Tax Relief Lawyers in Columbia
The term "tax relief" can refer to various different things in Columbia, Maryland. But, it is usually 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 exclusively talking about tax cuts, which would apparently 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.
But, many members of the general public, particularly in recent years, associate "tax relief" with businesses or individuals who claim they can lower your tax liability - normally advertising on the Internet or the radio. These advertisements commonly claim that they have brilliant lawyers and negotiators who can help you get out of your duty to pay taxes. While many of these organizations are valid, and are actually interested in helping their clients, a considerable percentage of "tax relief" organizations in Maryland are scams.
Tax Relief Scams in Columbia, Maryland
It is pretty common for scammers in Columbia, Maryland to claim that, for a comparatively small fee, they will help you get out of paying all of your taxes.
In most cases, however, these people have absolutely no legal means to really help their "clients" ("victims" is the more accurate term), and will simply take your money and disappear. Luckily, these scams in Columbia, Maryland normally have a few elements that are dead giveaways, which you should always be on the look out for if you're contemplating hiring someone offering "tax relief."
Probably the strongest indication that a tax relief organization is a scam is a guarantee that they can deliver a particular result. If anyone makes an explicit promise that they can excuse your tax debt, they are lying to you, plain and simple. This is because it is impossible to honestly make such an affirmation. The fact is, most people are not qualified for any IRS programs that let some taxpayers reduce their tax liability. This goes for most people in Columbia, Maryland, as well.
Furthermore, you should be wary of anyone promising tax relief, but demands payment immediately, before they really do anything. Many scammers in Columbia will convince their victims to pay them upfront, and then simply take the money and run. They may even make additional, unlawful, charges to your credit card or bank account.
How Can a Tax Relief Attorney in Columbia, Maryland Help?
If you find that you are unable to pay your taxes, through no fault of your own, you may be tempted to answer an advertisement for a "tax relief" company. Before that, you should talk with a Columbia, Maryland tax lawyer.
Your tax attorney in Columbia, Maryland will be able to give you honest advice about your tax commitments. 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 considerable legal recourse.