Andrew Samaniego | Tax Resolution Blog | CA

Walked past my favorite East San Diego bar yesterday.
Empty.

Stools flipped.

“Closed Permanently” sign in the window.

Not because their cocktails weren’t amazing.
(Trust me, they were)

But because of what I call the “San Diego Small Business Tax Trap.”

After years of helping local businesses here (while the Navy’s kept us stationed in America’s Finest City), I’ve watched too many San Diego dreams die because of three lethal tax mistakes.

That bar owner?
Called me last week.
Too late. (way too late)
IRS had already emptied his accounts.

“But we were packed every weekend!” he told me.
(Packed doesn’t mean profitable)

Mistake #1: The Cash Flow Confusion
They’d look at their POS system nightly.
Bar tabs flowing = success, right?
Wrong.
They forgot about the silent partner taking 30%+ off the top.
(Hint: Uncle Sam doesn’t accept happy hour specials as payment)

Mistake #2: The Employee/Contractor Crisis
Treated all his bartenders as contractors.
“They set their own schedules!” he argued.
IRS disagreed.
$180,000 bill.
Goodbye craft cocktail dreams.

Mistake #3: The DIY Disaster
Did his own bookkeeping after midnight shifts.
“QuickBooks makes it easy!” he said.
Missed payroll deposits.
Three years later?
IRS bill bigger than his liquor inventory.

Here’s what kills me:

• All preventable.
• All fixable.
• IF caught early.

That’s why every time I see a new bar open in San Diego, I’m not just thinking about their drink menu…
I’m wondering if they know what’s coming.

Because in San Diego?
Perfect weather and ocean views aren’t enough to save your business from an IRS storm.

Running a San Diego small business?
Not sure about your tax situation?

Schedule a Call and let’s make sure your business doesn’t become another “Closed Permanently” story I walk past.

Still missing those sunset happy hours,
Andrew “The Thirsty (Former) Sailor” Samaniego, EA

P.S. The IRS is especially thirsty for San Diego businesses right now. Their automated systems are flagging more local businesses than ever.

As I pack up for Easter at my parents’ mountain home (where wild bunnies apparently got the memo about the holiday), I can’t help but reflect on the patterns I’ve seen this tax season.

Let me break down what I’ve observed, and trust me, there’s a crucial lesson here about tax problems that might hit close to home.

The Good: The Tax Boy Scouts
Think of these clients as the financial equivalent of people who pack emergency kits in their cars – they’re prepared for everything.

What made them successful?

• W-2 workers: Updated their W-4s strategically
• Self-employed folks: Made estimated tax payments like clockwork
• Gig workers: Used bookkeeping apps religiously
• Result: Refunds or zero balance due

The Bad: The “Oops, I Forgot About Taxes” Club
These clients aren’t bad people – they just made some costly oversights.

Common mistakes:

• Raided retirement accounts without tax planning
• Sold investments without considering tax implications
• Expected tax magic (spoiler: tax returns are just report cards of past decisions)

The Ugly: The Ghosters
Here’s where things get concerning. A shocking 90% of my non-filers this year were people already dealing with tax problems.

The pattern:

• Already had unfiled returns
• Existing tax debt
• Ignored multiple outreach attempts
• Radio silence until… well, who knows?

Here’s the Truth Bomb:
Tax problems are like that check engine light you’ve been ignoring. It won’t fix itself, and the longer you wait:

• Penalties grow daily
• Interest compounds
• Collection actions escalate
• Resolution options diminish
• Costs to fix it multiply

Real Life Example:
Let’s talk numbers. A $50,000 tax debt from 2022:

• Original debt: $50,000
• After 1 year: $65,000 (with penalties and interest)
• After 2 years: $82,000
• After 3 years: $100,000+

That’s like paying for a luxury car but getting nothing in return.

The IRS isn’t like those wild bunnies in my parents’ backyard – they don’t hop away when ignored. They multiply your problems instead.

