If you owe back taxes, there are ways to get real help. But dishonest companies will promise to get rid of your debt for “pennies on the dollar,” before even looking into your tax situation. They’ll often charge service fees without actually doing anything for you, and leave you further in the hole with local, state, or federal tax authorities.
That’s exactly what led to the FTC’s nearly $10 million settlement with the owners of American Tax Service (ATS). According to the FTC, ATS mailed out letters impersonating the government, demanding that people call by a specific date or risk property seizure. The FTC also says ATS ran ads on TV, radio, and online, including on podcasts, which led people to scammy sales calls filled…