Tax Relief Lawyers in New Paltz

"Tax relief" is a term used to describe a few different concepts in New Paltz, New York. It sometimes refers to actions that lower the tax rate that some taxpayers are obliged to pay.

When the term "tax relief" is used in the media, it's typically 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 typically claim that they will have skilled lawyers negotiate with the IRS or New York 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 New Paltz, New York

Many scammers in New Paltz, New York claim that they can completely discharge 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 truly help their "clients" ("victims" is the more accurate term), and will simply take your money and disappear. Fortunately, these scams in New Paltz, New York typically 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 skilled and ethical tax relief professional will know this, and tell you as much. The unfortunate fact is that, while the IRS does have programs authorizing 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 New Paltz, New York residents will not be suitable.

Another red flag to look for is a demand of a large up-front payment. Many tax relief scammers in New Paltz 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 New Paltz, New York 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 speak with a New Paltz, New York tax lawyer.

A skilled and reputable tax attorney in New Paltz, New York will give you objective legal advice on how to handle a tax law issue. A knowledgeable tax attorney delivering honest advice, however, will tell you the truth, which may not necessarily be what you want to hear. The upside, of course, is that the information they're giving you is actually useful, as opposed to the "advice" given to you by a tax relief scammer, which, if followed, would put you in a worse position than you were before. Plus, you will have a good deal of legal recourse against a tax attorney, in the unlikely event that a licensed attorney defrauds you.