Tax Debt Rescue Schemes
Warns taxpayers about fraudulent tax-relief companies that promise to eliminate tax debt and explains why attorney representation carries different obligations.
The IRS warns heavily against fraudulent and abusive tax relief agencies. As a reputable tax law attorney in Seattle, the law office of Lana Kurilova Rich is quite familiar with these scammers, and work with individuals who have fallen victim to them.
If you need financial or tax help, be sure that you speak with an attorney. Seeking counsel from a creditable and experienced law firm ensures that we are working with your best interests in mind, and are legally bound to protecting your rights. Contact tax attorney Lana Kurilova Rich today to learn mroe about tax debt rescue schemes.
How to Distinguish a Rescue Scam From a Reputable Debt Relief Agency
Victims of tax rescue/relief scammers are under the impression that they have hired, for cheap, a professional service to help them legally avoid or pay off tax debt. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Frauds inappropriately fill out paperwork and have the main goal of gaining access to the victim’s bank account. Below are warning signs noted by the IRS to help you identify a fraudulent rescue agency and fake IRS communications:
- Promises are “too good to be true”
- You are never able to speak with the supposed attorney who is managing the case
- Email soliciting
- Demands of immediate payment
- Threats of bringing the police or revoking your driver’s license
If you owe taxes to the state of Washington but are unable to pay your liability, please contact tax attorney Lana Kurilova Rich, PLLC in Seattle, WA. You may be able to negotiate a 90-day partial payment agreement, provided the tax assessment is not for collected and not remitted sales tax. If you’re already behind on paying state taxes, you ca benefit from the legal guidance of an experienced tax attorney, Contact our firm online or call (425) 289-0629 for an initial telephone consultation today.
About Attorney Lana Kurilova Rich
- Washington tax attorney since 2003: Lana Kurilova Rich has been admitted to the Washington State Bar since 2003 and has focused her practice on tax law since opening Lana Kurilova Rich, PLLC the same year.
- Master of Laws in Taxation (LL.M.): Lana earned her LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Washington School of Law in 2007 in addition to her J.D. from Seattle University School of Law in 2003.
- Former Court of Appeals law clerk: Lana served as Law Clerk to the Honorable Elaine Houghton of the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division II.
- Bilingual: English and Russian: Born and raised in Russia, Lana is fluent in Russian and licensed to practice law in the Russian Federation in addition to Washington State.
- Federal, state, and international scope: Lana represents clients before the IRS, Washington State agencies (DOR, ESD, and L&I), and on cross-border tax matters including FBAR and Form 8938 compliance.
- Direct attorney communication: Clients work directly with Lana Kurilova Rich, not a routing desk. Calls and emails are returned promptly throughout the engagement.
- Pro bono Low Income Taxpayer Clinic: Lana has volunteered with the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic since 2006, helping qualifying taxpayers resolve IRS disputes at no cost.
- Integrated tax preparation and bookkeeping: The firm provides federal and state tax preparation alongside legal representation, reducing handoffs and accelerating resolution.
We invite you to contact our Bellevue, Washington, law office today by phone or by e-mail to discuss your case with our experienced tax lawyer. We are here to help.