Recent Articles
IRS Automated Collection Notices Are Back in 2026 — What CP14, CP501, CP503, and CP504 Really Mean
Quick Answer: In 2026 the IRS resumed automated collection notices at full speed, sending CP14, CP501, CP503, and CP504 letters on a fixed schedule again. Each notice narrows your options and shortens your response window. By the time a CP504 arrives, your state tax...
Passive vs. Non-Passive Income: The IRS Audit Error That Can Freeze Six Figures in Losses
By M. Rubin, CPA — M.A. Rubin CPA PLLC / RubinOrtolano | Published: July 19, 2026 | Reviewed by: D. Ortolano Jr. EA, former IRS Revenue Officer & Revenue Agent RubinOrtolano Passive activity losses generally offset only passive income; misclassifying an...
Can You Appeal an IRS Audit After You’ve Already Signed?
By M. Rubin, CPA — M.A. Rubin CPA PLLC / RubinOrtolano | Published: July 5, 2026 | Reviewed by: D. Ortolano Jr. EA, former IRS Revenue Officer & Revenue Agent RubinOrtolano Signing IRS Form 4605 means you agree to the results of that examination — but it does...
IRS Bank Levy: How to Get Your Money Back
Quick Answer: An IRS bank levy freezes your entire account balance on the day the levy is served. Your bank holds those funds for 21 days before sending them to the IRS — giving you a narrow window to act. If you already had a wage garnishment or IRS lien filed...
How to Stop IRS Wage Garnishment
Quick Answer: The IRS can garnish your wages without a court order after sending a Final Notice of Intent to Levy (Letter 1058 or LT11). To stop it, you must request a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing, enter a payment agreement, or qualify for Currently Not...
Penalty Abatement vs. Penalty Refund: What’s the Difference (And Why It Matters in 2026)
The Confusion Most taxpayers—and frankly many accountants—use these terms interchangeably. They shouldn’t. Penalty Abatement Reduces or removes penalties Applies to current balances Prevents future accrual Penalty Refund Returns money already paid Requires open...