Épisodes

  • CP2000

    CP2000
    Feb 13 2026

    Episode 78: In this episode, Timalyn covers what an IRS Notice CP2000 is and how taxpayers should respond to it.

    What is a CP2000?

    Timalyn begins by letting listeners know what a CP2000 is not. It is not a bill. This notice is a proposal for changes due to the underreporting of income.

    This notice lets taxpayers know that discrepancies were found between what they reported on their taxes and what third parties reported. This could be income that was underreported or deductions and credits that were inflated.

    If the proposed changes result in an increase in tax of 20% or more the taxpayer will also be assessed a 20% accuracy related penalty. Timalyn discussed this penalty in Episode 28, IRC 662 Accuracy-Related Penalty.

    What should I do if I get a CP2000?

    If you receive a CP2000 don’t panic. Pull out the tax return in question on the notice and compare the changes proposed on the notice to what is on your return. Are you missing anything?

    If you are, you can let the IRS know that you agree with the changes by checking the box on the notice and signing. Then you’ll send it back by the date they have included. Or, you could do nothing and they will proceed with the changes.

    Do you disagree? You have the right to disagree and support your position. In this case, you’ll check the disagree box and explain why in the space provided. You’ll also need to provide them with supporting documentation for your position. Do not send them original documentation.

    It is very important that you get this documentation, as well as your answer, back to the IRS by the deadline. If you do not use the upload tool, Timalyn recommends sending it Certified Mail, so you have your green receipt and tracking number. Keep the new USPS Postmark Rule in mind.

    What is the new USPS Postmark Rule?

    Effective December 24th, 2025, the USPS is no longer postmarking mail the day it reaches the post office. Instead, the new postmark date will reflect when it is first processed at a regional center. This could be a day or two later. Which could impact the deadline not only for those paying bills or voting by mail, but also for taxpayers who still use the mail system to file and pay their Federal, state, and local taxes.

    Need Tax Help Now?

    If you need answers to your tax debt questions, book a consultation with Timalyn via her Bowens Tax Solutions website. Click this link to book a call.

    Please consider sharing this episode with your friends and family. There are many people dealing with tax issues, and you may not know about it. This information might be helpful to someone who really needs it.

    As we conclude Episode 78, we encourage you to connect with Timalyn on social media. You’ll be able to subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and many other podcast platforms.

    Remember, Timalyn Bowens is America’s Favorite EA, and she’s here to fill the tax literacy gap, one taxpayer at a time. Thanks for listening to today’s episode.

    For more information about tax relief options or filing your taxes, visit https://www.Bowenstaxsolutions.com/ .

    If you have any feedback or suggestions for an upcoming episode topic, please submit them here: https://www.americasfavoriteea.com/contact.

    Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It provides a framework and possible solutions for solving your tax problems, but it is not legally binding. Please consult your tax professional regarding your specific tax situation.
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    18 min
  • One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Business Overview

    One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Business Overview
    Jan 30 2026

    One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Business Overview
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    30 min
  • One Big Beautiful Bill Act Individual Overview

    One Big Beautiful Bill Act Individual Overview
    Jan 16 2026

    Episode 76: In this episode, Timalyn does an overview of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and how it will affect Individual Taxpayers. Next episode, she'll discuss some of the changes and how they affect business owners.


    0:00 Understanding the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

    3:59 How your standard deduction has increased

    8:01 New $40,000 Cap for State and Local Taxes

    10:32 Additional $6,000 Deduction for Seniors

    12:27 Deducting Interest on New Car Loans

    14:59 New ax Benefits for Overtime and Tip Income

    20:10 Increased Child Tax and Adoption Credits

    22:39 Elimination of Clean vehicle and home improvement credits

    25:39 How to Plan for these tax law changes.

    Need Tax Help Now?

    If you need answers to your tax debt questions, book a consultation with Timalyn via her Bowens Tax Solutions website. Click this link to book a call.

    Please consider sharing this episode with your friends and family. There are many people dealing with tax issues, and you may not know about it.

    This information might be helpful to someone who really needs it. As we conclude Episode 76, we encourage you to connect with Timalyn on social media. You’ll be able to subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and many other podcast platforms.

