Andrew Samaniego | Tax Resolution Blog | CA

Tax Debt

The IRS’s “Secret” 6-Year Rule: Your Path Back to Tax Compliance

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I met with a client last week, his shoulders heavy with 11 years of unfiled tax returns. His biggest worry? Finding decade-old W-2s and 1099s that might as well be ancient scrolls by now.

Then I shared something that made him sit up straight in his chair.

The 6-Year Light at the End of the Tunnel

Here’s what most tax professionals won’t tell you: The IRS has a policy (specifically, Policy Statement 5–133) that typically requires only the last 6 years of returns to become compliant.

Let that sink in.

Those tax returns from 2015? Generally, you can let them rest in peace.

To put 6 years in perspective: In 2019, I was making one of the biggest decisions of my life — choosing my ship assignment after graduating from the Naval Academy. That feels like another lifetime ago, yet it’s still within our 6-year window.

What This Means For You:

If you’re behind on filing, you likely need:
 • Tax Year 2024
 • Tax Year 2023
 • Tax Year 2022
 • Tax Year 2021
 • Tax Year 2020
 • Tax Year 2019

Important Notes:

  1. This doesn’t mean older tax debts disappear
  2. Special circumstances might require additional years
  3. The sooner you start, the better your options

Why This Matters:
 • Fewer years = Less paperwork
 • Recent records are easier to obtain
 • More manageable tax resolution
 • Faster path to compliance

My client’s reaction? Pure relief. Instead of hunting down 11 years of documents, we could focus on a more manageable timeline.

Getting Started:

  1. Gather available documents for the last 6 years
  2. Don’t panic about missing information (we have ways to get it)
  3. Take action before the IRS does

Missing Information? We Can Help:
 • Access IRS wage and income transcripts
 • Reconstruct income records
 • Work with estimated figures when necessary
 • Navigate IRS compliance requirements

The Next Step

If you’re ready to come back into compliance with the IRS, let’s talk. We’ll review your situation and create a strategic plan to get you back on track.

[Schedule Your Confidential Strategy Session Here]

Remember: The IRS is more interested in bringing you into compliance than punishing you for past mistakes. But they expect you to take the first step.

Take that step today. Your future self will thank you.

Until Next Time,

Andrew “SWO” Samaniego, EA
Andrew Samaniego Tax Planning & Resolution
619.268.1084

P.S. — That client who hadn’t filed in 11 years? We’re already working on year 6, and he’s sleeping better than he has in a decade.

P.P.S. — Military members and veterans: Ask about our special services and discounts. As a Naval Academy graduate, I understand the unique tax challenges you face.

The IRS’s Secret List: Living Expenses They Actually Want You to Claim

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Hello folks from Orlando!

As I wrap up the final day of the Tax Rep Summit and prepare for my 5.5-hour flight back to my family in San Diego, I want to share something that might surprise you about the IRS.

Here’s a truth that often shocks my clients: The IRS doesn’t actually want to bankrupt you or put you on the streets.

I know, I know. It might not feel that way when they empty your bank account without verbal warning. But here’s the thing – once you decide to become compliant, the IRS has a whole system of allowable living expenses they’ll let you claim before determining how much you can pay.

Let’s break down what expenses the IRS will actually let you claim:

  1. Housing and Utilities
  • Rent or mortgage payments
  • Property taxes
  • Insurance
  • Gas, electric, water
  • and more
  • Pro Tip: These allowances vary by county and family size. San Diego’s housing allowance is significantly higher than many other regions.
  1. Transportation
  • Car payment (up to a reasonable amount)
  • Gas and oil
  • Insurance
  • Maintenance
  • Public transportation costs
  • Insider Knowledge: The IRS even allows ownership of two cars per household!
  1. Food and Clothing
  • Groceries
  • Personal care items
  • Apparel
  • Services (like dry cleaning)
  • Strategy Note: These are based on national standards, not your actual spending.
  1. Healthcare
  • Insurance premiums
  • Out-of-pocket medical expenses
  • Prescriptions
  • Key Point: Medical expenses are often allowed in full if documented properly.
  1. Other Expenses That Often Get Approved
  • Child care
  • Term life insurance
  • Court-ordered payments
  • Student loan minimum payments
  • Some retirement contributions

But here’s where it gets interesting…

Just knowing these categories isn’t enough. The real skill comes in knowing:

  • How to document each expense properly
  • When to argue for expenses above standard allowances
  • Which expenses can be combined or separated for maximum benefit
  • How to time your financial statement for optimal results

For example, last week I helped a client become declared “Currently Not Collectible” by properly documenting their San Diego housing costs and medical expenses. The IRS revenue officer initially pushed back, but because we knew the rules inside and out, we prevailed.

Think of it this way: The IRS is like a strict parent with very specific rules about allowances. They’ll give you your allowance – but only if you ask correctly and follow their procedures.

Ready to Stop Worrying About the IRS?