What You Can Do Right Now:

1. Stop avoiding the problem
2. Get a clear picture of what you owe
3. Understand your options
4. Create an action plan

[Schedule Your Free Consultation]

During your consultation, we’ll:

• Review your tax situation
• Calculate your actual debt
• Explore resolution options
• Create a strategic plan
• Discuss protection strategies

Remember: The IRS has a 10-year statute of limitations to collect. That’s a long time to look over your shoulder.

Don’t let tax problems haunt you while interest and penalties pile up. Let’s tackle this head-on.

[Book Your Free Consultation Now]

As I head to the mountains this Easter, I hope you’ll take this moment to face your tax challenges. Unlike those mountain bunnies, tax problems don’t make cute holiday mascots.

Ready to clear up your tax issues? Let’s talk.

Andrew Samaniego, EA
Your Tax Problem Solver

P.S. The best time to handle tax problems was yesterday. The second best time is now.

Let me share a story about unexpected disasters and the relief of finding help.

Yesterday, while preparing for my son’s birthday party, I experienced that sudden stomach-dropping moment we all dread. You know the one – where something goes terribly wrong and your mind immediately jumps to dollar signs.

My garage door crashed off its tracks, metal springs flying everywhere, all because a simple broom tipped over. In that moment, my mind raced with worst-case scenarios. Four figures? Five? How much would this set us back?

But here’s the thing – when the expert came this morning, what I thought would be a financial nightmare turned into a manageable $300 fix.

This reminded me of conversations I have every day with people facing IRS debt.

The Paralysis of Tax Debt

I see it constantly – good people dealing with:

• Sleepless nights
• Unopened IRS letters
• Constant anxiety about bank accounts being levied
• Fear of losing their business or home
• The shame of owing five, six, or even seven figures in back taxes

They’ve usually tried everything:

• Ignoring it (hoping it goes away)
• Making minimum payments (that barely touch the principal)
• Attempting to negotiate with the IRS themselves
• Living in constant fear of what comes next

Just like my garage door situation, they’re stuck imagining worst-case scenarios.

The Relief of Expert Help

But here’s what most people don’t know: Just like my $300 garage repair that I thought would cost thousands, tax debt often has solutions that are far more manageable than you’d expect.

Recent Client Example:

• Initial Tax Debt: $230,000
• Final Settlement: $12,000
• Relief: 95% reduction

Another Example:

• Initial Tax Debt: $87,000
• Final Settlement: $8,700
• Relief: 90% reduction

The Common Thread

In both cases, these clients waited years before reaching out. Years of stress, anxiety, and sleepless nights – all because they thought their situation was hopeless.

Don’t Wait Another Day

If you’re reading this while dealing with tax debt, ask yourself:

• How long have you been carrying this burden?
• What’s it costing you in stress and anxiety?
• What would it feel like to finally resolve this?

The First Step is Simple

Just like I called that garage door expert, your first step is just as straightforward. Schedule a free, confidential consultation with me. We’ll:

• Review your situation
• Explore your options
• Create a clear action plan
• Show you the light at the end of the tunnel

Click here to schedule your free consultation.

Remember: The IRS has programs designed to help taxpayers resolve their debt. But you need to know how to navigate them properly.

Don’t let another day pass carrying this burden alone. Let’s turn your tax nightmare into a success story.

P.S. That feeling of relief my garage door repair gave me? That’s what I deliver to my clients every day. Let’s talk about how we can do the same for you.

How High Earners Can Avoid Unexpected Tax Bills

The phone call always starts the same way:
“How do I owe over $10,000 in taxes?!”

As an Enrolled Agent, I hear this more often than you’d think. Let me share a recent story that might sound familiar…

A military power couple — both high-ranking officers — came to me for tax preparation. Their income sources seemed straightforward:
 • Two military W-2s
 • Some “casual” day trading on Robinhood

Simple enough, right?

Wrong.

When I finished their return, they were shocked by a five-figure tax bill. “But they take taxes from us all year long!” they protested.

Here’s what happened — and why it matters to you.

