Crowdfunding is the act of funding a project by collecting small donations from a large number of individuals, often online. GoFundMe has become a powerful platform for individuals and organizations to raise funds for various causes. These range from medical expenses and emergency relief to community projects and personal aspirations. However, many users of the […]
What Happens If You Ignore IRS Collection Letters? The Worst Case Scenario
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “can I ignore the IRS?”, you’re not alone. Many taxpayers feel overwhelmed by notices from the IRS and hope that ignoring them will make the problem disappear. Unfortunately, the reality is far more serious. Ignoring IRS collection letters can trigger a series of escalating actions, from mounting penalties to wage […]
IRS Warns of New ‘Notification of IRS Audit & Investigation’ Phishing Scam Targeting Taxpayers
Tax scams are evolving fast, and cybercriminals have found new ways to exploit fear, urgency, and trust. One of the latest threats making the rounds involves fake IRS emails with the subject line “Notification of IRS Audit & Investigation.” These emails look authentic, reference IRS procedures, and often include official-sounding language designed to make you […]
The Difference Between a Tax Levy and a Tax Lien
Falling behind on your taxes can lead to serious consequences, but few IRS collection actions create more confusion, or fear, than tax liens and tax levies. Although the two terms sound similar, they represent very different stages in the IRS collection process. A tax lien is the government’s legal claim to your property as security […]
File Now or File Later? How to Choose the Right Tax Filing Strategy | Optima Tax Relief
Not sure whether to file your tax returns now or wait? CEO David King and Chief Tax Officer & Lead Tax Attorney Philip Hwang discuss how timing your filing can impact your situation, when it’s better to renegotiate a payment plan, and whether filing early, filing an extension, or hiring a professional could save you […]
How to Report Employer Stock Options on Your Taxes
If your employer offers stock options as part of your compensation, you could have a powerful opportunity to build wealth, but also a complex tax situation to navigate. Whether you hold Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) or Non-Qualified Stock Options (NSOs), understanding how to report stock options on your tax return is crucial to avoid costly […]
Tax Filing Tips for Flight Attendants and Pilots
Pilots and flight attendants navigate a unique work environment; one that stretches across states, time zones, and even continents. While this lifestyle comes with freedom and travel perks, it also creates special tax challenges. Understanding how pilot taxes and flight attendant deductions work is essential for accurate filing and for avoiding missed opportunities to reduce […]
Tax Guide for Online Sellers: What Happens When You Sell Personal Items
Selling personal items online has become a common practice. Many people do this through platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Offerup, or Poshmark. Many people sell items they no longer need, such as clothing, electronics, or furniture. While selling a few personal belongings may seem straightforward, there are tax implications to consider. Understanding when and how […]
What Assets Can the IRS Seize?
It can be difficult and frustrating to deal with tax debt. You might be concerned about whether the IRS has the right to seize your assets if you owe taxes to them and haven’t taken steps to address the debt. Understanding which assets the IRS can seize is crucial for taxpayers, particularly those facing financial […]
Why S Corps Get Flagged for IRS Audits
An S corporation, or S Corp, offers small business owners a flexible way to reduce tax liability while maintaining corporate protections. But with those advantages comes heightened attention from the IRS. While S Corps aren’t inherently more likely to be audited than other entities, they do present specific S Corp audit triggers, issues that commonly […]