Tax Relief Lawyers in Lansing
The term "tax relief" can refer to many different things in Lansing, Michigan. But, it is typically used to refer to some action that reduces the tax liability of an individual, corporation, or a certain category of individuals.
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, 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 usually claim that they will have skilled lawyers negotiate with the IRS or Michigan 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 Lansing, Michigan
Scammers in Lansing, Michigan will often claim, for a fee of course, that they can get you out of your obligation to pay your taxes.
But you should beware: no honest tax relief business in Lansing, Michigan will make such promises, because they know it's almost always impossible to deliver on them. Thankfully, there are some 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 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 Lansing, Michigan 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 Lansing 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 Lansing, Michigan Help?
If you are in need of tax relief, or are having trouble paying taxes you owe, it can't hurt to speak with a Lansing, Michigan tax attorney.
A good Lansing, Michigan tax attorney can give you honest, unbiased legal advice that will be useful in handling any problem you have with your taxes. Of course, as you probably know, honest advice is, more often than not, the opposite of what one wants to hear, even if it is more useful than whatever puffery you'll hear from a scammer. Plus, in the extremely unlikely event that your tax attorney defrauds you, it will be much easier to seek legal action against a licensed attorney than against some scammer who probably doesn't use his or her real name.