If you have been summoned for an audit by the IRS, you should know that the odds of escaping without owing additional taxes are slim. In general, the IRS does not spend resources on conducting tax audits unless there’s a good chance for significant revenue to be gained. What you may not be aware of […]
When Does the IRS Pursue Criminal Charges?
Statistically, your chances of being charged with criminal tax fraud or tax evasion by the IRS are minimal. The IRS initiates criminal investigations against fewer than 2% of all American taxpayers. Of that number, only about 20% face criminal tax charges or fines. Related Article: The IRS Criminal Investigation Process Unofficially, the minimum amount of […]
How to Know if the IRS Is Auditing You
You may be under the impression that if you’re being audited, you’ll find out by a strong knock at your front door. Unless you’re in serious trouble, this won’t be the case. How will you know if you’re being audited? Short Answer: The IRS will let you know directly. The only way you’ll know for certain if […]
What Is The IRS Criminal Investigation Process?
Most of the woes associated with the IRS involve money. If you are audited, the most probable outcome is that you will owe more money to the IRS. In the worst case scenarios, an audit results in your owing a lot more money. But you almost never face criminal charges. An IRS criminal investigation is […]
House Approves Making Depreciation Tax Break Permanent – Bill Headed to Senate
The bonus depreciation tax break allows businesses to deduct up to 50% of the cost of capital purchases upfront, resulting in big tax savings for business owners. In May 2014, the Ways and Means Committee of the Republican-controlled House of Representatives voted 23-11 – along party lines – to renew and make permanent the tax break […]
10 Tips To Avoid A Tax Levy
The Treasury Department has a well-earned reputation for being serious about collecting its due. The mere mention of its taxation arm – the IRS, is sufficient to invoke fear into the most honest of taxpayers. One reason for the trepidation generated by the IRS is that it has a potent arsenal of weapons at its […]
Top 10 benefits of working with a professional tax relief firm
Having an outstanding tax debt is becoming a growing issue that many Americans face. The number of Federal tax liens and levies filed by the IRS has grown significantly in recent years. In 2011, nearly 4 million tax levies were served on third parties, a 456% increase when compared to the same IRS reports from […]
Save Tax Green By Going Green
If you are eco-conscious, you probably sort your disposables for recycling, wash your clothes in cold water, carry reusable shopping bags to the grocery or perform other environmentally-friendly actions. But did you know that you may also be eligible to receive tax credits and deductions from Uncle Sam? While tax breaks for going green are […]
Tax Tips to Lower Taxes on Lotto Winnings
Who wins after every lotto draw? The taxman does, of course! Optima Tax Relief wants to help you save by providing tips for lowering taxes on your lotto winnings. How Much Are Lotto Winnings Taxed? Not only is the lottery a tax on people who are bad at math –US lotteries generally only pay out […]
Tax Deductions for Professional Gamblers
What could be better than winning $8.3 million at the World Series of Poker next week? Not paying taxes on all $8.3 million. Since a federal court ruling two years ago, there are tax deductions for professional gamblers similar to those for self-employed contractors and small businesses. Expenses like travel, meals, and lodging can be cut from […]