Tips for Protecting Yourself from Fraudulent Tax Relief Services
In today’s digital age, where information is readily available at our fingertips, it’s important to remain vigilant and wary against fraudulent schemes and scams, especially when seeking tax relief services.
Having outstanding tax debt is stressful and many people will look for any way to get out of it. While there are legitimate tax relief professionals who can assist individuals with resolving their tax issues, there are also plenty of unscrupulous individuals and companies looking to take advantage of people dealing with economic hardship and desperate to take control of their tax debts.
To help you safeguard yourself against these unjust situations, we’ve compiled a list of tips for protecting yourself from these fraudulent tax relief services.
Research the Company
Before engaging with any tax relief company, take the time to research them thoroughly. Look for reviews, testimonials, and ratings from reputable sources to gauge the company’s reputation and credibility. Verify the company’s credentials, such as licenses and accreditations, and make sure they are legitimate.
Beware of Unrealistic Promises
Be cautious of tax relief companies that make unrealistic promises or guarantees before your initial consultation, such as promising to settle your tax debt for “pennies on the dollar” or guaranteeing specific outcomes. Unpaid taxes cannot be dealt with so easily, and a company that makes it sound simple is not being honest.
Resolving tax issues with the IRS is a complex process, and a real tax specialist knows there are no guarantees of success. There is a wide range of potential tax debt issues and as such there is no one-size-fits-all answer to tax resolutions. Legitimate tax relief professionals will provide realistic expectations and work diligently with you to help you make informed decisions and achieve the best possible outcome for your financial situation.
Avoid Upfront Fees
Any tax relief company that requires upfront fees to be paid in full or demands payment before properly diagnosing a case is a red flag. Reputable tax relief professionals typically offer free consultations to assess your tax situation and will provide recommendations and options to you.
Once they determine if working together is a good fit, they will outline their fee structure clearly and transparently with an Engagement Agreement Letter. If a company tries to hurry you through the process, it’s a good sign that you should look elsewhere.
Verify Contact Information
Before providing any personal or financial records to a tax relief service, verify their contact information, including their physical address, phone number, and email address.
Fraudulent companies are skilled at using fake or misleading contact information to avoid detection. Legitimate tax relief professionals will have a verifiable presence and be responsive to inquiries. Your personal information should always be guarded, so this step is crucial.
Check for Complaints or Scam Reports
Search online for any complaints or scam reports associated with the tax relief service you’re considering. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) maintain a database of consumer complaints and investigations into fraudulent activities.
Avoid companies with a history of complaints or suspicious behavior. There are plenty of credible options available to you without having to resort to a company with a bad reputation.
Trust Your Instincts
If something seems too good to be true or if you feel uncomfortable with the information provided by a tax relief service, trust your instincts and proceed with caution. Your intuition can often alert you to potential scams or deceptive practices. Take the time to thoroughly evaluate your options and seek advice from trusted sources before making any decisions.
By following these tips and exercising caution when seeking a reputable and trustworthy tax relief service, you can protect yourself from falling victim to fraudulent schemes and scams. If you do encounter any suspicious or fraudulent activity, report it immediately to the appropriate authorities, such as the BBB or FTC, to prevent others from being victimized.
Count on the LBS Tax Team
If you need legitimate tax relief assistance, consider reaching out to our team at LBS Tax & Accounting Services. Our experienced team of professionals is dedicated to helping taxpayers resolve their tax issues ethically and effectively, and we’re here to guide you through the process with integrity and professionalism. Our comprehensive services will help you build a personalized tax plan to help you avoid tax penalties and take control of your financial future. Whether you need to take advantage of the IRS’s Offer in Compromise program or you’re interested in other tax assistance programs, we will point you in the right direction.
Contact us today at 480-664-1249 for a no-obligation consultation to review your options and we can determine what your next steps should be. The LBS Tax Services team wants to help you secure your financial future with efficient tax solutions in a judgment-free and empathetic setting.