There are many fraudulent tax resolution deals that inundate the Internet and other means of communication, but how can you know which of these deals are false and which ones are real? The IRS recently released a list of common scams whose main goal is to take your money, not help you invest or save it. Here are some of the scams on that list:
Identity theft headed up the list of common scams. Your tax resolution specialist knows that there are many companies that are trying to get your information, and they will tell you just about anything to get it. One of the best rules of thumb is this: if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. That means that if someone who claims to be a tax resolution specialist tells you that you don’t even have to pay any taxes, the chances are you’re being fed a scam. You should always research a tax resolution specialist before you ever agree to work with him or her.
Return preparer fraud means that a tax resolution company will agree to prepare your tax documents for you only to confiscate the refund check. That is why researching a tax resolution company is so important. Make sure the company you choose is accredited to work with U.S. taxes. Don’t be afraid to ask for proof of credentials to ensure that you are working with a reputable company.
The IRS also warned taxpayers of the promise of hiding money offshore to prevent you from paying taxes. Any good tax resolution specialist knows that you have to report all of your income, no matter where you keep it. There are hefty fees for people that don’t report offshore income, and a good tax resolution expert will do everything to help save you money, not give you increased debt for the future.