Practical guides on "US taxes". Plain language, with examples for the Polish community in the USA.
The IRS usually starts with a letter, does not demand gift cards or wire transfers, and does not threaten deportation; learn how to verify a letter and a collection agency, recognize a legitimate visit, understand the purpose of the IP PIN, and where to report fraud: TIGTA 800-366-4484, phishing@irs.gov.
Do you have an IRS debt? A short-term plan up to 180 days with no fee, an installment agreement for debts up to $50,000 online for $29–178 (as of 2026), Offer in Compromise for $205, Currently Not Collectible status, 10-year CSED, penalties and interest (7% in Q4 2026), and situations typical for the Polish community.
Cash itself is legal, but unreported income is not; this article outlines the implications of unreported earnings, the risks for employers, and how to transition to W-2, Schedule C, ITIN, or LLC, as well as new thresholds and deductions for 2026.
The Child Tax Credit for 2025 and 2026 is up to $2,200 per child under 17, with up to $1,700 refundable as ACTC; starting in 2025, both the child and taxpayer must have a valid SSN for work, and we describe the $500 ODC for children with ITIN, income thresholds of $200,000/$400,000, and 1040-X adjustments.
ITIN is a nine-digit IRS tax number for individuals without the right to an SSN; we explain who needs it, what documents the IRS accepts, how to submit Form W-7 by mail or in person (TAC, VITA, CAA agent), when the number expires, and what ITIN does not provide, including changes to the Child Tax Credit starting in 2025.
A comparison of business structures in the USA for the Polish diaspora: liability, federal taxes (self-employment tax, S-Corp, C-Corp 21%, QBI), EIN, BOI, fees in New York and New Jersey, licenses, and why owning a business does not grant the right to work – with an interactive decision-making flowchart.
Learn how to effectively manage your finances in retirement to minimize taxes, including strategies like withdrawal sequencing, Roth conversions, QCDs, and utilizing HSAs.
Learn how to utilize tax losses to minimize your tax liability, understand rules like the 'wash-sale rule', and how automation through robo-advisors can simplify this process.
Learn what harvesting capital gains is and how it can assist in tax optimization in the USA; this practical approach can be particularly beneficial in years of low income.
Understanding how tax brackets work in the USA can aid in better financial planning.
Learn how to effectively manage your taxes in retirement in the USA and discover strategies to reduce your tax burden and maximize your savings.
Learn what Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is and how it affects your Medicare premiums and ACA subsidies, as well as the differences between MAGI and AGI and which incomes are added to MAGI.
Transferring money between the USA and Poland is LEGAL in both directions but requires reporting for larger amounts, with popular methods including SWIFT, Wise, and various reporting forms for compliance.
Working as a driver for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart, GrubHub, etc. is a classic 1099 gig economy scenario where you pay the full self-employment tax of 15.3% PLUS income tax, making accurate mileage tracking crucial for profit.
A Polish accountant in the USA assists with federal and state taxes, FBAR, FATCA, ITIN applications, Polish income from Poland, and self-employed business matters, providing a comprehensive guide on CPA vs EA vs tax preparer, costs ($150-500 for annual filing), where to look for Polish accountants, and when they are absolutely necessary.
Do you work in the USA but have income/property in Poland? Poland and the USA have an agreement from 1974 that prevents double taxation. A complete guide: PIT-36 vs 1040, Foreign Tax Credit, Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, IFT-1R, when to pay in which country.
Your first tax return in the USA – when to file (April 15), which form to use (1040 vs 1040-NR), what deductions are available, how to file for free, and what to do if you only have an ITIN.