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Owe back taxes? Here’s what you need to know about hiring a tax relief company

CHARLOTTE — It can be scary if you owe taxes, especially for previous years. The government can seize your assets, such as your bank accounts, car, home, retirement income, social security benefits, or wages.

You may have heard ads for companies offering to square things away with the government for you or maybe one of them even called you.

The Federal Trade Commission has a warning about tax relief companies in general. It says to be suspicious if a company says you qualify for a program. Only the Internal Revenue Service or your state department of revenue can guarantee that.

The IRS Office of Professional Responsibility investigates questionable practices in the tax relief industry. You can file a complaint using Form 14157 or call 1-877-FTC-HELP.

If you owe back taxes, the IRS, North Carolina, and South Carolina all have programs and payment plans, and they’ll help you navigate them for free.

Helpful links:

IRS:

Payment information

Temporarily delay the collection process for small businesses and self-employed

North Carolina:

Installment payment agreements

South Carolina:

Payment plan options

More general questions about outstanding tax debt

Action 9′s Jason Stoogenke says you don’t need to hire a third party to help, but if you want to here are some tips:

- Research the company, including reading reviews if any are available.

- If you prefer to use an accountant or tax lawyer instead, search their credentials here.

(VIDEO: Residents worry about paying higher property taxes after latest revaluations)