Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Tax Relief with Timalyn Bowens
info_outline
Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC)
Tax Relief with Timalyn Bowens
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,...
info_outline
IRS Statute of Limitations on Unfiled Tax Returns
Tax Relief with Timalyn Bowens
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...
info_outline
Additional Medicare Tax
Tax Relief with Timalyn Bowens
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. This includes the . The tax amount is 0.9% of...
info_outline
Should I File as Head of Household?
Tax Relief with Timalyn Bowens
Episode 70: In this episode, Timalyn addresses a tax filing fundamental that is often misconstrued and can lead to unnecessary tax debt and penalties. Head of household is a tax filing status for taxpayers who are unmarried but keep up the expenses of a home for a qualifying dependent. Who Qualifies for Head of Household? 3 requirements must be met for a person to claim head of household status. 1 - They were unmarried for the tax year. This is for taxpayers who have never been married, are legally separated from their spouse, or are divorced. Married taxpayers who...
info_outline
Government Shutdown ≠ IRS Shutdown
Tax Relief with Timalyn Bowens
Episode 69: In this episode, Timalyn deviates from the discussion begun in Episode 64 about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Timalyn addresses the government shutdown and how it affects the IRS and, in turn, all taxpayers. Today, she’s explaining what a government shutdown is, how a government shutdown doesn’t give taxpayers in tax debt a get out of jail free card, what to expect from the IRS right now, and how this will likely affect the 2026 filing season. What is a government shutdown? The government shuts down when Congress cannot agree on a budget. It...
info_outline
Charitable Contributions
Tax Relief with Timalyn Bowens
Episode 68: In this episode, Timalyn continues the discussion begun in Episode 64 about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Today, she’s explaining the charitable contribution deduction and the changes that have been made to it under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. What is a charitable contribution? Charitable contributions are money or property that are given to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, religious organizations, educational institutions, fraternal organizations, public cemeteries, and certain government organizations. The IRS has a search tool that can be used to...
info_outline
Senior Deduction 2025
Tax Relief with Timalyn Bowens
Episode 67: In this episode, Timalyn continues the discussion begun in Episode 64 about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Timalyn opens up the episode with a reminder of what the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is. There is a video version of this episode! You can watch it here : Today, she’s explaining the enhanced senior deduction for taxpayers who are 65 and older. This deduction will be available for tax years 2025 - 2028. If there is any part of this new tax law that you’d like to hear her cover, please let us know. What is the standard deduction for 2025? ...
info_outline
Car Loan Interest Deduction
Tax Relief with Timalyn Bowens
Episode 66: In this episode, Timalyn continues the discussion begun in Episode 64 about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Timalyn opens up the episode with a reminder of what the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is. Timalyn also warns that this tax year may not be the one where you want to let someone who is not a professional handle your preparation. Today, she’s explaining the car loan interest deduction. If there is any part of this new tax law that you’d like to hear her cover, please let us know. Car Loan Interest Deduction This new deduction is effective for tax years 2025...
info_outline
No Tax on Tips
Tax Relief with Timalyn Bowens
Episode 65: In this episode, Timalyn continues the discussion begun in Episode 64 about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Today, she’s explaining the no tax on tips deduction. If there is any part of this new tax law that you’d like to hear her cover, please let us know. No Tax on Tips Timalyn jumps right in to let listeners know that tips are still considered taxable income. In order for them to be deducted, they must also be reported to the IRS. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act created a new section in tax law that allows a maximum of $25,000 in qualified tips to be deducted from...
info_outlineEpisode 61: In this episode, Timalyn breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in tax: the IRS audit.
After 60+ episodes of educating taxpayers, she’s kicking off a brand-new series that explores what an audit really means — and what it doesn’t.
Many people fear a suit-wearing IRS agent knocking at their door, but as Timalyn explains, that’s highly unlikely. Instead, most audits today are conducted through correspondence and notices, not surprise visits.
So, what is an audit?
An IRS audit is simply a review or examination of your accounts and financial information to ensure you reported everything correctly and according to tax law. Timalyn explains how discrepancies (like mismatches between your return and a third-party report) can trigger an audit, but that doesn’t automatically mean you’re in trouble.
She also walks through how audits apply to individuals and organizations, including what the IRS looks for in businesses, churches, and nonprofits. For example, are expenses “ordinary and necessary”? Was depreciation properly reported? Were financial records kept accurately?
Timalyn helps listeners understand the process and stresses the importance of documentation and good bookkeeping, especially for small business owners.
This episode is part one of a three-part audit series where Timalyn will later explain:
-
Why are some taxpayers selected for an audit
-
What happens when you agree with the audit findings
-
What happens when you disagree with audit findings
And if you’re already in an audit and feeling overwhelmed?
You have the right to tax representation.
Timalyn explains how professionals like Enrolled Agents (like herself), CPAs, or tax attorneys can step in to help you navigate the audit process, avoid unnecessary penalties, and protect your peace of mind.
Need Tax Help Now?
If you’re facing an audit or just want to avoid one, book a consultation with Timalyn through her website: www.bowenstaxsolutions.com
Know someone stressed about the IRS?
Please share this episode with them. Tax confusion causes unnecessary fear — and this series could provide the clarity and confidence someone needs today.
As we wrap up Episode 61, stay connected with Timalyn by subscribing on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, or your favorite platform. 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, visit:
https://www.Bowenstaxsolutions.com. Got feedback or an episode suggestion? If you have any feedback or suggestions for an upcoming episode topic, please submit them here: https://www.americasfavoriteea.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.