A Survey of 111 Current Tax Relief Companies

Aaron and Franklin Tax Resolution, Carson City, NV (Seattle?), August 2016. Not sure who these folks are. No licensed tax professionals are listed at their Website. Here's their BBB record.

Accelerated Tax Solutions, North Miami Beach, FL, Feb 2010? Their website. No licensed tax professionals listed on their website: not too our liking. Accelerated also advertises on this website: http://www.irsdebt-relief.net. They do seem to respond to complaints maintaining a good rating at the: BBB record.

Action Tax (formerly Cool Tax Services), Orange County, California, 2013. Exchanged emails with Matthew Cooling, E.A., who is relatively new to the practice but has extensive experience in the audit division of the California FTB and is now representing clients on the other side. He prepares returns and is expanding his tax representation and resolution business. His website is action-tax.com LICENSED TAX PROFESSIONAL LISTED.

Advanced Tax Solutions, Denver, OR 1996. Solid website: http://www.advancedtaxsolutions.com/. A + rating at the BBB: BBB record They did quote a $4000 fee to help a low income person with a $17,000 debt with IRS. WATAX's quote? $875 to do the same.

Alana Tax Group, Southern California, July 2011. We spoke recently to Svetlana who is an ex-IRS attorney about Alana Tax Group. Looks like she has extensive experience in IRS representation. BBB listing is HERE. LICENSED TAX PROFESSIONAL LISTED.

Alleviate Tax Relief, Newport Beach,CA, July 2019 (BBB start) Looks like a new company in Orange County, California. No licensed tax professionals listed on their site. If you are getting fourteen complaints at your brand new BBB record - already (!) in 2022, it's not a good sign at all.

ALG Tax Solutions, Detroit, Michigan, February 2013 - BBB record is HERE. ALG is the creation of E.A./C.P.A. Akono Gross. We have exchanged emails with staff there and we love their approach: "We have been focusing on educating clients because we find that when our clients know what's going on, and how the system works, they stay happy. We prefer happy clients. This is why our website is education based, and not filled with fear-mongering." Website: http://www.algtaxsolutions.com/. LICENSED TAX PROFESSIONAL LISTED.

Alvin Brown and Associates, Washington, DC/Virginia or New York?, January 2000.
Alvin Brown and his staff are veterans of the tax resolution industry. They also do bankruptcies. Their BBB record is very solid and recently showed them as being in NY now (2014) - interesting...: BBB record. They do charge more than the average based on comparison interviews we have done. But they have been around a long time which is an excellent measure of a company in the tax resolution industry. Their website: http://www.irstaxattorney.com/

American Tax Solutions, Los Angeles, CA, 2018. BBB status has moved to "B" due to 144 complaints.. These guys send out a serious letter to folks with tax liens: a "distraint warrant" letter! That letter would freak us out! Wouldn't you be scared? Yikes. If loose So-Cal BBB lowers you to "Not Rated at the BBB , it's just not a good omen.

Anderson Bradshaw Tax Consulting, Salt Lake City or Los Angeles 2014(?). Frustrating website that doesn't list their address but disingenuously indicates they have offices in all 50 states: Anderson Bradshaw Website. We gave them a call 1-877-550-3911 to see who they were - there was no answer. But we did get a call back from someone in Los Angeles. Interesting? These guys do have a non-rated BBB record in Los Angeles that was set up in February 2016: BBB record

Anthem Tax Services, Santa Barbara, CA February 2017. There are 96 complaints at the BBB record (up from 48 in 2020). Recently in mid-2018, Anthem interviewed an individual who owed $150,000 to IRS and wasn't a likely Offer in Compromise (OIC) case but rather a client who would need to work out installment agreements and then default those agreements repeatedly until his debt expired in 2022. That was clearly his best outcome as the debt associated with the case was Trust Fund penalties. Client also had a free and clear house ($190,000) and about $100,000 in a 401k. Anthem was going to charge $14,000 for their help. WATAX? $1750.00 fee with no OIC promised but a strategy of having the customer pay as little as possible before the debt expires in 2022.

