The cost of higher education continues to rise, making it increasingly difficult for students and families to afford tuition and related expenses. Fortunately, the American Opportunity Credit (AOC) offers financial relief by providing a tax credit to offset some of these costs. This credit helps eligible students and their families reduce their tax liability while […]
What is Form 1099-B?
Form 1099-B is one of the most important tax documents for investors, yet it’s also one of the least understood. If you sold stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, bonds, options, or other securities during the year, your broker is required to report those transactions to the IRS using Form 1099-B. A copy is also sent to you, and the information […]
Optima Newsletter-January
2026 Tax Changes: What You Need to Know The 2026 tax year brings a mix of inflation-based adjustments and structural reforms that will affect how much many Americans owe or save when they file their returns in 2027. Driven largely by routine IRS indexing and major provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), […]
How to File a Joint Return When One Spouse Lives Overseas
If you are married abroad and ask yourself, “Can I file joint taxes?”, you are not alone. Cross-border marriages are increasingly common, yet the U.S. tax rules that apply to them remain complex and widely misunderstood. Many taxpayers assume that living in different countries automatically limits their filing options or eliminates U.S. tax obligations for the foreign spouse. In reality, the answer depends on tax residency, elections […]
Tax Benefits of Flexible Spending Accounts
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) remain one of the most practical tax benefits available to employees. While Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) tend to receive more attention due to their investment potential and long-term advantages, FSAs continue to play a critical role in helping millions of workers lower their taxable income and manage out-of-pocket healthcare costs more efficiently. […]
Tax Differences Between HSAs and FSAs
Understanding the tax differences between Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) is critical for anyone trying to reduce healthcare costs and lower their tax bill. While both accounts are designed to help pay medical expenses with pre-tax dollars, the rules governing eligibility, taxation, and long-term benefits are significantly different. These differences can impact not just your […]
Understanding Tax Withholding
Tax withholding is a concept that many individuals encounter throughout their lives, whether as employees, freelancers, or business owners. Withholding too little tax from your paychecks can result in a tax bill during tax time, while withholding too much tax can result in smaller paychecks than necessary. That being said, understanding tax withholding is crucial […]
Ask Phil: What is a CSED?
Today, Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, answers a Reddit question about CSEDs: “If my CSED is 11/15/25, does it expire at the beginning or end of the month?” To get there, he breaks down what a Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED) actually is and how the IRS calculates it. What the CSED Really Is […]
Estimated Quarterly Tax Payments Explained
For freelancers, self-employed individuals, and small business owners, managing finances is an integral part of their professional journey. One key aspect of financial responsibility is handling taxes. For those with income not subject to withholding, estimated quarterly taxes become a crucial obligation. In this article, we will explore what estimated quarterly taxes are, why they […]
2026 Tax Changes: What You Need to Know
The 2026 tax year brings a mix of inflation-based adjustments and structural reforms that will affect how much many Americans owe or save when they file their returns in 2027. Driven largely by routine IRS indexing and major provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), these updates touch nearly every area of the tax code, from income […]