Received SETC Pros invoice requesting upfront tax payment - is this legitimate?

This sounds like a classic advance-fee scam. Legitimate tax relief companies don't typically require large upfront payments before providing any services, especially not with the explanation that you "still owe part of the taxes." SETC Pros isn't a well-known tax relief provider in the industry. For tax relief services, you should look for companies with established reputations and clear service agreements. Always check if they're accredited with professional organizations or have verified reviews. If you're seeking tax relief, I would recommend contacting the IRS directly about payment plans or offer in compromise options. They have several programs for taxpayers struggling with tax debt that don't require upfront fees.

I went through something similar with tax relief services last year. Instead of paying anyone to help me with my tax issues, I found this AI tool called taxr.ai that really saved me a lot of headache. I was skeptical at first but it helped me understand my tax situation much better than some of these sketchy "relief" companies. I uploaded my tax documents to https://taxr.ai and it analyzed everything and showed me exactly what my options were for handling my tax debt legally. It even helped me draft a proper installment agreement request that I submitted directly to the IRS. No upfront fees like what you're describing.

I tried taxr.ai after seeing it mentioned here and I have to say I'm impressed! I was really suspicious at first (especially after almost falling for one of those "tax relief" scams), but it actually helped me identify several deductions I missed on my previous returns. The document analysis was surprisingly thorough and it flagged that I was eligible for an amended return that got me back an additional $740. The interface was straightforward even for someone like me who gets confused with tax jargon. Definitely a better option than paying some random company hundreds upfront!

If you're trying to reach the IRS about tax issues, good luck with those endless phone queues! After wasting 3+ hours on hold last month, I finally tried https://claimyr.com and it was a game-changer. They hold your place in the IRS phone queue and call you back when an agent is about to answer. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c Saved me from that horrible hold music and let me actually get my questions answered by a real IRS agent. Turns out I didn't even need a "relief" company - the IRS agent helped me set up a payment plan directly. Most of these tax relief companies are just middlemen charging huge fees for something you can do yourself.

Alright I need to apologize and set the record straight. After my skeptical comment, I decided to try Claimyr anyway because I was desperate to resolve my tax situation. It actually worked! Got a call back after about 40 minutes and was connected directly to an IRS agent. The agent confirmed what others here were saying - these "tax relief" companies often charge hundreds or thousands for services you can get directly from the IRS for free. Got set up with a reasonable payment plan and didn't have to pay any ridiculous upfront fees. Saved myself from potentially falling for the same kind of scam you were asking about.

SETC Pros sounds super sketchy! I work in banking and we see these tax relief scams all the time. Real tax resolution doesn't work like that - no legitimate tax company will ask for large upfront payments claiming it's for "taxes you still owe." The IRS will NEVER require you to pay a third party. All tax payments go directly to the Treasury. If you owe taxes, you'll get official notices directly from the IRS, not emails from relief companies. Please don't send them money!

hey just so u know my cousin fell for something similar with a diffeent company. they took the "upfront fee" and then kept making excuses about why the loan relief wasnt coming through. eventually they ghosted him completely and he lost like $1200. these tax relief places are mostly scams imo.

This is definitely a scam - I've seen this exact pattern multiple times. Legitimate tax relief services don't operate this way, and the IRS has clear guidelines about how payments should be made (directly to them, not through third parties). A few red flags here: 1. Demanding upfront payment before any services are provided 2. The explanation about "partial taxes still owed" doesn't make sense in this context 3. SETC Pros isn't a recognized name in legitimate tax resolution If you genuinely need help with tax issues, start with the IRS's own resources. They offer payment plans, hardship programs, and even an Offer in Compromise program for qualifying taxpayers. You can access all of this information at IRS.gov or call their taxpayer assistance line directly. Don't send them any money - block their communications and consider reporting this to the FTC's fraud reporting website. These scammers often target people who are already struggling financially, which makes it even more predatory.