THEY DON'T WANT YOU TO KNOW THIS: How I Turned My Embarrassing Tax Problem Into A Fortune-Building Formula!

Why INCOME UNCHAINED? Because I'm tired of seeing hard-working Americans:

• Trapped in tax debt

• Chained to limiting beliefs about money

• Held back by outdated financial "rules"

• Imprisoned by fear of the IRS

A Weekend to Remember—For More Reasons Than One

I hope you’re having an incredible weekend. Here in Southern California, the weather is giving us a rare treat—cool, sunny, snow-capped mountains in the distance, and everything green and blooming. Of course, this won’t last. In a few weeks, it’ll be back to dry and brown, so we’re soaking it in while we can.

Yesterday, we took a drive down to San Diego to spend the day with my grandson Kainalu, my son, and his wife. We made our usual pilgrimage to Sunset Cliffs, where the waves were rolling in like a postcard, and the sea air reminded me why I love this part of the world.

But after the ocean therapy, it was back to business. At my son’s place, we got into taxes, client updates, and the insanity I’m seeing in the tax world right now. Scams are out of control. And I’m not talking about the obvious Nigerian prince emails—I mean sophisticated, believable, targeted scams that are tricking smart, responsible people out of their hard-earned money.

It even happened to someone in my own family.

That’s what I’m covering in today’s Income Unchained—because if it can happen to them, it can happen to you.

One last thing: You’ll notice the newsletter got a facelift. I think it looks sharp, but let me know what you think.

Now, let’s dive in.
Carlos

TRENDINGS

The IRS Just Dropped Its “Dirty Dozen” Tax Scam List—And One Nearly Wrecked a Family Member

Every year, the IRS drops its version of the FBI’s Most Wanted List—the Dirty Dozen—a rundown of the biggest, nastiest tax scams running rampant across America. It’s a mix of old cons with new disguises and fresh frauds so slick they’d make a seasoned grifter jealous.

The 2025 list, released on February 27, is a who’s who of tax fraud, from phishing emails to bogus social media tax advice, fake charities, and shady tax preparers promising miracle refunds. But this year, one of these scams didn’t just make headlines—it hit home.

A $1,500 “Tax Strategy” Turns Into an $800,000 Nightmare

Last week, an extended family member reached out, panicked. They had shelled out $1,500 to someone they found on social media who was selling a “little-known tax strategy” to slash their tax bill. Sounded great—until they got a letter from the IRS.

The bill? $800,000.

Yes, you read that right. Almost a million bucks.

That so-called “strategy” turned out to be nothing more than a well-packaged scam that the IRS had specifically called out as #4 on their Dirty Dozen list: Bogus Tax Strategies Pushed on Social Media.

Now, we’re in the trenches, fighting to get this disaster sorted out before it financially ruins them. And trust me, this is not a unique case. These scams are running wild, and good, honest people are getting caught in the trap.

The 2025 Dirty Dozen: What’s Lurking in the Tax Shadows

According to IRS Senior Communications Advisor Terry Lemons, these scams don’t just pop up during tax season—they’re a year-round plague. “Scammers are relentless,” he says. “They use the guise of tax season to try tricking taxpayers into falling into a variety of traps.”

So, what made the cut this year? Here’s a quick look at the worst offenders:

1. Phishing Scams: Fake IRS emails, texts, and calls trying to steal personal info.

2. Bad Social Media Advice: TikTok and Instagram are breeding grounds for tax fraud.

MARKETING SALES

LET YOUR SKELETONS DANCE—AND WATCH YOUR BANK ACCOUNT GROW!

Let me tell you something right now that could INSTANTLY transform your pathetic marketing into a money-making MACHINE.

Here it is: Take those skeletons in your closet—you know, the embarrassing screw-ups and failures you're desperate to hide—and MAKE THEM DANCE RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOUR PROSPECTS!

When I started my tax resolution business, I did what every other DUMB marketer does. I talked about my credentials, my process, my expertise... ME, ME, ME! And guess what? NOBODY CARED.

My business was on life support until that fateful day when I finally got HONEST.

I stood up in front of a room of potential clients and said, "Before I helped others solve their tax problems, the IRS was breathing down MY years of unfiled tax returns and almost six-figure tax debt in back taxes!"

You could hear a pin drop. Then something MAGICAL happened...

People LINED UP to give me their money! Why? Because they didn't want some perfect "expert" who couldn't possibly understand their pain. They wanted someone who had been in the TRENCHES—someone who had felt the same cold sweat at 3 AM worrying about the IRS!

Want examples? Here you go:

Financial

Social Security Administration Reverts to 100% Withholding for Overpayments

Key Policy Change Affecting Seniors and Self-Employed

The Social Security Administration announced a significant policy reversal that could impact seniors and self-employed business owners receiving benefits. Starting March 27, 2025, the SSA will return to withholding 100% of monthly benefits when recouping overpayments, abandoning the more lenient 10% withholding rate implemented under the Biden administration in 2024.

Important Details:

• Implementation date: March 27, 2025

• Who is affected: Anyone who receives an overpayment after March 27

• Previous recipients: Those who received overpayment notices before March 27 will remain at their current withholding rate

• Financial impact: The SSA projects this change will recover approximately $7 billion over the next decade

What Recipients Need to Know:

If you cannot afford to have your entire benefit withheld, you can contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or your local office to request a lower recovery rate.

Additional Context:

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

The Stoic Guide To STRESSFUL Times

Are you feeling the weight of today's world? You're not alone. From financial uncertainties to political tensions and family challenges, stress seems to be an unwelcome companion in all our lives lately.

That's why I had to share this powerful video, "The Stoic Guide To STRESSFUL Times." In just a few minutes, it offers timeless wisdom that has personally helped me navigate through my own anxieties and overwhelming moments.

The ancient Stoics faced plagues, wars, exile, and political turmoil—yet developed practical techniques for maintaining inner calm that remain remarkably relevant today. Whether you're worried about your retirement account, family disagreements, or the direction of our country, these Stoic principles provide a clear path forward.

Take a few moments for yourself and watch this. It might just change how you approach the challenges weighing on you right now.