your credit indirectly. If you don’t pay your […]
The IRS Filed a Substitute for Return. Now What?
One of the most significant obligations U.S. taxpayers have is to file an annual federal tax return. However, life gets busy, and sometimes individuals either forget or deliberately neglect to file. When this happens, the IRS doesn’t simply forget about it. Instead, they may take matters into their own hands by filing a “Substitute for […]
How to Earn Money as an IRS Whistleblower
The IRS Whistleblower Program is an initiative that rewards individuals who report tax noncompliance to the IRS, potentially leading to significant monetary awards. If you are aware of tax evasion or fraud, you may be eligible to earn a percentage of the proceeds recovered from the offender. This guide will explore how you can earn […]
How Data Breaches Affect Your Taxes
Over 2.9 billion records of personal data, including Social Security numbers, were leaked on the dark web, putting taxpayers at risk of tax identity theft. Optima CEO David King and Lead Tax Attorney Philip Hwang explain what tax identity theft is, how it can affect you, and how to resolve it! If You Need Tax […]