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.

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

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

Gobble Up Your Tax Problems Before the Holidays Bite You

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Tax Turkey Stuffers,

I hope everyone had a Thanksgiving filled with laughter, gratitude, and maybe a second helping of pie. But let’s be real—the holidays can bring out a bit of stress, too, especially if you’re carrying the weight of unresolved tax problems.

Take Suzy and Rob, for example. A military family, Suzy decided to start a small business this year to help make ends meet. Friends told her, “Start an LLC! It’ll save you on taxes!” Then came the advice to form an S-Corporation for “even bigger savings.”

But here’s where it gets messy.

They hired some “guru accountant” from Fiverr who promised to do it all for cheap. Guess what? The LLC paperwork? Never filed. The S-Corp? Nada. The accountant they hired? Vanished like a turkey leg on Thanksgiving.

Now, they’re sitting in a pile of stress and missed savings. The dream of financial freedom? Stuffed like last week’s turkey.

Let me tell you something: tax planning is NOT something to leave to amateurs or “gurus.”

If you’re in a similar boat—or even just worried about what’s around the corner—it’s time to take action.

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of clarity. Schedule a free consult; It’s packed with strategies to fix tax problems and protect yourself moving forward.

Don’t wait until the IRS turns your holiday cheer into a tax nightmare.

Until Next Time,

Andrew “Tax Stuffer” 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