Customer-first approach earns continued recognition for service excellence Optima Tax Relief, the nation’s leading tax resolution firm, has been honored with one Gold and two Silver Stevie® Awards in the 20th Annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, marking the company’s seventh […]
Is Tax Relief Legit? How to Spot Real Help vs Scams
If you owe the IRS money, you’ve likely encountered bold ads promising to “settle your tax debt for pennies on the dollar” or “OIC guaranteed!” For someone under financial stress, those claims can feel hopeful but also suspicious. That’s why so many taxpayers ask the same question: is […]
Tax Deductions for Therapists
Therapists spend years mastering clinical skills, yet most receive little training in tax strategy. That gap can cost thousands of dollars annually and create unnecessary financial stress. Understanding tax deductions for therapists is not about aggressive tactics or loopholes. It is about applying the […]
Optima Newsletter-February
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 […]
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 […]
2026 Tax Season Trends Part 2: What to Expect for Owed Taxes and Offer in Compromise – Optima Tax Relief
Wondering what the 2026 tax season will look like? CEO David King and Chief Tax Officer & Lead Tax Attorney Philip Hwang share their insights, diving into trends around taxpayers who owe, total balances owed, and the future of Offer in Compromise […]
What Is IRS Automated Collection System (ACS)?
When taxpayers fall behind on federal taxes, the IRS doesn’t immediately assign an agent to seize assets or make in-person visits. Instead, most delinquent accounts are first routed through a centralized enforcement program known as the IRS Automated Collection System, commonly referred to as ACS. This system […]
Are Incarcerated Individuals Required to File Taxes?
Many people believe that incarceration automatically removes a person’s obligation to file taxes. This assumption is understandable, but it is incorrect. The IRS does not exempt individuals from federal tax responsibilities simply because they are incarcerated. Instead, tax filing requirements depend on […]
Schedule C Mistakes That Trigger IRS Audits
Filing Schedule C is unavoidable for sole proprietors, freelancers, and gig workers—but it also places your tax return under closer IRS scrutiny. Because Schedule C relies heavily on self-reported income and deductions, even small mistakes can raise red flags. In fact, many IRS audits […]
What Happens If You Ignore IRS Tax Debt? Timelines, Penalties, and Next Steps
Ignoring IRS tax debt is rarely an intentional decision, but it is a common one. Many taxpayers delay action out of fear, confusion, or the belief that the IRS will not act quickly. Unfortunately, when you ignore IRS tax debt, the consequences […]