    Remember, Timalyn Bowens is America’s Favorite EA, and she’s here to fill the tax literacy gap, one taxpayer at a time. Thanks for listening to today’s episode.For more information about tax relief options or filing your taxes, visit https://www.Bowenstaxsolutions.com/ .If you have any feedback or suggestions for an upcoming episode topic, please submit them here: https://www.americasfavoriteea.com/com


    Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It provides a framework and possible solutions for solving your tax problems, but it is not legally binding. Please consult your tax professional regarding your specific tax situation.
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    28 min
  • USPS Postmark Rule

    USPS Postmark Rule
    Jan 2 2026

    Episode 75: In this episode, Timalyn covers how changes to the United States Postal Service (USPS) postmark rule can affect taxpayers when communicating with the IRS. She also wishes her listeners a Happy New Year.

    What is the USPS Postmark Rule?

    The USPS postmark rule determines when a piece of mail is marked as received. A lot of companies and agencies use this rule to figure out if information was turned into them timely. Medicaid, IRS, and the government counting absentee ballots are just a few examples.

    What is the old USPS Postmark Rule?

    Prior to December 24th, 2025 mail was postmarked with the date that it was dropped off at the process. This is the reason for long lines on days such as April 15th, the tax deadline. Those in line wanted to ensure that their mail was marked by that day so that it would not be considered late.

    What is the new USPS Postmark Rule?

    Effective December 24th, 2025 the USPS is no longer postmarking mail the day it reaches the post office. Instead the new postmark date will reflect when it is first processed at a regional center. This could be a day or two later. Which could impact the deadline not only for those paying bills or voting by mail, but taxpayers who still use the mail system to file and pay their Federal, state, and local taxes.

    What is the IRS Mailbox Rule?

    The IRS considers the postmark date to be the legal date that the taxpayer filed their return. This is the same for payments made by mail. For example, if a payment is made on April 15th for quarter 1 estimates it is considered on time. However, if it is postmarked April 16th it is considered late.

    The new USPS postmark rule could cause some taxpayers to be penalized for late filing or payment even if they did make it to the post office by the actual deadline.

    How to Get a Timely Postmark

    Timalyn recommends that anytime a taxpayer mails something to the IRS or any other tax agency that they send it by certified mail. The green receipt has helped her many times when proving to the IRS that client documentation was sent timely.

    Another recommendation is, if at all possible, to use the taxpayer upload tools available through IRS.gov. If you are working with a professional who is representing you before the IRS they can also submit these documents by phone via Fax.

    Need Tax Help Now?

    If you need answers to your tax debt questions, book a consultation with Timalyn via her Bowens Tax Solutions website. Click this link to book a call.

    Please consider sharing this episode with your friends and family. There are many people dealing with tax issues, and you may not know about it. This information might be helpful to someone who really needs it.

    As we conclude Episode 75, we encourage you to connect with Timalyn on social media. You’ll be able to subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and many other podcast platforms.

    Remember, Timalyn Bowens is America’s Favorite EA, and she’s here to fill the tax literacy gap, one taxpayer at a time. Thanks for listening to today’s episode.

    For more information about tax relief options or filing your taxes, visit https://www.Bowenstaxsolutions.com/ .

    If you have any feedback or suggestions for an upcoming episode topic, please submit them here: https://www.americasfavoriteea.com/contact.

    Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It provides a framework and possible solutions for solving your tax problems, but it is not legally binding. Please consult your tax professional regarding your specific tax situation.
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    16 min
  • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

    Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
    Dec 19 2025
    15 min
  • Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC)

    Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC)
    Dec 5 2025

    Episode 73: In this episode, Timalyn addresses taxpayers who can't afford tax representation and how they can get help through the Low-income taxpayer clinics.

    What is the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic?

    The low-income taxpayer clinic (LITC) helps qualifying taxpayers handle disputes with the IRS. It receives funding for the IRS but it is independent from the IRS and the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS). LITCs offer tax representation services, not tax preparation services like the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

    LITCs can help taxpayers respond to IRS notices, handle audits, payment arrangements, and educate them on their rights and responsibilities as a taxpayer. All of these services are offered for a free or a small fee.

