| As the U.S. is still in the process of recovery from the | | | | handled when promised. Read the news article about |
| economic downturn, taxpayers are more vulnerable to | | | | TaxMasters: "Tax Resolution" company at center of |
| IRS problems and tax debt. To add to these troubles, | | | | state investigation. |
| an extensive list of so-called tax resolution companies | | | | Don't make yourself a victim in these difficult and |
| are springing up, many of them misrepresenting their | | | | confusing economic times. There are many more |
| ability to offer tax help by overstating their staff's | | | | options for tax-burdened taxpayers than ever before, |
| professional skills, their ability to reduce IRS debt and | | | | but the key is in choosing a tax relief company that is |
| offering 100% tax relief guarantees. | | | | ethical in its approach. This includes clearly stating the |
| This month, another well-known tax relief firm is | | | | service you will be receiving as well as guidance |
| charged with unlawful conduct and misrepresentation. | | | | throughout the process. It is essential to choose a tax |
| Houston-based TaxMasters, known for its national | | | | relief professional that will be there throughout the tax |
| advertising campaigns is being investigated by the | | | | relief process and be responsible and responsive to |
| Texas Attorney General on counts of over 1,000 | | | | your needs, otherwise you could find yourself with |
| customer complaints and numerous violations of the | | | | extra fees for services not rendered in addition to |
| Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Accusations | | | | your original tax debt, additional interest and penalties. |
| include failing to disclose details of service agreements, | | | | Before choosing to seek out professional tax help, do |
| failure to contact and negotiate with the IRS on the | | | | your research. Here are some questions to ask before |
| client's behalf and failing to stop bank account | | | | hiring a tax attorney or Certified Tax Resolution |
| garnishments. TaxMasters is also accused of placing | | | | Specialist. |
| its customers on misleading installment payment plans, | | | | Savvy taxpayers in need of tax relief should know: |
| where the customer was made to believe they were | | | | When to Get Out: If you are dealing with a tax |
| receiving IRS tax help; however, their case was only | | | | resolution firm that is more concerned about when and |
| looked at once paid in full. Clients incurred interest and | | | | how quickly you can pay them instead of how to best |
| additional fees for failing to meet certain deadlines, | | | | provide you with tax help, you need to walk out now. |
| which would have been avoided if their case was | | | | |