Navigating tax relief options can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with a bank levy, wage garnishment or a tax lien. While legitimate tax relief services exist, some companies target vulnerable taxpayers with promises that sound too good to be true.

Reputable tax relief companies can help you understand your options, communicate with the IRS and, in some cases, reduce the amount you owe. Knowing how to recognize trustworthy providers and avoid scams can help you protect your finances and make more confident decisions about resolving tax debt.

“Legitimate tax relief services start with a discussion of the facts of your case, an analysis of the specifics surrounding your debt, and mapping out resolution options that may be available,” says Stephen Weisberg, a tax attorney with The W Tax Group, a tax relief firm located in Michigan. “From there, they negotiate a resolution with the IRS, respond to notices, and protect the taxpayer from collections.”

Tax relief companies don’t find loopholes or create opportunities to reduce your tax debts. Instead, they help you navigate the options that the IRS already makes available to taxpayers via tax code, and they do the heavy lifting for you. Those options usually include the following: