Tax withholding is a concept that many individuals encounter throughout their lives, whether as employees, freelancers, or business owners. Withholding too little tax from your paychecks can result in a tax bill during tax time, while withholding too much tax can result […]
Ask Phil: What is a CSED?
Today, Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, answers a Reddit question about CSEDs: “If my CSED is 11/15/25, does it expire at the beginning or end of the month?” To get there, he breaks down what a Collection Statute Expiration […]
Estimated Quarterly Tax Payments Explained
For freelancers, self-employed individuals, and small business owners, managing finances is an integral part of their professional journey. One key aspect of financial responsibility is handling taxes. For those with income not subject to withholding, estimated quarterly taxes become a crucial obligation. […]
2026 Tax Changes: What You Need to Know
The 2026 tax year brings a mix of inflation-based adjustments and structural reforms that will affect how much many Americans owe or save when they file their returns in 2027. Driven largely by routine IRS indexing and major provisions from the One Big Beautiful […]
Qualifying Surviving Spouse Filing Status Explained
Qualifying Surviving Spouse Eligibility The qualifying spouse filing status, previously known as the qualifying widow(er) status, is a tax-filing option available to individuals who have lost their spouse. You can use qualifying spouse for the two tax years after your spouse’s death […]
Ask Phil: 5 Helpful Tax Tips If You’re Self-Employed
Today, Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, shares five essential tax tips every self-employed individual should know. Tip 1: Make Your Quarterly Estimated Payments As a self-employed taxpayer, you are responsible for paying your taxes quarterly. Missing these payments […]
Top Strategies to Pay Off Back Taxes Faster
Owing back taxes can quickly become one of the most stressful financial problems a person faces. Penalties and interest continue to grow, IRS notices become more aggressive, and many taxpayers aren’t sure which option will actually help them resolve the debt faster rather than […]
What Happens If You Owe the IRS But Move Out of the Country?
If you owe the IRS and move out of the country, your tax problems do not stay behind. Many taxpayers believe that relocating abroad puts them outside the reach of the IRS, but U.S. tax law does not work that way. In fact, moving […]
Filing Taxes as a Professional Athlete
Professional athletes face some of the most complex tax rules in the U.S. tax system. High earnings, short career spans, frequent travel, multi-state income, endorsements, and evolving tax laws create challenges that go far beyond a typical W-2 job. Understanding athlete taxes is not […]
Stay Ahead of the IRS in 2026: Estimated Taxes, Recordkeeping, and New Child Account Rules – Optima Tax Relief
Looking to finish 2025 strong and stay on track for 2026? CEO David King and Chief Tax Officer & Lead Tax Attorney Philip Hwang share essential end-of-year tax tips, including how to manage estimated payments, keep accurate records, avoid penalties, and navigate […]