Ask Phil Video Series

Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, breaks down one of the most common tax questions taxpayers face: Should you itemize your deductions or take the standard deduction? The answer depends on your individual financial situation and whether your […]

Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, breaks down IRS Form 9297, Summary of Taxpayer Contact, and what it means if you receive one in the mail. While this notice may sound intimidating, understanding what it is—and what […]

Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, answers one of the most common questions taxpayers ask every year: “Where’s my refund?” The answer depends on how you chose to receive it.  Direct Deposit vs. Paper Check  The first thing to […]

Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, explains what’s “On TAP” for taxpayers this year—and no, he’s not talking about drinks. TAP stands for the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel, a Federal Advisory Committee to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), that serves as the […]

Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, shares three things he would never do as a taxpayer-and one thing he always makes sure to do every tax season.  Don’t Trust Guaranteed Refund Promises  If you’re hiring someone to prepare your taxes, it’s important […]

Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, shares his least favorite IRS notice—and surprisingly, it’s not the final levy notice many taxpayers fear. Instead, it’s the CP2000 notice.  What Is a CP2000 Notice?  A CP2000 notice is sent when the IRS believes you failed to report all […]

Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, answers a common question: “Is filing taxes voluntary—do I really have to file?” The answer is yes… but also no. While the U.S. tax system is technically considered voluntary, there’s an important catch that […]

Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, answers a common concern: “I got a letter from the IRS saying I owe taxes from more than 10 years ago. Can they still collect?” The answer is yes—and it all comes down […]

Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, answers another question from Reddit: “Can I make an estimated tax payment before filing a 1040-X?” A Form 1040-X is used to amend a previously filed tax return, and in this […]

Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, answers another tax question from Reddit: “I just received an IRS letter saying I owe $23,000 for 2019 and 2020 taxes I never filed. Has anyone successfully negotiated this down?”  How […]