Tax Relief Lawyers in Petersburg

The term "tax relief" can mean a few different things. Sometimes, it's used to refer to action that lowers the amount of taxes that people or businesses are obligated to pay in Petersburg, Virginia, or elsewhere.

When a politician or government official uses the term "tax relief," they are normally referring to tax cuts, which are simply a reduction in the tax rate for everyone, or some people.

But, many members of the general public, especially 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 proficient lawyers and negotiators who can help you get out of your duty to pay taxes. While many of these organizations are legitimate, and are actually interested in helping their clients, a considerable percentage of "tax relief" organizations in Virginia are scams.

Tax Relief Scams in Petersburg, Virginia

Scammers in Petersburg, Virginia will commonly claim, for a fee of course, that they can get you out of your obligation to pay your taxes.

However, in many cases, these people have no ability or intent to assist their "clients," and will simply take the money and run. In order to spot a tax relief scam, there are a few things that residents of Petersburg, Virginia can look for.

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 qualified and ethical tax relief professional will know this, and tell you as much. The unfortunate fact is that, while the IRS does have programs permitting people to negotiate a lower tax bill, they only apply to people in extreme examples, who are unable to pay their taxes through no fault of their own. Most Petersburg, Virginia residents will not be qualified.

And if a tax relief organization demands up-front payment, this should raise a big red flag for you. Many scammers in Petersburg, whether they're pledging tax relief, or anything else, will take your money, and then disappear, without even pretending to try to assist you. The worst of the worst will also take the money you agreed to pay them, and then make unapproved charges to your credit card, or withdrawals from your bank account.

How Can a Tax Relief Attorney in Petersburg, Virginia Help?

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

If you hire a brilliant Petersburg, Virginia tax lawyer, your attorney will be able to provide you with honest advice about your legal situations vis-à-vis your taxes. Fair warning: honest legal advice sometimes doesn't involve telling you what you want to hear. However, the advice of an attorney will be far more useful than anything most "tax relief" companies tell you. Plus, in the very rare event that your attorney tries to defraud you, you have much more legal recourse against them than you would have against some fly-by-night "tax relief" company.