In today’s digital age, where information is readily available at our fingertips,
it’s important that we remain vigilant and wary against fraudulent schemes and
scams, especially when seeking tax relief services.
While there are legitimate tax relief professionals who can assist individuals
with resolving their tax issues, there are also plenty of unscrupulous individuals
and companies looking to take advantage of unsuspecting taxpayers.
To help you safeguard yourself against tax scams, we’ve compiled a list of tips
for protecting yourself from these fraudulent tax relief services.
Research the Company
Before engaging with any tax relief company, take the time to research them
thoroughly. Look for reviews, testimonials, and ratings from reputable sources
to gauge the company’s reputation and credibility. Verify the company’s
credentials, such as licenses and accreditations, and make sure they are
legitimate.
Beware of Unrealistic Promises
Be cautious of tax relief companies that make unrealistic promises or
guarantees, such as promising to settle your tax debt for “pennies on the dollar”
or guaranteeing specific outcomes.
Resolving tax issues with the IRS is a complex process, and there are no
guarantees of success. Legitimate tax relief professionals will provide realistic
expectations and work diligently with you to achieve the best possible outcome
for your situation.
Avoid Upfront Fees
Any tax relief company that requires upfront fees to be paid in full or demands
payment before properly diagnosing a case is a red flag. Reputable tax relief
professionals typically offer free consultations to assess your case and will
provide recommendations and options to you.
Once they determine if working together is a good fit, they will outline their
fee structure clearly and transparently with an Engagement Agreement Letter.
Verify Contact Information
Before providing any personal or financial information to a tax relief service,
verify their contact information, including their physical address, phone
number, and email address.
Fraudulent companies are skilled at using fake or misleading contact
information to avoid detection. Legitimate tax relief professionals will have a
verifiable presence and be responsive to inquiries. Your personal information
should always be guarded, so this step is crucial.
Check for Complaints or Scam Reports
Search online for any complaints or scam reports associated with the tax relief
service you’re considering. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Federal
Trade Commission (FTC) maintains a database of consumer complaints and
investigations into fraudulent activities.
Avoid the companies with a history of complaints or suspicious behavior.
There are plenty of credible options available to you without having to resort
to a company with a bad reputation.
Trust Your Instincts
If something seems too good to be true or if you feel uncomfortable with the
information provided by a tax relief service, trust your instincts and proceed
with caution.
Your intuition can often alert you to potential scams or deceptive practices.
Take the time to thoroughly evaluate your options and seek advice from
trusted sources before making any decisions.
By following these tips and exercising caution when seeking a reputable and
trustworthy tax relief service, you can protect yourself from falling victim to
fraudulent schemes and scams. If you do encounter any suspicious or
fraudulent activity, report it immediately to the appropriate authorities, such as
the BBB or FTC, to prevent others from being victimized.
If you’re in need of legitimate tax relief assistance, consider reaching out to our
team at Eagle Mountain Tax Resolution. We are dedicated to helping taxpayers
resolve their tax issues ethically and effectively, and we’re here to guide you
through the process with integrity and professionalism.
Contact us today at (385)375-0914 for a no-obligation consultation to review
your options and we can determine what your next steps should be.