Taxes

What Documents Do I Need to File My Taxes? 

Key Takeaways  Gathering your SSN or ITIN, prior-year tax return, and all income documents before filing helps reduce errors, delays,...

What are “Above-the-Line” Deductions?  | Optima Tax Relief

Key Takeaways  Above-the-line deductions reduce your income before Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is calculated, directly lowering taxable income and potentially...

How to Respond to IRS Notice CP2000 

Key Takeaways  IRS Notice CP2000 is not an audit or a bill, it is a proposed adjustment based on income mismatches between...

What are Qualified Charitable Distributions? 

Key Takeaways   Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) allow direct IRA-to-charity transfers that reduce taxable income without requiring itemized deductions.  In 2026, QCDs...

How AI Is Changing Tax Compliance and Enforcement 

Key Takeaways  AI in tax compliance is already here; tax authorities use it to review returns, select audits, detect fraud,...

Roth IRA Penalties: What Are They & How Do I Avoid Them?

Key Takeaways Roth IRA penalties can include a 10% early withdrawal penalty and income taxes if you take out earnings...

Selling your business? Don’t let sales tax derail the deal

When founders begin thinking about selling their business, the focus is usually on valuation, growth, and finding the right buyer....

Taxes on Inherited Accounts | Optima Tax Relief

Key Takeaways:   Most inherited retirement accounts are taxable. Distributions from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s are taxed as ordinary income, while...

IRS Phishing Emails: Real Examples and Warning Signs

Key Takeaways   IRS phishing emails are common and sophisticated, often impersonating the IRS to steal personal data, money, or login...

Wage Garnishment on Student Loans: How it Works and How to Stop It

Key Takeaways   Student loan wage garnishment happens after default, which typically occurs after 270 days of nonpayment on federal student loans.  The...

Setting Up Your Sales Tax Calculation the Right Way in 2026

Getting sales tax right on your invoices is one of the most critical parts of managing sales and use tax compliance....

Tax Deductions for Therapists  | Optima Tax Relief

Key Takeaways  Understanding therapist tax deductions helps reduce taxable income and reinvest in your practice. Ordinary and necessary expenses, like...