As the tax filing deadline draws near, a growing threat is quietly impacting taxpayers across the country: tax identity theft. It’s a problem that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late—and resolving it can be a long and frustrating process. Recently, our CEO, David King, spoke with ABC7 about what’s happening on the front lines. At Optima Tax Relief, teams process tens of thousands of IRS notices every […]
IRS Interest Rates for Q2 2026 Are Decreasing: Here’s What You Need to Know
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that interest rates will decrease for the second quarter of 2026, beginning April 1. These rates, effective through June 30, 2026, are an important factor for both individual and corporate taxpayers when managing tax obligations and planning financial strategies. Staying informed about IRS interest rates can help taxpayers […]
IRS Phishing Emails: Real Examples and Warning Signs
IRS phishing emails remain one of the most widespread threats to taxpayers, and they continue to grow more sophisticated each year. As more tax services move online, scammers have found new ways to impersonate the Internal Revenue Service and trick people into sharing personal data or sending money. These messages often look official, use realistic language, and […]
2026 IRS Mileage Rates
The 2026 IRS mileage rates have been announced, and they play an important role in how taxpayers calculate vehicle-related deductions. If you drive for business, medical care, charitable work, or qualified moving purposes, these rates can directly affect how much you save at tax time. Every year, the IRS updates mileage rates to reflect changing vehicle costs […]
Optima Tax Relief’s Philip Hwang Headlines Tax Notes Podcast Ahead of 2026 Filing Season
Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Philip Hwang, recently appeared on the Tax Notes podcast to discuss what taxpayers can expect during the 2026 tax filing season. As the newest national chair of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP), Phil shared how the panel brings real-world taxpayer feedback to the IRS to help improve […]
2026 Tax Brackets and Deductions
As the 2026 tax year approaches, taxpayers are beginning to plan for how inflation adjustments and legislative updates may affect their federal tax bills. Each year, the IRS updates tax brackets, standard deductions, and key thresholds to account for cost-of-living changes. In some years, new legislation, such as provisions tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill, can further shape […]