Tax Relief Lawyers in East Alton

"Tax relief" in East Alton, Illinois can refer to a wide range of subjects. However, it almost always refers to lowering the tax liability, either of an individual, or a group of people.

When the term "tax relief" is used in the media, it's usually in the context of a politician, or someone running for elected office, promising that they'll reduce tax rates. Basically, "tax relief" is, in this context, another term for "tax cut."

However, many people in the general public, especially in these troubled economic times, often hear the words "tax relief" used in a completely different context. The phrase has become synonymous with businesses and individuals who claim they have some special method to help you lower your tax liability in Illinois. 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 East Alton, Illinois

Many scammers in East Alton, Illinois claim that they can completely relieve you of your obligation to pay your taxes - for a fee, of course.

In most cases, however, these people have absolutely no legal means to actually help their "clients" ("victims" is the more accurate term), and will simply take your money and disappear. Thankfully, these scams in East Alton, Illinois usually have a few elements that are dead giveaways, which you should always be on the look out for if you're considering hiring someone offering "tax relief."

One of the strongest indications that you're dealing with a scammer is if they guarantee that they can deliver a particular result. When it comes to negotiating with the IRS or state tax authorities, there are simply no guarantees, and a competent and ethical tax relief professional will know this, and tell you as much. The unfortunate fact is that, while the IRS does have programs allowing people to negotiate a lower tax bill, they only apply to people in extreme situations, who are unable to pay their taxes through no fault of their own. Most East Alton, Illinois residents will not be eligible.

Also, any demand for upfront payment, before any actual services are rendered, is another warning sign that you may be dealing with a fraudster. This is because many tax scammers in East Alton will simply take whatever money you give them, and drop off the face of the Earth (figuratively, unfortunately), without doing anything to help you, or even pretending to. Adding insult to injury, if you pay them with a credit card, they may well make additional unauthorized charges to it.

How Can a Tax Relief Attorney in East Alton, Illinois Help?

If you owe a huge amount in back taxes, and are unable to pay them, it may well be helpful to seek the advice of an East Alton, Illinois tax attorney.

Your tax attorney in East Alton, Illinois will be able to give you honest advice about your tax obligations. While they may not tell you what you want to hear, unlike a scammer, they won't steal your money or put you deeper into debt. And in the off chance that you are scammed by a licensed attorney, you have significant legal recourse.