Andrew Samaniego | Tax Resolution Blog | CA

IRS

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

by Leave a Comment

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.

Why Your Tax Problems Shouldn’t Steal Your Holiday Joy

by Leave a Comment

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

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

by Leave a Comment

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

by Leave a Comment

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

Insidious Encounters: When the IRS Turns into Your Financial Demon

by Leave a Comment

Tax Free Spirits!

As we creep closer to Halloween, our scary movie countdown leads us to a film that chills to the bone by bridging the spirit world with our own—#5 Insidious.

Just as the characters in this terrifying tale inadvertently invite demons into their lives, failing to manage your tax obligations can summon a very real menace: the Internal Revenue Officer.

The IRS as “The Further”

In Insidious, “The Further” is a dark realm filled with twisted spirits. In the world of taxes, falling behind on your obligations opens a door to a similarly sinister dimension. Here’s how the IRS can haunt your financial life:

  • Revenue Officers (The Demons): When you ignore the IRS’s warnings and notices, they assign a Revenue Officer to your case. Think of them as the tax world’s enforcers, except their legal powers allow them to take drastic action.
  • Enforcement Actions:
    • Wage Garnishments: They can claim a portion of your paycheck directly from your employer, leaving you with less than you might need to cover your bills.
    • Bank Levies: Imagine waking up to find your bank accounts frozen and funds seized to pay off tax debts.
    • Tax Liens: These are the equivalent of financial curses, marking your property and signaling to other creditors that the IRS has a claim over your assets.

Don’t Let Your Tax Issues Drag You into “The Further”

Dealing with the IRS can feel like entering the “Red Door”—confusing, terrifying, and filled with dark spirits. But you don’t have to face these horrors alone:

  • Equip Yourself: Just as you wouldn’t wander into a ghostly dimension without protection, don’t tackle the IRS without the right tools. Head over to CrushIRSAnxiety.com to download our free e-book, packed with strategies to resolve your tax problems effectively.
  • Join Our Community: For more insights and daily tips on keeping the IRS demons at bay, email info@andrewsamaniego.com to join our newsletter. Equip yourself with knowledge and community support to secure your financial wellbeing.

This Halloween, as you enjoy the spine-tingling thrill of Insidious, remember that the real world has its own frights—especially if you’re dealing with tax issues. Don’t let IRS troubles pull you into “The Further.” Stay informed, stay prepared, and let’s exorcise those tax demons together!

Andrew “Spirit Savior” Samaniego, EA, CTRC

Andrew Samaniego Tax Planning & Resolution

(619) 268-1084  |  AndrewSamaniego.com

Aliens vs. The IRS: Navigating the Horror of Tax Troubles

by Leave a Comment

Hello, Tax Ghouls!

As the leaves turn and the chill of October sets in, I find myself eagerly queuing up my favorite scary movies.

Nothing quite matches the thrill of a good horror flick—each one a puzzle waiting to be solved. Why is the house haunted? How did the person get possessed? And why, oh why, does the masked villain relentlessly pursue his sister?

This Halloween, I’m not just sharing my top 7 scary movies; I’m drawing eerie parallels between these classics and your tax troubles. Today, let’s talk about my number 7 pick: Aliens.

The Terror of Aliens

In Aliens, the sequel that arguably outshone its predecessor, we meet Ripley—the unforgettable protagonist who battles against nightmarish creatures that start as menacing eggs and evolve into the fearsome xenomorphs.

Ripley’s mission? To save a vulnerable little girl from the clutches of an alien queen in a seemingly hopeless situation.

Ripley vs. The IRS

Why relate this to the IRS? Much like the daunting corridors of an infested extraterrestrial colony, navigating IRS issues can feel like a relentless battle against a powerful and often unseen enemy. The IRS, with its complex codes and formidable enforcement actions, can indeed seem as terrifying as any horror movie villain.

Just as Ripley fights through hordes of aliens with unwavering resolve, I see my role as an Enrolled Agent in a similar light.

My mission is to rescue you from the overwhelming grip of tax woes. Whether it’s back taxes, audits, or potential penalties that are suffocating your financial peace, think of me as your Ripley—here to guide you safely through the chaos.

Don’t Face the Horror Alone

Facing the IRS without an experienced guide can be as perilous as confronting the xenomorph queen unarmed. But fear not, I’m here to arm you with the knowledge and strategies you need to survive and prevail. If you’re feeling the dread of unresolved tax issues this spooky season, let’s tackle them together.

Get Your Rescue Plan

Visit CrushIRSAnxiety.com to download our free e-book packed with survival strategies for dealing with the IRS, or drop me an email at info@andrewsamaniego.com to be added to our daily newsletter. There, you’ll find more tips, tricks, and tales of tax resolutions that might just save your financial life.

This Halloween, while you enjoy the chills and thrills of your favorite horror movies, remember that when it comes to the IRS, you don’t have to be the lone survivor. Let’s team up and turn your tax nightmares into a story of triumph. Just like Ripley, we can face the fearsome foes together and come out stronger on the other side.

Andrew “Ripley” Samaniego, EA, CTRC, MSCTA

Andrew Samaniego Tax Planning & Resolution

(619) 268-1084  |  AndrewSamaniego.com