Andrew Samaniego | Tax Resolution Blog | CA

Escaping IRS Notices: A Different Kind of Fire to Put Out

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Southern California is on fire again. As I write this, gusty winds are feeding the flames, knocking out power across the county. My parents, up in the hills, are sitting in darkness like thousands of others. Los Angeles is so engulfed that my brother-in-law Blake fled south to stay with us in San Diego.

Photo provided by Blake Nakoa

Trying to get our minds off the inferno up north, we headed to Beaumont Park. The plan was mini-golf, but then we spotted it – an escape room. The irony wasn’t lost on us. Here we were, going from escaping real fires to voluntarily locking ourselves in a room to solve puzzles our way out.

But while Blake was escaping fires and we were escaping rooms, thousands of Americans are trying to escape something else: IRS notices.

These notices might as well be printed on burning paper. They arrive unexpectedly, declaring you owe thousands in back taxes, penalties, and interest. Your stomach drops. Your pulse quickens. Just like watching flames approach your neighborhood, you feel trapped.

I see it every week:
• The business owner who just received a $47,000 tax bill
• The single mom facing wage garnishment
• The retiree whose social security is about to be levied

They all have one thing in common: they tried to ignore the problem, hoping it would somehow go away.

Here’s the thing about fires – and IRS problems. They don’t just “go away.” They grow. They spread. They consume.

Last month, a client came to me after hiding IRS notices in his drawer for two years. What started as a $12,000 tax bill had ballooned to $31,000 with penalties and interest. He couldn’t sleep. Couldn’t focus at work. Was afraid to check his mail.

Sound familiar?

But here’s what most people don’t know: Just like there’s a systematic approach to fighting fires, there’s a strategic way to handle IRS problems.

You Need a Battle Plan

Just like firefighters don’t run blindly into a burning building, you shouldn’t face the IRS without a strategy. That’s why I wrote “IRS Battle Plan” – a step-by-step guide to:
• Stop immediate IRS collection actions
• Reduce or eliminate penalties
• Set up affordable payment plans
• Potentially settle for less than you owe
• Restore your peace of mind

Real Results:
• Client A: $47,000 tax bill settled for $5,000
• Client B: $23,000 in penalties removed
• Client C: Wage garnishment released in 48 hours

The Solution Is Easier Than You Think

Remember that escape room we visited? The key to getting out wasn’t brute force – it was having the right strategy. The same applies to IRS problems.

You don’t have to:
• Lie awake at night
• Hide mail from your spouse
• Dodge phone calls
• Live in fear of levies

There’s a way out. And it starts with a plan.

Get Your Free Copy of “IRS Battle Plan”

I’m giving away free copies of my book “IRS Battle Plan” at CrushIRSAnxiety.com. Inside, you’ll discover:
• The 3 biggest mistakes people make with the IRS
• 5 strategies to immediately stop collections
• How to negotiate with the IRS (and win)
• Real case studies of successful resolutions
• Step-by-step action plans

Don’t let your tax problem become a five-alarm fire. Just like my brother-in-law knew when it was time to evacuate, you need to know when it’s time to get help.

Visit CrushIRSAnxiety.com now to get your free copy of “IRS Battle Plan.”

Remember: The IRS problems you have today are the smallest they’ll ever be. Tomorrow, they’ll only grow bigger.

Until Next Time,

Until Next Time,

Andrew “Fire Stopper” Samaniego, EA, CTRC

Andrew Samaniego Tax Planning & Resolution

(619) 268-1084  |  AndrewSamaniego.com

P.S. Those fires up north? They’ll eventually be contained. Your IRS problems can be too. Get your free copy of “IRS Battle Plan” at CrushIRSAnxiety.com today.

P.P.S. Know someone drowning in IRS notices? Share this article. You might just help them find their way out.

The Hidden Tax Forms You Didn’t Know Existed (And Why They Matter)

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There I was, sitting in the pediatrician’s office for my son Kainalu’s 9-month checkup, watching him charm everyone while secretly counting the number of coughs in the waiting room. You know the drill – you arrive, wait, get called in, and the doctor asks, “Any concerns?”

I looked down at Kainalu, jokingly waiting for him to pipe up with his medical history (spoiler: he just gave his signature gummy smile). The doctor took some measurements, and just like that, we were done. Kainalu’s in the 92nd percentile for height, probably all those Hawaii genes!

