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Affordable Newsletter – July 2023

Am I Responsible for My Spouse’s Back Taxes? Marriage is viewed as a union of two individuals, joining both their lives and responsibilities. As financial obligations and responsibilities intertwine, questions arise about whether one spouse is accountable for the other’s past tax liabilities. In this article, we will delve into the concept of spousal responsibility […]

Tax Tips for Resident and Non-Resident Aliens: Part 2

When it comes to filing taxes as a resident or non-resident alien, the first step is determining your alien status for tax purposes. If you satisfy the requirements of either the IRS green card test or the substantial presence test, you will be considered a resident alien for tax purposes. If you cannot meet the […]

Tax Tips for Resident and Non-Resident Aliens: Part 1

Did you know you are required to pay taxes on your income even if you are not an American citizen? The same is true even if you spend some of your time abroad. One important thing to note, however, is the way you are taxed is determined by your alien status. In other words, resident […]

AGI vs. MAGI

Most taxpayers are used to seeing the term adjusted gross income, or AGI, when filing their tax returns. This is mostly due to the fact that your AGI dictates which tax credits and deductions you qualify for. While the term modified adjusted gross income, or MAGI, is not heard as often, it too plays a […]

Ask Phil: What is an IRS Levy Notice?

Today, Affordable Tax Relief’s Lead Tax Attorney, Phil Hwang, discusses IRS notices, including when you can expect a notice to turn into enforcement and how to respond to a notice.  When does the IRS Levy? Receiving an IRS notice can be very intimidating, especially when you are being notified of a tax balance due. But […]

1099s Explained: FAQs

Form 1099 is more common than ever with many taxpayers turning to side hustles for extra income. Now that we have a good understanding of what types of 1099s there are and what they are used for, we can review some of the most frequently asked questions about them. Here are some of the most […]

What are Deferred Tax Liabilities?

Last week we broke down deferred tax assets and how they can help reduce tax liability. Today, we’re breaking down its counterpart: deferred tax liabilities. But what exactly is a deferred tax liability, and how does it work? Here’s an overview of deferred tax liabilities, how they arise, and their implications for businesses and individuals.  […]

Ask Phil: The 411 on Tax Scams

Today, Affordable Tax Relief’s Lead Tax Attorney, Phil Hwang, discusses tax scams, including how to spot them and how to avoid being conned.  Tax fraud and scams are growing in popularity and have even recently taken on newer forms. Taxpayers are often conned over text, phone, email, and even regular postal mail. Some taxpayers have […]

What Are Deferred Tax Assets?

When looking into the net worth of a business or individual, one of the first couple of things we look at are assets and liabilities. Assets are resources or properties owned by an individual, organization, or entity that have value. They can be used to generate future economic benefits. Real estate, vehicles, cash, inventory, intellectual […]

How Are Gambling Winnings Taxed?

Most people dabble in gambling at some point in life. It might look like a day at the racetrack, a quick stop at the gas station for a lottery ticket, or a weekend in Las Vegas. The IRS views all these activities as gambling, among many others. More importantly, the IRS wants everyone to know […]