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Is National Tax Advisory Services LLC Legit? A Deep Dive

The burning question: Is National Tax Advisory Services LLC legit? The short answer is, generally yes, they appear to be a legitimate business offering tax resolution services. However, like any company in the tax relief industry, it’s crucial to approach them with informed caution and conduct thorough due diligence. The landscape of tax relief is filled with both genuinely helpful companies and those preying on vulnerable individuals. Let’s peel back the layers and delve into what you need to know.

Understanding the Tax Relief Landscape

Navigating the IRS and resolving tax problems can feel like wading through quicksand. This desperation often leads individuals to seek help from tax relief companies. These companies promise to negotiate with the IRS on your behalf, potentially reducing your tax debt, removing penalties, or setting up payment plans. The allure is strong, especially when facing wage garnishments, liens, or levies.

However, the tax relief industry has a history of attracting unscrupulous actors. Some companies make unrealistic promises, charge exorbitant fees upfront, and deliver little to no actual results. This has led to increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the IRS itself.

Evaluating National Tax Advisory Services LLC

To determine the legitimacy of National Tax Advisory Services LLC, we need to examine several key factors:

Transparency: Does the company clearly explain its services, fees, and the potential outcomes of your case? Are they upfront about the risks involved?
Credentials: Are the professionals working at National Tax Advisory Services LLC qualified to handle tax matters? Do they employ Enrolled Agents, CPAs, or tax attorneys?
Customer Reviews & Reputation: What are past clients saying about their experience? Look for both positive and negative reviews across multiple platforms, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and Google Reviews.
FTC Complaints or Lawsuits: Has the company been subject to any complaints or legal action by the FTC or other consumer protection agencies?
Pricing Structure: Is the pricing transparent and reasonable? Be wary of companies that demand large upfront fees without a clear breakdown of the services provided.
Guarantees: Does the company offer any guarantees regarding their services? While no legitimate company can guarantee specific outcomes with the IRS, they should stand behind the quality of their work.

Specific points to consider about National Tax Advisory Services LLC:

BBB Rating: Check their current rating and complaint history with the Better Business Bureau. Pay attention to how the company responds to complaints.
Online Presence: A robust and informative website is a good sign. Look for clear explanations of their services, pricing, and qualifications.
Initial Consultation: Take advantage of a free initial consultation to ask questions and assess whether you feel comfortable working with them.
Independent Research: Don’t rely solely on information provided by the company. Conduct your own research on tax relief options and the IRS programs they claim to offer.

Red Flags to Watch Out For:

Guarantees of Specific Outcomes: No company can guarantee specific outcomes with the IRS. Promises of dramatically reduced tax debt or immediate removal of penalties should be viewed with skepticism.
High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Be wary of companies that pressure you to sign up immediately or demand large upfront fees without a thorough assessment of your case.
Lack of Transparency: Avoid companies that are vague about their services, fees, or qualifications.
Unsolicited Contact: Be cautious of companies that contact you out of the blue, especially if they claim to be affiliated with the IRS.

Alternatives to Tax Relief Companies

Before engaging with any tax relief company, consider these alternatives:

Directly Contacting the IRS: The IRS offers various programs and resources to help taxpayers resolve their tax problems. You can often negotiate directly with the IRS without the need for a third-party company.
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs): LITCs provide free or low-cost legal assistance to taxpayers who have disputes with the IRS.
Tax Attorneys or CPAs: Hiring a qualified tax attorney or CPA can be a more expensive option, but it may be necessary for complex tax issues.

Conclusion

While National Tax Advisory Services LLC appears to be a legitimate business, thorough due diligence is essential before engaging their services. Compare them to other options, investigate their credentials, and read customer reviews carefully. Remember that no company can guarantee specific outcomes with the IRS, and be wary of any promises that seem too good to be true. By taking a cautious and informed approach, you can make the best decision for your specific tax situation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What services does National Tax Advisory Services LLC offer?

National Tax Advisory Services LLC typically offers a range of tax resolution services, including:

Tax debt negotiation: Negotiating with the IRS to reduce the amount of tax debt owed.
Offer in Compromise (OIC): Applying for an OIC, which allows taxpayers to settle their tax debt for less than the full amount owed.
Installment agreements: Setting up payment plans to pay off tax debt over time.
Penalty abatement: Requesting the removal of penalties assessed by the IRS.
Tax lien and levy removal: Assisting with the release of tax liens and levies.
Audit representation: Representing taxpayers during IRS audits.

2. How much does National Tax Advisory Services LLC charge?

Fees vary depending on the complexity of the case and the services required. It is crucial to obtain a clear and detailed fee agreement upfront. Be wary of large upfront fees without a clear breakdown of the services provided. Ask about all potential costs involved.

3. Are the professionals at National Tax Advisory Services LLC qualified?

Determine if the company employs Enrolled Agents (EAs), Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), or tax attorneys. These professionals have the necessary expertise and qualifications to handle tax matters. Ask about the credentials of the individuals who will be working on your case.

4. What is an Offer in Compromise (OIC) and can National Tax Advisory Services LLC guarantee its approval?

An OIC is an agreement with the IRS that allows certain taxpayers to settle their tax debt for a lower amount than what they originally owed. No company can guarantee approval of an OIC. The IRS considers factors such as your ability to pay, income, expenses, and asset equity when evaluating an OIC application.

5. What should I do if I am contacted by National Tax Advisory Services LLC claiming to be affiliated with the IRS?

The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers via phone, email, or social media to demand immediate payment or threaten legal action. If you receive such a call, it is likely a scam. Do not provide any personal or financial information. Report the incident to the IRS and the FTC.

6. What is the Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating of National Tax Advisory Services LLC?

Check the BBB website for the company’s current rating and complaint history. Pay attention to how the company responds to complaints. A high rating and a low number of complaints are generally positive signs, but it’s important to read the details of the complaints to understand the issues involved.

7. Can National Tax Advisory Services LLC stop wage garnishments?

A qualified tax professional might be able to help negotiate with the IRS to reduce or stop wage garnishments. They can explore options like establishing a payment plan or filing an Offer in Compromise, which could potentially lead to the release of the garnishment. However, stopping wage garnishments is never guaranteed.

8. What are some red flags to watch out for when dealing with National Tax Advisory Services LLC or any tax relief company?

Red flags include:

Guarantees of specific outcomes
High-pressure sales tactics
Lack of transparency about fees and services
Demands for large upfront fees
Claims of being affiliated with the IRS

9. What are Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs)?

LITCs provide free or low-cost legal assistance to taxpayers who have disputes with the IRS. They can be a valuable resource for individuals who cannot afford to hire a tax attorney or CPA.

10. What information should I gather before contacting National Tax Advisory Services LLC?

Gather your tax returns, IRS notices, and any other relevant financial documents. This information will help the company assess your situation and provide you with accurate advice.

11. What questions should I ask during the initial consultation with National Tax Advisory Services LLC?

Ask about their qualifications, experience, fees, the potential outcomes of your case, and any guarantees they offer. Also, inquire about their process for communicating with the IRS on your behalf.

12. How can I report National Tax Advisory Services LLC if I believe they are engaging in fraudulent or unethical practices?

You can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and your state’s Attorney General’s office. You can also report them to the IRS if you believe they are engaging in tax fraud.