Tax Relief Lawyers in Martinsburg

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

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

Tax Relief Scams in Martinsburg, West Virginia

Scammers in Martinsburg, West Virginia often claim that they can employ some exceptional method enabling you pay the IRS less than you really owe, or even erase your tax debt.

In most cases, however, these people have absolutely no legal means to really help their "clients" ("victims" is the more accurate term), and will simply take your money and disappear. Luckily, these scams in Martinsburg, West Virginia normally have a few elements that are dead giveaways, which you should always be on the look out for if you're contemplating hiring someone offering "tax relief."

One of the strongest indications that you're dealing with a scammer is if they assure that they can deliver a specific 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 reduced tax bill, they only apply to people in extreme cases, who are unable to pay their taxes through no fault of their own. Most Martinsburg, West Virginia residents will not be qualified.

Furthermore, 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 Martinsburg 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 unlawful charges to it.

How Can a Tax Relief Attorney in Martinsburg, West Virginia Help?

If you are encountering trouble paying the taxes that you owe in Martinsburg, West Virginia, and are seeking tax relief, you should speak with a reliable local tax attorney before you pay anyone else to help you.

Your tax attorney in Martinsburg, West Virginia will be able to give you honest advice about your tax commitments. 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.