Option 1: Download my free guide at CrushIRSAnxiety.com to learn more about how to handle your IRS issues, including a detailed breakdown of allowable expenses.

Option 2: Email me at info@andrewsamaniego.com to schedule a consultation. Let’s review your specific situation and create a strategy that works for you.

The Bottom Line:
Don’t let the IRS determine what you can and can’t afford without understanding your rights. Just like I’m heading home to my family in San Diego, you too can find your way back to financial peace of mind.

P.S. – The IRS’s allowable expense guidelines change regularly. The sooner you act, the sooner we can put together a plan that works for your situation.

Until Next Time,

Andrew “Home-bound” Samaniego, EA, CTRC

Andrew Samaniego Tax Planning & Resolution

(619) 268-1084  |  AndrewSamaniego.com

The IRS Is Always Watching: Fix Your Tax Problems Before They Ruin Your Holidays!

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My Tax Family,

It was a crisp evening last night, and as I set up the pack and play for my son Kainalu, with The Godfather playing in the background, I couldn’t help but hear of one of the greatest lessons Don Vito Corleone ever gave us: “A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.”

This line resonates deeper than ever for those of us juggling life, work, and… let’s not forget… IRS troubles. Many people think they can shove their tax problems into a drawer and forget about them until January. But let me tell you something: the IRS is like a silent capo—always watching, waiting for you to make the wrong move.

Why You Should Handle Your IRS Problems Now

Imagine sitting at the Christmas dinner table, the warmth of family surrounding you. Suddenly, your phone buzzes. It’s your bank, and every dollar in your account is frozen. Why? The IRS just issued a levy, and you never saw it coming. That’s the kind of holiday “gift” nobody wants, yet so many risk because they didn’t act in time.

  1. IRS Penalties Compound Faster Than You Think
    Penalties and interest are the IRS’s “offer you can’t refuse.” Every day you wait, the amount you owe grows, turning your $10,000 problem into $15,000 or more.
  2. Your Family Deserves Peace of Mind
    Keeping your tax debt a secret from your spouse is like Fredo going behind Michael’s back—it’s bound to explode sooner or later. Don’t let the IRS come between you and your loved ones.
  3. You Don’t Have to Fight Alone
    Remember how Don Corleone always had his consigliere? That’s what an Enrolled Agent like me is for. I know the ins and outs of IRS negotiations and can help you settle or reduce your debt. Think of me as your Tom Hagen, guiding you through treacherous waters.

Make Your Move Before It’s Too Late

The IRS doesn’t “forget” about you. Even if you haven’t received a letter in months, rest assured they’re gearing up for their next move. But you can flip the script. Fix your tax problems now, and you’ll be able to sit down with your family during the holidays—without that weight on your shoulders.

Ready to take control? Download the “IRS Battle Plan” for free at CrushIRSAnxiety.com. It’s your step-by-step guide to getting ahead of the IRS and securing your family’s financial future.

Because as Don Corleone might say: “A man who solves his tax problems before the holidays… can truly enjoy cannoli with his family.”

Until next time,

Andrew “Sonny” Samaniego, EA, CTRC

Andrew Samaniego Tax Planning & Resolution

(619) 268-1084  |  AndrewSamaniego.com

When the IRS Is Your Opponent, Don’t Step Into the Ring Alone

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Tax Fighters,

The recent fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson has the world buzzing.

The upset, with Paul taking the win, has fans screaming “rigged” from the rooftops. It was a fight that had everyone on the edge of their seats, with speculation about every clinch and whisper.

This brings me to a similar, though far less entertaining, battle many of you might be facing: squaring up against the IRS. Going toe-to-toe with the IRS can often feel like stepping into a rigged match where the odds are stacked against you.

Here’s why having an Enrolled Agent (EA) in your corner can make all the difference:

  1. Knowledge of the Rules: The IRS operates on a complex set of rules that can feel as if they’re made up on the spot—especially if you’re not familiar with tax law. Without a seasoned tax professional, you might miss opportunities to challenge their assertions or navigate the nuances of tax resolution.
  2. Strategic Defense: Just like in boxing, defense is key. An EA knows when to push back, when to negotiate, and how to plan your next move so that you don’t get knocked out by hefty penalties or aggressive collection actions.
  3. Delaying Tactics: Sometimes, the best strategy against the IRS is to use time to your advantage. Tax professionals understand how to utilize statutes of limitations to potentially run out the clock on certain tax debts legally.

It’s like being in the ring: You wouldn’t face a heavyweight without a coach who knows the game and can guide you through each round. Similarly, you shouldn’t face the IRS without someone who knows how to fight and can defend your rights effectively.

Ready to get your gloves up and fight back with the best tactics in your arsenal? Don’t step into the IRS ring alone. Swing by CrushIRSAnxiety.com and download your free “IRS Battle Plan” e-book. It’s time to turn the tables and have someone in your corner who’s fighting for you.

