The Tax Deadline Has Passed, But You May Still Be a Target

You submitted your return. You paid (or maybe you still owe). Either way, taxes are behind you for now... or so you think. There’s a growing industry that’s just getting started once your taxes are filed: tax relief companies.

 

These companies market themselves to people who owe the IRS money. They promise to negotiate your debt, lower what you owe, or qualify you for special taxpayer relief programs. Sounds great, right?

 

But there’s a catch. And it could cost you more than your original tax bill.

What Tax Relief Companies Don’t Tell You

Here’s the bottom line: you don’t need to pay anyone to access IRS relief programs. That’s right: the IRS does not charge a fee to apply for payment plans, hardship status, or settlement programs like Offer in Compromise. These are government programs, and they're free to apply for.

 

So what exactly are these companies doing for you? Often, they simply fill out the same IRS forms you can complete yourself, but for a steep price. In some cases, fees can climb into the thousands, and many consumers report getting little to nothing in return.

 

Worse yet, not everyone qualifies for IRS relief programs. Only the IRS can make that determination, and applying doesn’t guarantee acceptance. Some tax relief firms gloss over this fact in their marketing.

 

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has received so many complaints in recent years about misleading promises from debt relief firms, they’ve published a list of debt relief companies and their owners that have been permanently banned from doing business. 

You don’t need to pay anyone to access IRS relief programs. (iStock)

Real Help Is Free: Here’s Where to Start

If you owe taxes and need help managing your payments, your best bet is to go straight to the source: the IRS.

 

Here’s what you can do:

  • Explore a payment plan. If you can’t pay your full bill right now, the IRS offers installment agreements that allow you to pay over time.
  • See if you qualify for an Offer in Compromise. This program may allow you to settle your debt for less than you owe, but only under strict eligibility guidelines.
  • Apply for temporary hardship status. If you’re experiencing financial hardship, the IRS may pause collection efforts.

You can find all of these options at irs.gov. Applications are available online, and many are automated.

 

Not sure where to start? The IRS also offers a Taxpayer Advocate Service, which is an independent organization within the IRS that helps people resolve tax issues when they’re stuck in the system. And they won’t charge you a dime.

Avoiding a Second Financial Hit

Tax season is stressful enough without being taken for a ride afterward. If you’re considering help, take a moment to ask yourself:

  • Is this something I can do on my own?
  • What’s the track record of the company offering help?
  • Are they asking for payment up front?

If a company guarantees results, requires a large, up-front fee, or pressures you to act quickly, those are all red flags. Real help doesn’t come with high-pressure sales tactics.

 

And remember, if it’s a government program, access to it is free.

Tax season is stressful enough without being taken for a ride afterward. (iStock)

Stay One Step Ahead

Tax problems can be overwhelming, but paying for help you don’t need only makes things worse. Whether you're in Atlanta or anywhere else across Georgia, knowing your rights can protect your wallet and your peace of mind.

 

Don't let the end of tax season become the beginning of another financial headache. With the right information, you can navigate IRS debt relief with confidence and without paying unnecessary fees.