Tax Relief Lawyers in Charleston
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 Charleston, West Virginia, or elsewhere.
When a government official or politician talks about "tax relief," they are normally talking about a tax cut, which is a reduction in a particular tax rate.
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 West Virginia are scams.
Tax Relief Scams in Charleston, West Virginia
Some con-artists in Charleston, West Virginia say that they have some secret technique that authorizes you to reduce the amount of taxes you're legally obligated to pay, or that they can erase any tax debt that you have incurred.
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 Charleston, West Virginia can look for.
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 indisputable 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 help people who are absolutely unable to pay for their taxes, they are only available to very small subset of the population, and most Charleston, West Virginia taxpayers aren't qualified to participate in them.
Additionally, you need to know that anyone demanding payment before they perform any services in Charleston probably doesn't have your interests in mind. If you pay a scammer up front, they'll probably just run off with your money, and you'll never hear from them again.
How Can a Tax Relief Attorney in Charleston, West Virginia 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 Charleston, West Virginia tax lawyer.
Your tax attorney in Charleston, West Virginia 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 considerable legal recourse.