Woman smiling while checking her FICA tax refund on smartphone, sitting with laptop at home, illustrating the satisfaction of reclaiming hard-earned cash.

FICA Tax Refund: How to Reclaim your Hard-Earned Cash

Decoding complex taxes like FICA as a student or visa holder in the US can make your head spin. But here’s an overlooked opportunity to reclaim your hard-earned cash: FICA tax refunds. These Federal Insurance Contributions Act taxes fund Social Security and Medicare programs via payroll deductions. However, IRS guidelines exempt many nonresident aliens and […]

Person working on tax documents related to IRS Code 290, with calculator, notebook, and laptop on desk, illustrating the process of decoding and addressing tax issues.

How to Decode IRS Code 290 and Protect Your Refund

Seeing IRS Code 290 on your tax transcript can be confusing and concerning, especially when you’re expecting a nice refund. What does it mean? Does it mean you actually owe the IRS more money? Getting that refund is important, so understanding this code protects your hard-earned cash. We’ll explain exactly its meaning, when you might […]

Tax professional in suit working on financial documents, using calculator and laptop, illustrating the pros and cons of hiring a tax professional for complex tax situations.

Pros and Cons of Hiring a Tax Professional: Tips you’ll Love

Tax season conjures thoughts of organizing paperwork and tallying numbers for many Americans. The complexity of constantly changing tax laws and regulations leaves filers uncertain if they maximize deductions or missed something that could invite an audit. Hiring a CPA promises easier filing plus the confidence your tax return contain no errors. As an accounting […]

Woman expressing frustration while dealing with IRS Code 570 refund hold, surrounded by tax documents, computer, and paperwork on her desk, illustrating the stress of resolving tax issues.

IRS Code 570: How to Resolve your IRS Refund Hold

As tax season starts winding down, you’re anxious to get your hard-earned refund. But your excitement deflates when those three little numbers appear: IRS code 570. We get it – this code means the IRS pressed pause on processing your tax return, which might lead to an audit. While no need to panic yet, we […]

Tax Topic 151 preparation with IRS Form 1040, calculator, magnifying glass, and financial documents on wooden desk, illustrating the process of resolving IRS notices and calculating taxes.

IRS Tax Topic 151: Appeal Rights & How to Claim your Refund

As a reputable accounting firm, we understand receiving correspondence from the IRS can be an anxious experience. Today we’ll explore the mysterious Tax Topic 151 notice—what it means and how to take action. With tax season underway, this informative guide will empower you to address such notices head-on. By the end, you’ll breathe easy knowing […]

IRS Direct File: All you need to know about this free service

The thought of doing taxes often triggers headaches for Americans. But what if filing could be free and easy directly through the IRS? Enter IRS direct file—the tax agency’s new permanent program launching in 2025 that allows taxpayers to seamlessly submit simple federal returns online without third-party software or tax preparers. Intriguing, right? In this […]

Personal Tax