The Three Tax Traps for High Earners

If you’re facing an unexpected tax bill, it usually comes down to these three culprits:

1. Insufficient Withholding
    • Your W-4 isn’t optimized for your total income
    • Multiple income sources complicate your tax situation
    • Deductions changed from previous years
2. Self-Employment Income Without Estimated Taxes
    • Side businesses
    • Consulting work
    • 1099 income
3. Capital Gains
    • Stock market trades
    • Cryptocurrency transactions
    • Real estate sales
    • Investment property income

In my military couple’s case, their successful day trading created significant capital gains — but their withholding was only set up for their military pay and guess what? They werent witholding enough.

The $10,000+ Problem… And Its Solution

Here’s what most people do:
 • File taxes
 • Get shocked by the bill
 • Pay it
 • Repeat the cycle next year

Here’s what smart taxpayers do:
 • Work with a tax advisor
 • Plan throughout the year
 • Adjust withholdings proactively
 • Maximize available deductions
 • Structure investments tax-efficiently

The Missing Piece: Tax Planning

Think of it this way:
 • Tax preparation is looking in the rearview mirror
 • Tax planning is looking through the windshield

For high earners and business owners, tax planning isn’t optional — it’s essential.

What Professional Tax Planning Includes:
 • Quarterly review of income and projections
 • Strategic timing of income and deductions
 • Investment tax efficiency analysis
 • Business structure optimization
 • Retirement account strategies
 • Real estate tax planning

Your Next Steps

If you’re:
 • Earning over $100,000 annually
 • Running a successful business
 • Actively investing
 • Or combining multiple income streams

You need more than just tax preparation. You need a tax strategy.

Here’s What To Do:

1. Schedule a Tax Strategy Session
    We’ll review:
    • Your current tax situation
    • Potential savings opportunities
    • Customized tax planning strategies
    • Implementation timeline
2. Get a Clear Action Plan
    • Specific steps to optimize your tax position
    • Quarterly checkpoints
    • Year-end strategies
3. Start Saving Money
    • Implement recommendations
    • Track progress
    • Adjust as needed

Don’t wait for another $10,000 surprise.

Click here to schedule your Tax Strategy Session.

Special Offer: First-time clients receive a complimentary tax projection ($500 value) during their strategy session.

Until Next time,

Andrew “ The Planner” Samaniego, EA

Andrew Samaniego Tax Planning & Resolution

(619) 268–1084 | AndrewSamaniego.com

Remember: The best time to plan your taxes was last December. The second best time is today.

What a Terrifying Trail Ride Taught Me About Tax Problems

Last weekend, I took my wife on a Valentine’s date. Her choice? Horseback riding.

I’ll be honest — I was nervous. These aren’t exactly small animals we’re talking about. One wrong move and you could end up seriously hurt (if you’ve seen that episode of House of the Dragons, you know exactly what I mean).

But something interesting happened once I got in the saddle.

I realized that having a well-trained horse underneath you isn’t scary at all — it’s empowering.

Here’s where it gets interesting…

During our trail ride, we encountered a coyote less than 10 feet away. Now, if I had been hiking on foot, that would have been a tense situation. But sitting confidently on horseback? That coyote wasn’t about to try anything.

This got me thinking about the people I help with their tax problems every day.

Many come to me terrified because they haven’t filed taxes in years. They’re afraid of:
 • IRS penalties
 • Potential criminal charges
 • Bank account seizures
 • Wage garnishments
 • The shame of falling behind

Just like I was hesitant to get on that horse, they’re scared to face their tax situation.

But here’s what I’ve learned after helping hundreds of people with unfiled returns:

The Fear Is Always Worse Than The Solution

Think about it:
• On foot? A coyote is scary.
• On horseback? You’re in control.

• Facing the IRS alone? Terrifying.
• With an Enrolled Agent? You’ve got an expert in your corner.

Real Client Story:
 Last month, I met with someone who hadn’t filed since 2014. They thought prison was in their future. Instead, we:
• Got all returns filed (the ones that needed to be filed)
 • Negotiated an Offer (he paid almost nothing)
 • Avoided criminal charges
 • Restored their peace of mind

Your “Horse” Is Waiting

As an Enrolled Agent, I’m licensed by the federal government to represent taxpayers before the IRS. Think of me as your trained horse on this journey:
 • I know the terrain
 • I can handle the obstacles
 • I’ll get you safely to your destination
 • I’ll keep those “coyotes” (IRS agents) at bay

The Trail Forward

Remember how I felt before getting on that horse? Nervous, unsure, maybe a little scared?