BC Tax, Boulder, CO, Since 2004 TAX LIEN CALLER

BC Tax is formerly known as Berkshire and/or Barclay Capital. Their BBB record. Their website is here: http://bctax.com. If you received a tax lien - BC Tax is one of the first companies you are going to hear from via PHONE. In fact -- in a world of more and more tax lien telemarketers - BC Tax is often the FIRST to call. We have written about some legal issues with cold calling tax liens: The Legal Case Against Cold Calling Tax Liens

One of their sales pitches we heard was that they specialize in 941 cases due to the office that handles 941's being in Colorado. Unfortunately, this is not a true claim as IRS offices handling 941's are usually assigned locally to individual agents around the country. But it is quite possible that the company has abandoned these claims.

Blackfin IRS Solutions, Denver, CO, 2012. Kind of a cool name: http://www.blackfinirs.com/about. BBB record is pretty clean so far: Blackfin IRS solutions - BBB record.

Capstone Tax Consulting, Arvada, CO, BBB profile

Castle Tax Relief, Chicago, IL November 2019. Welcome to the Show https://www.castletaxrelief.com/. Un-accredited BBB record in 2022..

Clean Slate Tax, Jupiter, FL 2014. Doesn't look like a super active company in 2022: Website and B minus BBB record - no accreditation.

Coast One Financial Group, San Diego (Houston?), May 2013 TAX LIEN CALLER.
I think these folks might "cold call" tax liens. They did quote a fee of $29,000 to represent a Payroll Tax case which we are doing for $5500 - a big case. (At the BBB record, it indicates that another client paid $25,000 - so some big fees are being thrown out at Coast One). An interview they did recently was worthy of a blog post: Blog Post: Buyer Beware. Their BBB record. Website is pretty typical with the fake business people stock photo: http://www.coastonefinancialgroup.com/

Compass Tax Group, Broomfield, CO, 2014 (?) Attorney and E.A. join forces to start: http://www.compasstaxgroup.com. We could be wrong on the start date. These folks are in the hotbed of tax-resolution-land aka Broomfield, CO, home of Omni Financial and 2020. Good luck folks. Thanks for putting your licenses out there - that's good. BBB record: HERE.

Core Consulting Group, Longmont, CO Sept. 2008 TAX LIEN CALLER. One of many Colorado companies that "cold calls" people who have tax liens against them. Their website. Their BBB record: Colorado BBB record. You might also want to check out our post on the Colorado cold calling industry here: Cold Calling Tax Liens: A Mountain Time Phenomenon

Creative Tax Solutions, Inc., August 2014, Lantana, Florida. Creative's BBB record is unaccredited: BBB record. Above average website - Creative Tax Solutions - however - the TV ad references - CNN , MTV, Fox News, etc. - strike us as disingenuous. We doubt that this company has been on any of those networks.Defense Tax Group, Los Angeles, CA May, 2014 If you were in the tax resolution marketing laboratory and you were brewing up the best tax resolution company name with the most Search Engine Optimization (SEO) power - you might come up with "Defense Tax Group" - a clever play on "Tax Defense Network" or "Tax Defense Partners." Located on Wilshire Boulevard in L.A. -- THE SITE OF AT LEAST FOUR TAX RESOLUTION COMPANIES DEATHS IN THE LAST 10 YEARS. Website. BBB record: HERE.

Direct Tax Relief, Sherman Oaks, CA , Feb. 2009. Their BBB record is here: BBB record. Their website is directtaxrelief.com. We have exchanged emails with one of their principals and they are alive and well. We think they are dedicated to good practices. We wish them the very best!

E. Cohen and CPAs, Maryland, 2013. These folks have long pedigrees in tax/tax resolution practice including Nicholas Preusch who very recently was an attorney at the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility. It appears they have recently started to advertise their tax resolution help credentials. Their Web Site Looks like a very solid practice to me. A new BBB record

Ellis and Ellis, Philadelphia, PA, August 2009 - TAX LIEN CALLER. Apparently these folks are formally "Mackinaw Consultants" previously based in of Denver Colorado. Like many companies originating in Colorado - they get clients from cold calling tax liens. Their BBB record is fairly dormant and unaccredited: BBB record. Here's their latest website.

