Tax Relief Lawyers in Northampton

The term "tax relief" can refer to many different things in Northampton, Massachusetts. But, it is normally used to refer to some action that reduces the tax liability of an individual, corporation, or a certain category of individuals.

When you hear the term "tax relief" used by an elected official, or someone running for office, they're almost always talking about tax cuts, which would likely apply to the speaker's target audience. A tax cut is simply a reduction in the percentage of one's income (or whatever else is being taxed) that they have to pay in taxes.

However, when most people think of "tax relief," they are thinking of an individual, law firm, or corporation that claims to offer a way to get out of paying some or all of one's back taxes. They typically claim that they will have skilled lawyers negotiate with the IRS or Massachusetts tax authorities, to reduce your tax liability. While some of these businesses are legitimate, there are also many scams in this area.

Tax Relief Scams in Northampton, Massachusetts

Many scammers in Northampton, Massachusetts claim that they can completely discharge you of your obligation to pay your taxes - for a fee, of course.

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

There is one warning sign that virtually guarantees that the tax relief company you're dealing with intends to defraud you: if they make an unequivocal guarantee that they can lower your tax bill. While there are some legal ways to try and reduce your tax obligation, including negotiating with the IRS, there is no guarantee that they will succeed. And although the IRS does have programs to advise people who are really unable to pay for their taxes, they are only available to very small subset of the population, and most Northampton, Massachusetts taxpayers aren't suitable to participate in them.

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

How Can a Tax Relief Attorney in Northampton, Massachusetts Help?

If you owe a massive amount in back taxes, and are unable to pay them, it may well be helpful to seek the advice of a Northampton, Massachusetts tax attorney.

Your tax lawyer in Northampton, Massachusetts will be able to give you real, useful advice about your tax situation. Just be prepared: your tax attorney will give you honest advice, whether or not that's what you want to hear. Moreover, in the unlikely event that a licensed tax attorney defrauds you (or attempts to defraud you), you will have substantial legal recourse against that attorney through your state bar association.