If you’ve received multiple letters from the IRS and they’re throwing around words like lien and levy, you’re not wrong to feel anxious. Those terms sound extreme, and most IRS notices are not written for regular people. Let’s break this down in simple terms so you can understand where you
Holiday Pay, Overtime, and Seasonal Work: Why Your Paycheck Looks Over-Taxed
If you work a part-time job, pick up seasonal shifts, or earn overtime or holiday pay, you’ve probably had this experience: you work extra hours, get a bigger paycheck than usual, and then feel disappointed when taxes take a much bigger bite than expected. Many workers assume something went wrong
What to Do When You Discover a Loved One’s Hidden Tax Debt: A Guide for Spouses, Heirs, and Families
Finding out that a spouse, partner, or even a deceased loved one had hidden tax debt can feel overwhelming. It's not uncommon to feel a sense of betrayal, fear, confusion -- made all the more nauseating when you look it up and discover there's real financial and legal consequences. Whether the debt
When W2 and 1099 Collide: How to Handle Mixed Income Without Overpaying Taxes
If your household has a mix of W2 and 1099 income — maybe one person works a traditional job while taking on freelance projects, another runs a small side business, and someone else earns full-time wages — tax season can quickly get confusing. It’s not unusual for families in this situation to
Should You Hire a CPA If All Your Income Is W‑2?
If you’re a W-2 employee working in Washington State, you may wonder whether hiring a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is worthwhile. While many CPA benefits are more typical for business owners or freelancers, W-2 employees in Washington can still gain significant advantages from professional tax
Taxes from Gambling in Washington State
Is Gambling Legal in Washington? Yes, gambling is legal in Washington—but only under specific conditions. Washington State has some of the strictest gambling laws in the country, but there are still opportunities to legally place bets. Here’s the breakdown: What's Legal: What’s Not
Form 1040X: Correcting Your Tax Return with Confidence
Mistakes happen, even on tax returns. That’s where Form 1040X comes in—a powerful tool for taxpayers to correct errors or omissions in previously filed tax returns. Whether you forgot to include certain income, overlooked a credit, or made an honest error, Form 1040X allows you to set things
1099-K Forms: What you Need to Know about Online Payments
Tax season can feel overwhelming, especially with the increasing complexity of online payment platforms. If you’ve been using services like PayPal, eBay, Zelle, or Venmo, you might encounter the 1099-K form amidst your paperwork. This document is crucial for reporting certain income earned through