Enterprise Consultants Group, Los Angeles, CA, December 2016. A new "tax relief" company in L.A. spending a lot on advertising recently: Website. Their BBB record indicates a "Shaun G. Bull" is the CEO: BBB record. A "google" of Shaun Bull doesn't reveal much - is this an alias of some kind?

Federal Tax Management, May 2017, North Hollywood, CA It's always comforting to see actual professionals on a web page. Their BBB record

Fidelity Tax Relief formerly known as Apex Tax Resolution (dissolved), Irvine or Tustin, CA, June 2011. TAX LIEN MAILER. Company sends out mailers to individuals and business with tax liens - mailing could be mistaken as an actual tax lien. Their BBB record and their website is fidelitytaxrelief.com. If you are going to hire this firm, ask their salesperson: "who are your licensed tax professionals on the Power of Attorney?" For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company two of 20 are still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor. For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds. You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon.

Five Star Tax Resolution Services, Glendale, CA, July 2011. Tax Attorney's website. BBB record: Five Star BBB record. LICENSED TAX PROFESSIONAL LISTED.

Fix Your Tax Problem, Inc., Novato, CA. February 1998. Heard their ad on Sirius radio. Their BBB record claims they have been in business since 1998: BBB- Ameritax. In 2012: their company name seems to have switched to Fix your Tax Problem, Inc. from "Ameritax." Their website: http://www.fixyourtaxproblem.com.

Flat Fee Tax Resolution ad/or Flat Fee Tax Service, Inc., San Diego, October 2011. Flat fee has a overly SEO focused blog. Fresh BBB record here: BBB record. For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only two companies out of 20 are still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.

Fresh Start Tax LLC, Fort Lauderdale, FL February 2010. These guys managed to get a great website name/property: http://freshstarttax.com. A "C +" rating at the BBB leaves something to be desired: BBB record.

Front Range Tax Resolution, Colorado, 2008, E.A. in Colorado - Judd Kalush -- his website: frontrangetax.com. LICENSED TAX PROFESSIONAL LISTED.

Heartland Tax Solutions or Nova Financial, Jan 2010, Wheat Ridge, CO. TAX LIEN CALLER. BBB record: HERE. We have seen this website template before: https://heartlandtaxsolutions.com/.

Hillhurst Tax Group, Los Angeles, CA 2015. Nice website: http://www.hillhursttaxgroup.com/services/ Enrolled Agent's credentials are listed. Unaccredited BBB record and pretty solid Yelp reviews.

Honest Tax, November 2017, Woodland Hills, CA BBB record. If they live up to their name, we expect zero complaints. You can do this! Spoiler: they have sixteen complaints as of Spring 2022 ;

Hurricane Tax, Los Angeles, CA, 2016. TAX LIEN CALLERS. Their website: http://www.hurricanetax.com. BBB record: 39 BBB complaints in your first three years isn't super good? They quoted $7900.00 fee to someone we quoted for $1950.00.

Ideal Tax Solution, LLC, Costa Mesa, May 6, 2010. Ideal's website: http://www.idealtaxsolution.com. Their BBB record with 69 complaints in 2022.

Insight Financial Services, Sebastian, FL, February 2009 TAX LIEN CALLER. First, their: BBB record. A couple years ago: we met a lady who was sold an Offer in Compromise(OIC) who was already in uncollectible status (She also owned a usually OIC-killing home - free and clear). But we'll chalk this up as an overly eagerly salesperson who briefly slipped thru quality-control. They have maintained an "A-ish" rating for over 3 years so we can surmise that sales pitches like this were a dramatic exception to the rule. In early 2013, a gentleman we spoke to who owed the IRS 65k and whose case was in Automated Collection Systems was quoted a fee of $5000 by Insight to represent him. We offered to take on the case for $1050.00. Their website: http://mytaxinsight.com/

Insight Law Firm, Auburn (outside Seattle), WA, July 2012. WE googled the address of this company: "800 5th Ave #4100, Seattle, WA" and we come up with a Psychologist? It's very likely a marketing trick, national company possibly faking that they are "local?" Their website: http://www.insightlawfirm.com. Their Yelp reviews are entertaining: "Picture a cape wearing superhero... Their BBB record.

