Tax Relief Lawyers in Burlington

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 obliged to pay in Burlington, Washington, or elsewhere.

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

However, many people in the general public, especially in these troubled economic times, often hear the words "tax relief" used in a completely different context. The phrase has become synonymous with businesses and individuals who claim they have some special method to help you lower your tax liability in Washington. While some of these offers are legitimate, many of them are scams, and if you hire them, you'll end up in a worse position than you were before.

Tax Relief Scams in Burlington, Washington

Scammers in Burlington, Washington will frequently 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 advise 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 Burlington, Washington 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 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 Burlington, Washington residents will not be suitable.

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

How Can a Tax Relief Attorney in Burlington, Washington 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 Burlington, Washington tax lawyer.

A skilled and reputable tax attorney in Burlington, Washington 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.