Tax Relief Lawyers in Schenectady
"Tax relief" is a term used to describe a few different concepts in Schenectady, 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 Schenectady, New York
Some con-artists in Schenectady, New York say that they have some distinct technique that permits you to reduce the amount of taxes you're legally obliged to pay, or that they can erase any tax debt that you have incurred.
But you should beware: no honest tax relief business in Schenectady, New York 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 Schenectady, New York taxpayers aren't suitable to participate in them.
Additionally, 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 Schenectady 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 Schenectady, New York Help?
If you find that you can't pay your taxes, and this is not a result of any fault or irresponsibility on your part, a tax attorney in Schenectady, New York may well be able to advise you.
Your tax attorney in Schenectady, New York 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 substantial legal recourse.