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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 tax-advantaged programs. Federal […]
Tax Relief for Seniors: IRS Programs You Should Know
Retirement can bring significant changes to your finances, but turning 65 does not automatically mean you stop paying taxes or that the IRS will forgive tax debt. However, tax relief for seniors may be available through tax deductions, credits, free tax preparation […]
What To Do If You Receive IRS Notice CP23
Receiving a notice from the IRS can be overwhelming, especially if it’s unexpected. One such notice is IRS Notice CP23, which indicates that the IRS found a difference between the estimated tax payments you reported on your tax return and the payments […]