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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 and […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]