Get equipped, get informed, and let’s knock out those tax troubles together. Ready to start planning your defense? Let’s make sure your next bout with the IRS isn’t just a fight—it’s a victory.

Until next time,

Andrew “Steel” Samaniego, EA, CTRC

Andrew Samaniego Tax Planning & Resolution

(619) 268-1084  |  AndrewSamaniego.com

From medieval tax dungeons to today’s IRS challenges—will you survive the fiscal onslaught or succumb like the taxed peasants of old?

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Tax Knights and Squires,

Journey back with me to a time when kings and queens reigned, and the clinking of coins often meant the difference between prosperity and peril. Recently, my family and I stepped back into these storied times at the San Diego Renaissance Festival.

Amidst the jousting knights and meandering minstrels, my mind turned to a question as old as the realm itself: How did rulers collect their due?

The Medieval Method: Fealty and Farming

In the medieval era, taxation wasn’t just a matter of money—it was a matter of survival. Kings and lords would levy taxes on the lands they controlled. The common folk, our ancestors in trade and toil, paid their taxes in myriad ways:

  • Tithe: A mandatory offering of one-tenth of one’s annual earnings or produce, often given to the local church, but sometimes taken as tax.
  • Tallage: Paid by peasants to their lord, a form of tax that could be demanded at will for special expenses when the king or lord decreed.
  • Scutage: Often called “shield money,” this was paid by those who preferred to provide money rather than military service when summoned by the king.

Transition to Today: The IRS and Income

Fast forward to our modern realm, where the IRS reigns over the land of tax collection. Instead of tithes and tallages, we deal with income taxes, payroll taxes, and corporate taxes, all neatly calculated and claimed by electronic ledgers rather than sword-wielding tax collectors.

Your Modern Tax Quest

Just as knights of old would consult oracles and sages, today’s taxpayers are wise to seek knowledge to navigate the labyrinth of modern tax laws. Here at Andrew Samaniego Tax Planning & Resolution, we consider ourselves your allies in this noble quest.

Equip Thyself:

In closing, whether at a festival celebrating the old ways or sitting at our computers facing the digital sprawl of IRS forms, the spirit of the quest remains the same—knowledge is power, and preparation is key.

Let us arm you for battle against the modern-day fiscal foes, ensuring your treasure remains where it belongs—in your coffers.

Until Next Time,

Andrew “Tax Walker Slayer” Samaniego, EA, CTRC

Andrew Samaniego Tax Planning & Resolution

(619) 268-1084  |  AndrewSamaniego.com

When Hiding from the IRS Turns Into a “Halloween” Horror

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Tax Boogey(wo)mans! 

We continue our countdown to the best scary movies in the shadowy world of taxes. Next I bring you our #4 top scary movie, Halloween. Michael Myers, with his relentless pursuit and iconic mask, offers a stark lesson similar to a haunting IRS reality.

Michael Myers and the IRS: A Terrifying Pursuit

In Halloween, Michael Myers embodies the nightmare of relentless pursuit. No matter where his sister hides, Michael always finds her. This unyielding chase mirrors how the IRS tracks those who try to hide from their tax responsibilities. Just like Michael, the IRS has a singular focus when they suspect someone is evading taxes.

The Risks of Trying to Outrun the IRS

  • Increased Penalties: Just as Michael’s threats escalate, so do the penalties for tax evasion. The longer you avoid the IRS, the harsher the financial penalties become.
  • Interest on Owed Taxes: Like the creeping dread in Halloween, interest on your unpaid taxes grows, slowly increasing your debt.
  • Criminal Charges: In the most severe cases, evading taxes can lead to criminal charges — akin to being caught by Michael himself.

Confront Your Tax Issues Head-On

The only way out is confrontation. Here’s how you can face your tax fears:

  1. Understand Your Situation: Just as Laurie Strode learns to confront Michael, you need to understand the depth of your tax situation and plan for an attack.
  2. Seek Expert Help: Don’t face the IRS alone. Engage an Enrolled Agent who can guide you through the process, much like having Dr. Loomis by your side giving you important information with dealing with your problem.
  3. Take Action: Whether it’s filing overdue returns or setting up a payment plan, the best defense is a good offense.

Don’t let the IRS haunt you like Michael Myers on Halloween

 Prepare yourself with the right tools and knowledge:

  • Download Our Free E-Book: Visit CrushIRSAnxiety.com to get your comprehensive guide to dealing with tax issues.
  • Join Our Newsletter: Get ongoing support and tips by emailing info@andrewsamaniego.com to subscribe to our daily insights.

This Halloween, as you enjoy the chills from Michael Myers’ pursuit, remember that avoiding the IRS can turn into your own financial horror story. Equip yourself with the knowledge and support to tackle your tax issues head-on, and keep the nightmares at bay.

Until Next time,

Andrew “IRS Boogeyman” Samaniego, EA, CTRC

Andrew Samaniego Tax Planning & Resolution

(619) 268-1084  |  AndrewSamaniego.com