Tax Relief Lawyers in Palm Desert

"Tax relief" in Palm Desert, California can refer to a wide range of subjects. However, it almost exclusively refers to lowering the tax liability, either of an individual, or a group of individuals.

When a politician or other government official uses the term "tax relief," they're mostly commonly talking about tax cuts, or some other actual or recommended government action which would reduce the tax liability of some individuals or corporations.

However, many people in the general public, particularly in these troubled economic times, often hear the words "tax relief" used in a totally different context. The phrase has become synonymous with businesses and individuals who claim they have some unique method to help you lower your tax liability in California. While some of these offers are legitimate, many of them are scams, and if you hire them, you'll end up in a worse position than you were before.

Tax Relief Scams in Palm Desert, California

It is pretty common for scammers in Palm Desert, California to claim that, for a comparatively small fee, they will help you get out of paying all of your taxes.

But you should beware: no honest tax relief business in Palm Desert, California will make such promises, because they know it's almost always impossible to deliver on them. Luckily, there are several features you can look for to help you spot - and avoid - tax relief scammers.

One of the strongest indications that you're dealing with a scammer is if they assure that they can deliver a specific result. When it comes to negotiating with the IRS or state tax authorities, there are simply no guarantees, and a qualified and ethical tax relief professional will know this, and tell you as much. The unfortunate fact is that, while the IRS does have programs permitting people to negotiate a reduced tax bill, they only apply to people in extreme instances, who are unable to pay their taxes through no fault of their own. Most Palm Desert, California residents will not be qualified.

Another red flag to look for is a demand of a large up-front payment. Many tax relief scammers in Palm Desert will not even pretend to try and assist you. Rather, they simply take the money and disappear, sometimes after making further, and illegal, charges to your credit card or withdrawals from your bank account.

How Can a Tax Relief Attorney in Palm Desert, California Help?

If you are encountering trouble paying the taxes that you owe in Palm Desert, California, and are seeking tax relief, you should speak with a knowledgeable local tax attorney before you pay anyone else to help you.

If you hire a seasoned Palm Desert, California tax lawyer, your attorney will be able to provide you with honest advice about your legal situations vis-à-vis your taxes. Fair warning: honest legal advice occasionally doesn't involve telling you what you want to hear. However, the advice of an attorney will be far more useful than anything most "tax relief" companies tell you. Plus, in the very rare event that your attorney tries to defraud you, you have much more legal recourse against them than you would have against some fly-by-night "tax relief" company.