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 […]
Ask Phil: How Does IRS Enforcement Work?
Today, Optima Tax Relief’s Lead Tax Attorney, Phil Hwang, discusses IRS enforcement, including the statute of limitations and how it might affect your credit report. Did you know the IRS has a certain amount of time to collect your tax debt before it expires? How long? Well, the simple answer is 10 years, but several […]
Optima Newsletter – June 2023
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and Taxes Bankruptcy is an exhausting process that individuals and corporations may have to go through when they are overburdened by financial obligations. While it provides the opportunity for a fresh start, it is critical to be mindful of the tax implications. In this blog article, we will discuss the tax implications […]
Ask Phil: How Do IRS Penalties and Interest Work?
Today, Optima Tax Relief’s Lead Tax Attorney, Phil Hwang, discusses penalties and interest, including the most common penalties and how interest rates are calculated. Failure to File Penalties Owing the IRS is much more than just owing a tax balance. The IRS also charges penalties and interest, the most common penalties being the Failure to […]
Marriage Bonuses vs. Marriage Penalties
Marriage can be a wonderful milestone in life. But in the midst of planning a wedding and a future with your significant other, you may not be thinking about how your new union will affect your tax bill. One critical tax factor to examine is the concept of marriage bonuses and marriage penalties. These terms […]
Optima’s Visit with The IRS – 5,000 New Agents, Strategic Operating Plan, & more.
Optima CEO David King and Lead Tax Attorney Philip Hwang are back from their trip to Washington D.C., where they met with members of Congress and the IRS’s new leadership to discuss what’s new in the tax world. Here is Phil and David’s recap of Optima’s visit with the IRS, including the IRS’s Strategic Operating […]
Many Erroneous CP14s Have Been Issued – Here’s What You Need to Know
IRS Notice CP14 is sent to taxpayers to inform them of an outstanding balance on their federal tax account. It serves as a bill for unpaid taxes. It includes details such as the amount owed, accrued interest, and any penalties incurred. While receiving this notice might not be a shock for many, some taxpayers impacted […]
Ask Phil: How Do I Get a Tax Lien Removed?
Welcome to our Ask Phil series, where each week our lead Tax Attorney, Philip Hwang will be answering your questions about various tax topics such as IRS enforcement, liens and levies, tax scams, and more. With Phil’s extensive background as a tax attorney, you won’t want to miss this valuable information! Today, Phil discusses liens, including […]