Optima Tax Relief announced today that Philip Hwang, its Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, has been appointed National Chair of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) for 2026. TAP is a Federal Advisory Committee to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), composed of approximately 75 citizen volunteers who listen to taxpayers, identify issues, and provide […]
Forgot to File Taxes for 3+ Years? Here’s What to Do
Forgot to File Taxes for 3+ Years? Here’s What to Do Forgetting to file taxes for several years is far more common than most people are willing to admit. Changes in employment, self-employment income, financial hardship, divorce, illness, or simply not understanding filing requirements can easily lead to multiple unfiled returns. Unfortunately, once one year is […]
What is the Safe Harbor Rule for Underpaying Estimated Tax?
The IRS requires most taxpayers to pay taxes throughout the year as income is earned, rather than waiting until a return is filed. When those payments fall short, the IRS may impose an underpayment penalty, even if the full tax bill is eventually paid. The safe harbor tax rules provide structured, predictable ways to avoid those […]
Tax Benefits of Health Savings Accounts
As healthcare costs continue to rise, more taxpayers are looking for ways to manage medical expenses without undermining their long-term financial goals. One of the most effective yet often misunderstood tools available is the Health Savings Account (HSA). While HSAs are commonly associated with paying for out-of-pocket medical costs, their true value lies in the significant tax […]
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 […]
2026 Tax Season Predictions and Key Trends – Optima Tax Relief
Tax season is almost here! Do you know what to expect this year? CEO David King and Chief Tax Officer & Lead Tax Attorney Philip Hwang cover the trends shaping the year ahead, including total filings, refunds, non-filer taxes, and IRS collections, helping taxpayers stay informed and prepared. If You Need Tax Help, Contact Us […]
Can I File Taxes If My Parents Claim Me?
Many taxpayers believe that being claimed as a dependent automatically prevents them from filing a tax return. This misunderstanding is especially common among college students, young adults living at home, and first-time filers whose parents still provide financial support. In reality, dependency status does not eliminate your ability or your obligation to file taxes. This article answers the question […]
Can the IRS Suspend Your Licenses?
Key Takeaways The IRS cannot suspend driver’s licenses, professional licenses, or business licenses. These actions are controlled exclusively by state agencies under state law. The IRS’s only direct license-related enforcement power is passport certification, which applies when a taxpayer has a “seriously delinquent tax debt.” For 2026, the IRS passport certification threshold is approximately $66,000, […]
Depreciation Schedules for Business Assets
Depreciation is a common accounting method used by businesses to allocate the cost of their assets over time. To effectively manage their finances and make informed decisions, businesses employ depreciation schedules. In this article, we will explore what depreciation schedules are, why they are essential for businesses, and how to create and utilize them effectively. […]
Should You Pay Off Credit Card Debt or Back Taxes First?
When financial pressure builds, most people instinctively focus on the debts that feel the most urgent. Credit card balances often trigger that reaction because of their high interest rates and visible impact on credit scores. Back taxes, on the other hand, can feel abstract especially if the IRS has not yet taken action. This difference in perception leads many taxpayers to […]