That’s normal. But just like I trusted that horse to carry me safely through the trail, you can trust an Enrolled Agent to guide you through your tax journey.

Take The First Step

Ready to stop looking over your shoulder for the IRS “coyote”?

Schedule a confidential consultation with me. We’ll discuss:
 • Your specific situation
 • Available options
 • A clear path forward
 • Immediate steps to protect yourself

Click here a link to schedule your private consultation.

No judgment. No shame. Just solutions.

Remember: Just like that trail ride, the journey might seem scary at first, but with the right guide, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to take that first step.

Until Next time,

Andrew “ *Neigh* ” Samaniego, EA

Andrew Samaniego Tax Planning & Resolution

(619) 268–1084 | AndrewSamaniego.com

P.S. — During our consultation, we’ll spend about 30 minutes mapping out your path to tax resolution. Everything is completely confidential.

Let me tell you a story that happened to me just yesterday…

For weeks, my wife Kanoe had been smelling gas near our fireplace. Like many people who sense trouble, I did what most of us do — I ignored it. Sometimes I’d check, smell nothing, and convince myself everything was fine.

(I’ll even admit to something really stupid — I lit a match near it to “test” it. Don’t ever do that.)

Finally, after weeks (maybe months) of this nagging worry, I called the gas company.

The technician showed up, turned on his detector, and immediately the device went crazy — violent beeping, flashing red lights.

His words sent chills down my spine: “Your house is in the higher explosive limit. We need to turn off your gas now.”

We were literally sitting on a time bomb.

Here’s where this story hits close to home for many of you reading this…

Because this is exactly what happens with unfiled taxes.

The Parallels Are Striking:

• First, you miss filing one year. Maybe life got complicated, or you didn’t have the money to pay.
 • You smell trouble, but like my gas leak, you try to ignore it.
 • Years start piling up. The worry grows.
 • You know you should do something, but the longer you wait, the scarier it becomes.
 • Every time you get mail, your heart skips a beat — is this the IRS?

Just like my gas leak, tax problems don’t go away on their own. They get worse.

But here’s the good news — just like I called in experts to fix my gas leak (and they fixed it that same night), you can get help with your tax situation.

The Truth About Unfiled Taxes:

I’ve helped hundreds of people get back on track with the IRS, and here’s what I’ve learned:

1. The IRS is often more reasonable than you think
2. There are multiple programs available to help you
3. The solution is usually less painful than the worry
4. The sooner you act, the more options you have

Real Story:
 Last month, I worked with a client who hadn’t filed in 6 years. He thought he was facing financial ruin. We got his returns filed, negotiated with the IRS, and set up a monthly payment he could actually afford. Now he sleeps at night.

What Could Happen If You Don’t Act:
 • Bank levies
 • Wage garnishments
 • Tax liens
 • Criminal charges (in extreme cases)

What We Can Do:
 • Get you back into compliance
 • File your missing returns
 • Negotiate with the IRS
 • Set up manageable payment plans
 • Potentially reduce your tax debt
 • Give you peace of mind

Don’t Wait For Your “Gas Detector” Moment

My gas leak could have been catastrophic. But it wasn’t — because I finally took action.

Your tax situation might feel overwhelming right now. But I promise you — it can be fixed.

Take The First Step

Schedule a confidential consultation with me. We’ll discuss:
 • Your specific situation
 • Available options
 • A clear path forward
 • Immediate steps to protect yourself

Here’s What To Do:
 Click here to schedule your private consultation.

No judgment. No lecture. Just solutions.

Remember: The IRS has deadlines and procedures that can affect your options. The sooner you act, the more we can help.

Don’t let your unfiled taxes become your ticking time bomb.

Until Next Time,

Andrew “Fire Bomb” Samaniego

P.S. — Wondering what happens in our consultation? We’ll spend about 30 minutes discussing your situation and creating a plan. Everything is completely confidential and no sales pitches.