But this routine appointment got me thinking about how most people handle their taxes. They show up once a year, hand over some forms, answer “nope, nothing new,” and walk away thinking everything’s fine.

Here’s the scary part: You might be accidentally lying to the IRS.

“Wait, what? How?”

Let me ask you this:

  • Did you receive money through Venmo last year?
  • Receive payment via PayPal for that side gig?
  • Sell something on Facebook Marketplace?
  • Get paid through Zelle for splitting bills?

Here’s what most people don’t know: Starting in 2024, payment apps are required to report transactions totaling over $5,000 to the IRS. That means there’s a form out there with your name on it that you might not even know exists.

Real Story Time:
Last week, a client came to me panicking. She’d filed her 2023 taxes through TurboTax, thinking everything was fine. Then she got a letter from the IRS about unreported income. Turns out, her occasional dog-sitting gig through Rover generated a 1099-NEC she never received. The form went to an old email address.

The IRS knew about the income before she did.

This is where transcript monitoring comes in.

Think of it like having a security camera for your tax life. Instead of waiting for surprise letters from the IRS, we can see exactly what they see about your financial life – before you file.

What We Monitor:

  • Income reported by employers
  • Payment app transactions
  • Investment account activity
  • Retirement account distributions
  • And dozens more data points

Most tax monitoring services charge $295/month for this peace of mind. But in honor of Kainalu’s impressive 92nd percentile height milestone (yes, I’m that proud dad), I’m offering my network access for just $92/month.

What You Get:

  • Monthly transcript reviews
  • Early warning of unreported income
  • Documentation of all IRS records
  • Peace of mind before filing
  • Direct access to me for questions

Think of it like those regular doctor checkups – it’s better to catch things early than deal with problems later.

Ready to stop worrying about surprise tax forms?
Email info@andrewsamaniego.com with:

  • Your name
  • Best contact number
  • Whether you’ve received IRS notices before

I’ll send you:

  • Service details
  • Signup instructions
  • Sample monitoring report

Don’t wait for the IRS to find something you missed. Let’s catch it first.

P.S. Unlike my son’s doctor appointments, you won’t have to sit in any waiting rooms for this service. Everything’s handled digitally!

P.P.S. Know someone who uses payment apps for their side hustle? Share this with them – they’ll thank you later.

The Hidden Cost of Tax Season Ads (And Why You Should Act Now)

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As I sit here unpacking from our Hawaii trip, watching our son Kainalu reach his 9-month milestone (cue the adorable photoshoot!)

and helping Cooper readjust to San Diego life after being spoiled by grandma and grandpa, I can’t help but think about the incoming wave of tax season marketing that’s about to hit everyone’s feeds.

You know what I’m talking about – those endless TurboTax commercials, H&R Block pop-ups, and random “tax experts” promising instant refunds. But here’s what those flashy ads aren’t telling you…

The Real Cost of DIY Tax Software

While TurboTax might seem cheaper upfront, here’s what I discovered after reviewing hundreds of self-filed returns:

  • 72% of DIY filers missed key deductions
  • The average missed refund amount? $2,300
  • Most people spent 5-7 hours struggling with software
  • Many had errors that could trigger IRS notices

Why An Enrolled Agent Makes a Difference

As an Enrolled Agent (EA), I’m different from your typical tax preparer. Here’s why:

I’m licensed by the IRS to represent you (only EAs, CPAs, and attorneys have this privilege)
I specialize in personal tax returns (unlike CPAs who focus on corporate)
I work with you year-round (not just during tax season)
I actually answer my phone (try getting TurboTax on the line in March!)

Last year, a client switched to me after using TurboTax for 5 years. During our review, I discovered:

  • Missed home office deductions
  • Unclaimed business expenses from their side gig
  • Educational credits they qualified for
  • Retirement contribution opportunities

Result? An extra $3,400 in their refund.

Why Act Now?

Here’s the thing – I’m only accepting 20 more clients this tax season. Why? Because unlike the big tax chains, I believe in:

  • Personal attention
  • Thorough reviews
  • Strategic tax planning
  • Actually knowing my clients’ names

Think about it: Would you rather:
A) Spend hours fighting with software, hoping you didn’t miss anything
B) Hand everything to an expert who knows what they’re doing and can maximize your refund

The choice seems pretty clear to me.

