Can a TV Lawyer Help You with Your Tax Problems?
Both of these companies act as mediators between you and the IRS. Based on testimonials online, you make an upfront payment to these companies, and the companies promise to work with the IRS on your behalf to get debt relief.
One of the biggest services offered by these tax attorneys is the "Offer in Compromise", which is an agreement in which the IRS accepts less than full payment of a tax debt as payment in full. This is the type of settlement that leads to the claims that these agencies make, which is that they can erase all or a large portion of your debt to the IRS.
Unfortunately, the IRS indicates on their website that this type of settlement happens in less than one percent of the cases.
A review of Better Business Bureau records on JK Harris shows that the company has an unsatisfactory record with the BBB. As of this writing, JK Harris has amassed 845 complaints in the past 36 months due to their handling of consumer issues. It also mentions two lawsuits filed by Kansas and Missouri against the company that were "amicably resolved". The record of Roni Lynn Deutch with the BBB is much better, having a satisfactory record and only 123 complaints in the past 36 months. The company did, however, have to pay a $300,000 settlement to New York State for deceptive advertising.
A WTVD investigation of JK Harris a year ago questioned its business practices, bringing to light two dissatisfied customers who paid $3350 and $1750 for their services and indicated that they received no relief for their back taxes. The company provided partial refunds to both, according to the story.
The golden rule of any advertisement or offer is that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Most organizations, and especially the IRS, are not going to absolve you of debt simply because you hire the right people. Before contracting with anyone for this type of service or any other type of service, type their name into a search engine wtih the phrase "Consumer Complaints" or review websites like ripoffreport.com or consumeraffairs.com to find out what others have to say about the company.
When it comes to tax debt, the reality is that you're probably going to have to pay it. Rather than spend several thousand in money you probably don't have for a service that provides you no guarantees, you may be better off contacting the IRS directly, explaining your situation, and asking for assistance on resolving the issue in as fair a manner as possible.
Published by Crutnacker
Freelance writer and business professional from Louisville, Kentucky. Husband, father of one beautiful daughter and three annoying cats. Lived in Maryland, Boston, MA, and Louisville, KY. View profile
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9 Comments
Post a CommentYou must be from Michigan, if you dealt with Dave Staub, people like Staub should be arrested. You failed to mention the fine print if your not happy with JK Harris you can not take them to court, you must use and accept the decision of "Thier " NEUTRAL mediators in Minnesota. That particular fine print tells you everything you need to know about JK Harris.
JK Harris charged $1,800.00 to file 4 years back taxes using the simple 1040A forms and nothing more. Dave Staub is basically a deciever, he makes you believe he can actually get you a deal with the IRS, he or JK Harris has no POWER whatsoever. He knows all attempts to deal with the IRS is simply forms JK Harris gets from the IRS, the same forms you can get, you fill them out and JK Harris sends them in, case closed, they have more bargining power then you do, it's a scam. If your in trouble CALL the IRS don't call JK Harris. There's 3 reasons your taxes may be reduced by the IRS, if you don't qualify you have to pay period. Only one in ten get any Tax relief. Don't be scammed by Dave Stuab and JK Harris.
Complaints are the norm for companies that do business through out the country. Rather than relying on a national company try your local accountant or tax lawyer when you have tax problems
I'm always leery of lawyers on TV - seem like ambulance chasers. But I have gotten help from a company in Colorado called Omni. They did save me more than they cost, maybe I could do it on my own but as a small business owner time is money and of the essence when the IRS stops by the office.
Great Info Thanks
I read another review of JK Harris and in fact I went in to meet with them and they seemed far more interested in my assets than helping me with my problem.
When one has nothing with value to sell - a common gambit is to make it sound as though you do. On a different scale, a Ponzi scheme is similar to these useless near-law-school drop outs who sell false hope to those in times of financial distress. Nicely written! David
I always wondered how "up-and-up" these agencies were. Thanks for the enlightenment.
I always laugh when I see those TV lawyers because I realize what a scam most of them are.
A great read!