Optima Tax Relief
Tax news, IRS updates, planning tips, and relief guidance from Optima Tax Relief.
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Latest posts
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2026 IRS Notice Guide: What Each Notice Means
Receiving a letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can be stressful, especially if it mentions unpaid taxes, proposed adjustments to your tax return, or potential collection action. However, not every IRS notice means you are being audited or that the IRS […]
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Which States Have No Income Tax? The 2026 List
Nine states do not tax wages or salaries: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. New Hampshire became fully income-tax free in 2025, when its tax on interest and dividends ended. Washington comes with an asterisk: it […]
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Optima Tax Shield: Tax Help for Victims of Tax Identity Theft
Tax identity theft occurs when someone uses another person’s personal information to commit tax-related fraud, such as filing a fraudulent tax return or attempting to claim a refund. Victims may not discover the problem until their legitimate tax return is rejected or […]
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Why Do Taxpayers Finally Act on Tax Problems? What Makes Them Seek Help
Knowing you have a tax problem and deciding to do something about it are not always the same thing. A taxpayer may know a return was never filed. They may know an IRS balance remains unpaid. They may even suspect that penalties […]
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Do Taxpayers Who Owe Trust the IRS? Why Many Are Unsure About Enforcement
If you owe the IRS money, how likely do you think it is that the agency will find you, enforce the balance, or take action? In Optima Tax Relief’s 2025 Annual Report, which surveyed every client who enrolled in resolution services during […]
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Ask Phil: Can’t Pay a Large IRS Debt? How to Reverse a Passport Restriction
Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, answers another question from Reddit from a taxpayer who owes more than $230,000 to the IRS, has had their passport suspended, and can’t afford to pay the tax liability in full. […]
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How Does Self-Employment Tax Work?
If you’re self-employed, you likely know that managing your taxes can feel more complicated than simply having an employer deduct them from your paycheck. One of the most critical aspects of your tax responsibility is self-employment tax, which covers Social Security and […]
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IRS Enforcement Is Changing: Why Tax Notices Still Matter in 2026
The IRS looks different than it did just a few years ago. Its workforce has contracted, enforcement resources have changed, and some traditional enforcement functions have become less visible. For taxpayers, that may create the impression that the IRS is watching less […]
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Why Taxpayers Wait to Resolve Tax Problems: Insights From Optima Tax Relief’s 2025 Annual Report
Tax problems rarely appear overnight. For many taxpayers, an unresolved tax issue can grow gradually—from a missed filing or unpaid balance into years of penalties, interest, notices, and uncertainty. But why do people wait to address these problems, even when they know […]
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October 15 Tax Deadline What Happens If You Miss It?
Wondering what happens if you miss the October 15 tax filing extension deadline? CEO David King and Chief Tax Officer & Lead Tax Attorney Philip Hwang explain how tax extensions work, why taxes owed are still due by the April filing deadline, […]
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New Optima Tax Relief Annual Report Finds Taxpayers See a Quieter IRS—But Automated Enforcement Is Still Reaching Them
Annual report examines the retreat in IRS enforcement capacity, growing taxpayer skepticism, and what ultimately prompts taxpayers to address unresolved tax issues. A new report from Optima Tax Relief finds that while the IRS has experienced a significant decline in workforce…
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IRS Interest Rates Remain the Same for Q4 2026: What Taxpayers Need to Know
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced on August 21, 2026, that interest rates will remain unchanged for the fourth quarter of 2026, beginning October 1. These rates, which remain in effect through December 31, 2026, apply to taxpayers with outstanding tax balances […]
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Ask Phil: Can the IRS Charge You $5,000 for a Frivolous Tax Return?
Today, Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, shares an important warning for taxpayers: filing a frivolous tax return can result in a $5,000 civil penalty. Under IRC Section 6702, the IRS has identified dozens of arguments, listed […]
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Tax Lien vs. Levy: Key Differences and How to Respond
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. […]
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How the IRS Finds Out About Your Assets
The IRS has a reputation for being one of the most powerful collection agencies in the world, and for good reason. When you owe back taxes or fail to report income, the IRS has multiple ways of uncovering what you own and […]
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My Offer in Compromise was Rejected. Now What?
If your Offer in Compromise (OIC) is rejected by the IRS, it can feel discouraging, but you still have options. Understanding why the offer was rejected and how to proceed can empower you to pursue alternative solutions for addressing your tax debt. […]
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Optima Newsletter-October
IRS Interest Rates Remain the Same for Q4 2026: What Taxpayers Need to Know The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced on August 21, 2026, that interest rates will remain unchanged for the fourth quarter of 2026, beginning October 1. These rates, which […]
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Tax Lawyer for Small Tax Debt: Is It Worth It?
If you owe the IRS a relatively small amount, you may wonder whether hiring a tax lawyer for small tax debt is worth the cost. After all, paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for professional assistance may not seem practical when your […]
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Do You Need an EIN for Your Side Business?
If you’re starting a side business, you may have already encountered the term Employer Identification Number (EIN). It’s a common topic of confusion for new business owners, particularly those who are running smaller, more casual operations. This article will help clarify when…
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Government Employee Tax Benefits Explained
Government employees generally pay federal income taxes just like employees in the private sector. However, government employee tax benefits can differ because federal, state, and local workers may have access to specialized retirement plans, pensions, health benefits, and other…