What’s Next?

If you’re ready to:

  • Stop stressing about taxes
  • Maximize your refund
  • Work with someone who actually cares
  • Get year-round tax support

Email me at info@andrewsamaniego.com

I’ll send you:

  • Pricing details
  • Required documents checklist
  • Online scheduling link
  • Answer any questions you have

Don’t wait until April when everyone’s panicking. Let’s get your taxes sorted now so you can focus on what matters – like taking vacation photos that don’t need a vacation to recover from (though our Hawaii trip was worth every jet-lagged moment!).

Ready to make tax season stress-free?
Email info@andrewsamaniego.com today.

P.S. My current clients know – spots fill up fast. Don’t wait until the last minute!

Your Business Could Face $182,500 in Fines Next Year (Here’s What You Need to Know)

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Aloha from Kailua Beach,

Yesterday, while celebrating my wife Kanoe’s 29th birthday, she turned to me and said, “It’s scary… this is my last year of youth.” Little did she know, I was about to read something even scarier than aging – the new Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).

Speaking of things that keep business owners up at night…

There’s a massive change coming that could cost you $500 PER DAY if you ignore it. Yes, you read that right. While I’ve been sitting here reading parenting books for our little Kainalu’s toddler years, this regulatory bombshell has been ticking away.

The Government’s New Business “Background Check”

The feds have decided they want to know who owns what. It’s called the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting. Think of it as a TSA checkpoint for your business entity.

Here’s the Terrifying Part:

If you own an LLC, Corporation, or other business entity and don’t file this report, you’re looking at:
• $500 daily fines (that’s $182,500 per year!)
• Additional $10,000 penalties
• Potential 2-year prison sentence

Let that sink in. Two years in prison for not filing a form.

My Naval Officer training taught me one crucial lesson: Never present a problem without a solution. So here are your options:

OPTION 1: The “DIY Adventure”
Try navigating FinCEN.gov/boi yourself. Warning: It’s about as user-friendly as programming a VCR in 1985. Sure, it’s free – if you don’t count the value of your time and sanity.

OPTION 2: The “Sleep Well at Night” Solution
While in Orlando, I discovered FileForm.com – they’ve turned this compliance nightmare into a “click, submit, done” process. Think TurboTax, but for BOI reporting in under 10 mins.

Real Talk: Some folks are waiting to see if courts strike this down. But here’s what I tell my clients: Would you rather:
A) Pay a small fee now for peace of mind
B) Risk $182,500 in fines and prison time

The choice seems pretty clear to me.

Here’s What You Need to Do RIGHT NOW:

If you have a business entity(LLC,S-Corp, ect.),

1.Head over to FileForms.

2.Complete their 10 min or under program.

3.Go have a Mai Tai.

Remember: This isn’t like other tax deadlines that come with simple late fees. This is $500 EVERY DAY you’re not compliant.

Don’t let this be the thing that ruins your New Year.

Mahalo,
Andrew “Compliant” Samaniego, EA

P.S. Already seeing ads for “BOI filing services”? Be careful. I’ve vetted the solution I’m recommending. Email me for the safe option.

Finding Paradise: What a Tiny Hawaiian Island Taught Me About Tax Season

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Moloka’i Sunset

Aloha Tax Explorers!

Missing my daily tax tips? Well, I’ve been busy discovering what might be Hawaii’s best-kept secret — the island of Molokaʻi. And surprisingly, it taught me an important lesson about taxes and life that I need to share with you.

Picture this:
• No traffic lights
• Just 3 small markets
• A handful of “restaurants”
• Everything closes by 1:30 PM
• The most pristine, untouched beaches you’ve ever seen

It’s like stepping back in time to a simpler Hawaii. But here’s what struck me — even on this remote island where time seems to stand still, there were two things you couldn’t escape: breathtaking sunsets and… taxes.

Yes, even in paradise, taxes are a reality. But here’s the difference: The locals here have mastered something many of us struggle with — they don’t let it consume their lives.

Speaking of life’s precious moments, today was extra special. Our son Kainalu was baptized here in Oahu, surrounded by our Hawaiian ohana while my mainland family joined via Zoom. It was one of those perfect moments that remind you what really matters.

And it got me thinking…

How many of us spend the holiday season:
• Stressing about upcoming tax deadlines?
• Worrying about last year’s unfiled returns?
• Missing family moments because we’re sorting through receipts?
• Pushing off joy because of financial anxiety?

