| Sitting Ducks: If you're in federal tax debt, unfortunately | | | | dollars. But when you get the contract it says $3,000 |
| the IRS is not the only thing you have to worry about. | | | | dollars because there's a $1,000 "convenience charge." |
| The business world is filled with tax relief companies | | | | This is the perfect example of the old "Bait and |
| who are willing to tell you anything just to get your | | | | Switch" scam; they tell you one price and you read |
| money. There are some basic things everyone knows | | | | another. |
| when dealing with one of these companies. But here | | | | I want my money back! Some companies don't offer |
| are some things that you probably don't know: | | | | a refund policy, and it makes you wonder...why? If a |
| Retainer Fees: Any company says the words | | | | company can't stand behind its guarantee to help you |
| "Retainer" or "Retainer Fee" is probably only interested | | | | in your tax debt, what does that say about the |
| in your wallet. A retainer fee is a fee that "holds the | | | | guarantee? Don't be afraid to ask them about their |
| services until an actual agreement is made." What | | | | refund policy. If a company doesn't offer a refund |
| does that mean for you? It's not the real charge! The | | | | policy, they probably know you won't be happy and |
| retainer fee allows companies to legally hold the right | | | | they don't want to give you your investment back. |
| to change prices to the agreement. Chances are good | | | | Bottom Line: You want a company that you can trust. |
| that if a company has a retainer fee, they can and the | | | | When you have someone dealing with something as |
| will raise the price. | | | | fragile as IRS tax debt, you want nothing short of the |
| Bait and Switch! Sadly, most of the time, people can't | | | | best. Make sure any company you decide to go with |
| even see these overcharges coming. These kinds of | | | | has a good track record. Check them out with the |
| fees are hidden somewhere in the company's | | | | Better Business Bureau or Dun and Bradstreet. |
| contract. For example, say a company told you they | | | | Now you have the smoking gun...Use it! |
| were going to help you with your tax debt for $2000 | | | | |