If you owe back taxes and are exploring ways to resolve your debt, understanding reasonable collection potential (RCP) is critical. It is one of the most influential and often misunderstood factors the IRS uses when determining how aggressively to pursue collection and whether to […]
Ask Phil: Reddit Question: Why Do I Owe $23K for 2019-2020 Taxes?
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 […]
Filing Taxes After an Extension: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Filing a tax extension can feel like a lifesaver when you’re running out of time—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood parts of the tax process. Many taxpayers assume an extension eliminates urgency, when in reality, it simply shifts the timeline for filing—not paying. As a result, a […]
Tax Lawyer vs. Tax Relief Company: Key Differences
When you’re facing IRS problems whether it’s back taxes, wage garnishments, liens, or an audit, the decision between hiring a tax lawyer or a tax relief company can feel overwhelming. While both options offer valuable assistance, they serve very different purposes. Understanding these differences is essential, because choosing the wrong type of […]
Form 4852 Explained: How to File Taxes Without a W-2 or 1099-R
Filing your taxes without essential documents like a W-2 or 1099-R can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. The IRS provides a solution in the form of form 4852, which allows taxpayers to report income and withholding when official forms are missing or incorrect. Whether […]
What is Form 1098-T?
Form 1098-T is an important tax document for students and parents navigating education-related tax benefits. Issued by eligible educational institutions, this form provides details on tuition and related expenses. It is meant to help taxpayers determine their eligibility for valuable tax credits. Understanding Form […]
Ask Phil: Should I Wait 60 days to file my taxes?
Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, answers another question from Reddit about getting back into tax compliance. In this case, the taxpayer hasn’t filed taxes in 10 years and was told by an enrolled agent that they likely only need to […]
What are Capital Losses?
Capital losses are one of the most important and often misunderstood concepts in tax planning and investing. Whether you’re trading stocks, selling real estate, or managing a diversified portfolio, understanding capital losses can help you minimize your tax burden and make smarter financial decisions. At a […]
What are Realized Gains?
Understanding what are realized gains is essential for anyone investing, selling property, or managing finances. Whether you’re trading stocks, selling real estate, or disposing of business assets, realized gains directly impact your taxable income and overall financial strategy. At a basic level, realized gains represent the profit you actually “lock […]
What Do Tax Attorneys Do?
Understanding what tax attorneys do is essential if you’re facing tax issues, planning for the future, or simply trying to stay compliant with complex tax laws. While many people associate taxes with accountants or software, tax attorneys play a very different—and often critical—role. They provide legal guidance, represent clients in disputes, and […]