Tax debt is nothing to shrug off. If you get an IRS notice of a large amount of taxes due, you should take action soon—but you shouldn’t let your stress make you the victim of a tax relief scam.
Many organizations and individuals try to take advantage of the worry that comes with tax debt and scam taxpayers out of even more money. These “tax relief mills,” as they’re sometimes called, don’t offer any help at all. They end up making your financial situation significantly worse.
Warning Signs of a Tax Relief Scam
Ads, emails, or letters with these promises are usually scams:
- “We can guarantee IRS acceptance.”
- “Just pay us $3,000 upfront to get started.”
- “No need to file your taxes, we’ll handle everything.”
- “Sign in the next 5 minutes or this offer expires.”
Let’s break these fake ads down.
- “We can guarantee IRS acceptance.” Real tax professionals will never guarantee that the IRS will accept your offer. They’ll help you craft an offer that the IRS may be more willing to accept based on your situation, but it’s never guaranteed.
- “Just pay us $3,000 upfront to get started.” An upfront payment this large almost certainly comes from a dishonest organization. At Gabaie & Associates, LLC, we only charge fees for the work we do.
- “No need to file your taxes, we’ll handle everything.” You should be involved in resolving your tax debts. A tax attorney will be able to handle the technical and legal aspects, but they will still make sure you understand their process and get your approval before filing anything.
- “Sign in the next 5 minutes or this offer expires.” Legitimate tax professionals give you time to make informed decisions. Pressuring you to sign immediately without explaining the terms or conditions is a sure sign of a scam.
Beware of Fake Threats
Scammers use fear-based tactics to pressure you into immediate action. They impersonate IRS agents, threaten arrest or deportation, and demand payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency. The real IRS never operates this way. When you’re already stressed about tax debt, however, these threats can feel terrifyingly real.
What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted by a Tax Relief Scam
If someone pressures you to act fast, sign a contract, or pay upfront fees for tax relief without reviewing your situation in detail, stop immediately. Here’s what you should do instead:
1) Don’t Share Personal or Financial Info
Never give out your Social Security number, bank info, or tax documents unless you’re working with a licensed attorney or enrolled agent.
2) Report the Scam
File a complaint with:
3) Keep All Communications
Save emails, letters, or recordings from the company or individual. This can be important if legal action becomes necessary.
4) Call a Licensed Tax Attorney Immediately
An experienced tax attorney can review your situation, report the fraud if needed, and help you get back on track with a legitimate tax relief solution.
Resolving Your Tax Debt the Right Way
The IRS does offer legitimate options for resolving your tax debt—but it’s a detailed, documented process, not a quick solution. At Gabaie & Associates, LLC, we help Maryland taxpayers pursue these options, such as:
You can trust a licensed attorney to help you resolve your tax debt the right way. When you work with us, you speak to a real attorney in person, not a call center or sales rep. We also take a personalized approach with each client because every tax situation is unique.
By working with a licensed tax attorney, you also get full attorney-client privilege and full legal protection. We have offices in Baltimore, Columbia, Frederick, and Rockville, allowing us to assist taxpayers throughout Maryland.
Real Help Starts with a Real Attorney
Tax debt can make anyone feel desperate, and scam artists know it. Promising to “wipe out your debt” or “settle for pennies on the dollar,” these companies lure in vulnerable taxpayers, charge thousands upfront, and then vanish without delivering results.
At Gabaie & Associates, LLC, we’ve seen the damage firsthand. We’re here to help you spot these scams and protect your rights. When it comes to your finances, you can’t afford false promises.
If you’re worried about your tax debt, we can help. Call Gabaie & Associates today at (410) 358-1500 to set up a free consultation. You can also fill out our contact form, and we’ll get back to you.