The Molokaʻi Lesson:
Life will always have its complexities (like taxes), but we get to choose how much power they have over our special moments.

Here’s What I Propose:

Let’s make 2024 the year you handle taxes like a Molokaʻi local — with calm confidence and plenty of time for what matters most.

I’m putting together a special “2024 Tax Season Peace of Mind Package” for my email subscribers, including:
• Early-bird scheduling privileges
• Monthly tax organization tips
• Key 2024 tax law updates
• Special rates for early preparation

How to Never Miss a Family Moment Due to Tax Stress:

Comment below with your biggest tax season challenge
Subscribe to my email list
Get priority scheduling for 2024
While our office will be operating via email until January (yes, even tax pros need family time!), I promise you this: Subscribe now, and you’ll be first in line when we return.

As I prepare to celebrate Kanoe’s birthday tomorrow and welcome the New Year, I’m grateful for this community and the trust you place in me.

From my family to yours, Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou! (Happy New Year!)

Until Next Time,

Andrew “Sunset” Samaniego, EA, CTRC

Andrew Samaniego Tax Planning & Resolution

(619) 268–1084 | AndrewSamaniego.com

P.S. Ever been to Molokaʻi? Share your favorite “off the beaten path” Hawaii story in the comments. Or tell me about your special family moment that reminded you what’s truly important!

Why Your Tax Problems Shouldn’t Steal Your Holiday Joy

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Aloha from Oahu! 🌺

As I write this, I’m watching my son Kainalu play with his grandparents in their kitchen that overlooks the ocean, and it got me thinking about something important I want to share with you.

Our journey here started at 4:45 AM yesterday (yes, that’s pre-coffee time!) when our amazing friend Maggie showed up with her 4-runner to help us wrangle our luggage and a very excited baby to the airport. Looking back, it could have been a disaster…

Picture this:

  • 6 AM airport arrival
  • TSA line snaking like an old Nokia phone game
  • 2-hour flight delay
  • 5.5 hours across the Pacific with a baby
  • Enough luggage to make a sherpa nervous

But you know what? We made it. Not just made it – we actually enjoyed the journey. Why? Because we had:

The right tools (CLEAR membership = skipping that terrifying TSA line)
The right help (Thank you, Maggie!)
A plan in place
And that’s when it hit me – this is exactly what I see with clients who come to me panicked about their taxes right after the holidays.

Every year, I meet wonderful people who:

  • Spent their holidays stressed about tax problems
  • Missed precious moments with family worrying about the IRS
  • Put off making memories because of financial anxiety
  • Waited until April to start thinking about tax preparation

Here’s the truth: Just like our holiday travel, tax season doesn’t have to be chaotic. You don’t have to miss out on building gingerbread houses with your keiki because you’re sorting through shoebox receipts in January.

Let me share a quick story about one of my clients from last year. She was a small business owner who usually spent her entire holiday season stressed about taxes. Last year, she decided to do things differently. We put a plan in place before the holidays, and you know what she told me in January?

“This was the first Christmas in five years where I was actually present for my family.”

That’s what this is all about.

As I sit here in Oahu, watching three generations of my family together, I’m reminded why I do what I do. It’s not just about numbers – it’s about giving people their peace of mind back. It’s about making sure you can focus on what really matters during the holidays.

Here’s My Holiday Gift to You:

I’m putting together a special “2024 Tax Referral” for my email subscribers. It includes:

  • Getting $100 off your annual tax prep fees per client refereered
  • 4 clients referred (free prep)

How to Get It:

Let your friends/family know I can solve their tax woes.
If they sign up with me and mention you ill credit you $100

Easy.

Remember: Just like our airport adventure, sometimes you need the right tools and the right people to make the journey easier.

Bonus Tip: Like how CLEAR saved us from that TSA line, getting your tax prep started early can save you from the April rush. Early birds get the best service (and often find more deductions!)

From my ohana to yours, Mele Kalikimaka! 🎄

P.S. What’s your holiday travel story? Share it in the comments – I’d love to hear how you manage the chaos of holiday logistics!

Until Next Time,

Andrew “Shaka” Samaniego, EA, CTRC

Andrew Samaniego Tax Planning & Resolution

(619) 268-1084  |  AndrewSamaniego.com