    LITCs can also represent taxpayers in court.

    Who is eligible for the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic?

    Taxpayers must meet certain criteria to be eligible to receive services from a LITC. The taxpayers income must be under a certain threshold. This threshold is 250% of poverty guidelines for 2025. The amount of the dispute is also usually under $50,000.

    These same services are available to taxpayers whose first language is not English. Members of the ESL community may receive tax education from the LITC.

    How can I find a Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic?

    You can find an LITC near you by searching Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List (PDF). If you are a spanish speaking taxpayer there is also a spanish version of the form that you can access here: Publication 4134 (sp), Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) (Spanish version) .

    What if I don't qualify for the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic?

    If you make too much money to qualify for the LITC all hope is not lost. You still have options such as an Installment Agreements, exploring an Offer in compromise is and How to qualify for an offer in compromise. But if those aren't right Currently not collectible status may be the right option for your account.

    Need Tax Help Now?

    If you need answers to your tax debt questions, book a consultation with Timalyn via her Bowens Tax Solutions website. Click this link to book a call.

    Please consider sharing this episode with your friends and family. There are many people dealing with tax issues, and you may not know about it. This information might be helpful to someone who really needs it.

    As we conclude Episode 73, we encourage you to connect with Timalyn on social media. You'll be able to subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and many other podcast platforms.

    Remember, Timalyn Bowens is America's Favorite EA, and she's here to fill the tax literacy gap, one taxpayer at a time. Thanks for listening to today's episode.

    For more information about tax relief options or filing your taxes, visit https://www.Bowenstaxsolutions.com/ .

    If you have any feedback or suggestions for an upcoming episode topic, please submit them here: https://www.americasfavoriteea.com/contact.

    Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It provides a framework and possible solutions for solving your tax problems, but it is not legally binding. Please consult your tax professional regarding your specific tax situation.
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    15 min
  • IRS Statute of Limitations on Unfiled Tax Returns

    IRS Statute of Limitations on Unfiled Tax Returns
    Nov 21 2025
    Episode 72: In this episode, Timalyn addresses how long the IRS has to collect taxes from a taxpayer if they have unfiled tax returns. Not filing taxes is not a get out of jail free card. You may yet be on the IRS' radar. What are the different IRS statute of limitations? Many taxpayers believe that the IRS only has 3 or 6 years to assess tax for a certain year on their account. That is incorrect. What they are mistaking that for is the Assessment Statute Expiration Date (ASED). The IRS has 3 years after your taxes were initially assessed to assess additional tax for that year. If the IRS suspects frivolous activity, they have 6 years to assess tax for that tax year. Once the tax has been assessed, the IRS has 10 years from that date to collect. This is called the collection statute expiration date (CSED). If no tax return has been filed, the IRS has an unlimited amount of time to assess tax for that tax year. This is why Timalyn urges taxpayers to take control of the situation and not give the IRS an open door to come assess tax on their account. When the IRS prepares the return for the taxpayer, it is called a substitute for return (SFR). The IRS takes the third-party documentation that has been reported to them and creates a return, and assesses the taxpayer penalties for not filing. The IRS does not take into consideration all of the deductions or credits that the taxpayer may be entitled to. This is another reason why Timalyn urges taxpayers to take control of their own situation and to file instead of having the IRS file for them. What if I have unfiled tax returns? Don't put your head in the sand if you have years of tax returns to file. Take a deep breath and take control. If you are expecting a refund, you only have 3 years from when the tax return was due to claim that refund. This is called the refund statute expiration date (RSED). If a payment was made that you didn't have to make toward a year, then you have 2 years from the date of the payment to claim a refund of that payment. If you have balances or are anticipating balances that you cannot pay in full, the IRS only requires you to file the past 6 years of returns to be eligible for a payment arrangement. In addition to that, you must also get current with your withholding/ estimated tax payments. So if you haven't filed in 10 years, don't file years 7 -10. The IRS will not require it. If you were due refunds in years 4,5, and 6, the IRS may allow you not to file those since they won't add to the balance, and you can't claim the refunds. Once you've done you're part to get into tax compliance, you can negotiate a payment arrangement. In episode 10, Timalyn talked about Installment Agreements. She also explains what an offer in compromise is and how to qualify for an offer in compromise. If your situation doesn't fit either of those currently not collectible status may be the right option for your account. These episodes are hyperlinked as a resource for you to find out more about how they work. Timalyn doesn't judge the tax competency of taxpayers. But she does urge them to get the help they need. Even if it isn't with her. Need Tax Help Now? If you need answers to your tax debt questions, book a consultation with Timalyn via her Bowens Tax Solutions website. Click this link to book a call. Please consider sharing this episode with your friends and family. There are many people dealing with tax issues, and you may not know about it. This information might be helpful to someone who really needs it. As we conclude Episode 71, we encourage you to connect with Timalyn on social media. You'll be able to subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and many other podcast platforms. Remember, Timalyn Bowens is America's Favorite EA, and she's here to fill the tax literacy gap, one taxpayer at a time. Thanks for listening to today's episode. For more information about tax relief options or filing your taxes, visit https://www.Bowenstaxsolutions.com/ . If you have any feedback or suggestions for an upcoming episode topic, please submit them here: https://www.americasfavoriteea.com/contact. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It provides a framework and possible solutions for solving your tax problems, but it is not legally binding. Please consult your tax professional regarding your specific tax situation.
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    13 min
  • Additional Medicare Tax

    Additional Medicare Tax
    Nov 7 2025
    Episode 71: In this episode, Timalyn addresses the additional Medicare tax that taxpayers are faced with when they reach they reach a certain income threshold. Before getting into the episode, Timalyn warns taxpayers not to go exempt on their W-4 because the government is shut down. She reminds taxpayers that they will still be responsible for the tax due when they file their taxes in the Spring. What is the additional Medicare Tax? The additional Medicare tax was created to help fund the tax provisions in the Affordable Care Act. This includes the premium tax credit. The tax amount is 0.9% of self-employment income, and railroad retirement (RRTA) compensation that exceeds certain income thresholds that are set based on filing status. The threshold for single and head of household taxpayers is $200,000. It is $125,000 for married taxpayers who file separately, and $250,000 for taxpayers who are married filing jointly. How is the additional Medicare Tax computed? Form 8959, Additional Medicare Tax is used to calculate the tax amount. The tax then flows to Schedule 2 of the 1040. The amount over the income threshold is what the taxpayer pays 0.9% on. If the taxpayer is self-employed and has a loss, they will not pay the additional Medicare tax on that amount. For self-employed taxpayers, it is their responsibility to make payments of the additional Medicare tax with their estimated tax payments. If they have wage income, they can adjust their withholding to account for that. You can check out America's Favorite EA YouTube page for a series on how to fill out your W-4 here: Tax Withholding Employers are responsible for withholding the additional Medicare tax from wages or railroad retirement compensation if they pay the employee more than $200,000 in a calendar year. It does not matter what the filing status of the employee is. The employer does not have an obligation to match the amount that is withheld for the additional Medicare tax. Expats pay additional Medicare tax too U.S. citizens who live abroad have to pay the additional Medicare tax if their income exceeds the threshold. They are not exempt, even if they are eligible for the foreign income exclusion. This also applies to nonresident aliens. Need Tax Help Now? If you need answers to your tax debt questions, book a consultation with Timalyn via her Bowens Tax Solutions website. Click this link to book a call. Please consider sharing this episode with your friends and family. There are many people dealing with tax issues, and you may not know about it. This information might be helpful to someone who really needs it. As we conclude Episode 71, we encourage you to connect with Timalyn on social media. You'll be able to subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and many other podcast platforms. Remember, Timalyn Bowens is America's Favorite EA, and she's here to fill the tax literacy gap, one taxpayer at a time. Thanks for listening to today's episode. For more information about tax relief options or filing your taxes, visit https://www.Bowenstaxsolutions.com/ . If you have any feedback or suggestions for an upcoming episode topic, please submit them here: https://www.americasfavoriteea.com/contact. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It provides a framework and possible solutions for solving your tax problems, but it is not legally binding. Please consult your tax professional regarding your specific tax situation.
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    17 min