Insight Tax Group, Vero Beach, FL, BBB Record Started September 2012. TAX LIEN CALLER. Website: http://www.insighttaxgroup.com/ Their BBB record.

IRS Medic or irsmedic.com or Parent & Parent, LLP , Connecticut, 2009. Connecticut based tax representation firm but definitely a nationally focused company full of a long list of tax professionals with lots of experience. Pretty informative website too. And a good BBB record. LICENSED TAX PROFESSIONALS LISTED.

J. David Tax Law, January 2015, Jacksonville, FL. nice site with fictional WASP attorney? Their Yelp reviews are worth a read...Yelp Reviews Their BBB record has a few complaints but still A plus.

JG Tax Group, Deerfield Beach, FL, September, 2008. JG Tax Group is staffed by ex-IRS agents and has a very effective internet marketing campaign. We like the fact that their tax professionals are clearly defined on their website: http://www.jgtaxgroup.com. "JG" Tax Group got their name from one of their licensed tax professionals: Jeff Galante. Apparently, Jeff doesn't work at JG anymore - but the name lives on. Their BBB record is good to boot. UPDATE: September 2013: Offered tax representation service to a retiree who fell behind to the IRS to the tune of $140,000 and was being levied for it on his Social Security and pension. Client was strapped - WATAX would represent him for $1500.00 - client would do his own tax returns -- we'd feed him the info to do them. JG offered to do everything for $4950.00 - high - but they would do his tax returns for that fee.

Justice Tax LLC, Jacksonville, FL, 2019, https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/jack... From the tax relief ecosystem spawned by Moneysolver & Tax Defense Network.

Key Tax Group, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 2013 TEXT MESSAGER - SENDS ADS BY TEXT. Seven years in, they seem to be working out the customer service kinks as Yelp Reviews indicate. Their website is: www.keytaxgroup.com. Their BBB record has 32 complaints in the last three years.

Kutler Tax Resolution, Arvada, CO, October 2013. New company out of Colorado - BBB record and their Website.

Larson Financial, Westminster, Colorado, June 2005. TAX LIEN CALLER. Larson is one of several companies that sprouted in one form or another from ex-employees of Omni Financial - the original tax relief company in Colorado. Larson's marketing strategy is cold calling tax liens -- the predominant marketing strategy of Colorado tax relief companies. Larson has a very solid rating at the BBB - BBB rating.

Update: February 27, 2012: we spoke to a lady who paid Larson $10,000 to represent them on a 941 payroll tax issue. Yet the company wants even more money to do a penalty abatement on their debt. You would think that $10,000 would cover that? Update: December 2015: one of their reps quoted a $7900 to handle a pretty messy IRS/State of California case. We actually don't knock the fee as the case is a mess. However, we quoted $2750 because the folks just seem broke. Nonetheless, when the Larson rep heard they hired us - he had "sour grapes" saying "you hired that guy who trashes other companies on his blog. I wouldn't hire them." Their website: Larson Financial.

Leading Tax Group, Encino, CA, 2011, Great reviews at Yelp and BBB record which started in 2016

Legal Tax Defense, Tustin, CA, March 2017. TAX LIEN CALLERS. BBB record. Nice website: https://www.legaltaxdefense.co...One of their reps told a customer of ours that they had been in business for ten years, then corrected that to seven years and then four years was when then they got their LLC. When client looked up their LLC at Secretary of State, he learned it was set up in September 2017.

Lifeback Tax Relief/ Riley & Bridges Tax Debt Relief, Chatsworth, CA, December 29, 2014. Well - here's a decent BBB record on these guys - they are accredited - BBB record and their website.

M and M Financial, Illinois, December 2005. TAX LIEN CALLER. This firm cold calls people with tax liens. Their website: http://www.mmfinancial.org. Decent BBB record: BBB record Phone # (773) 969- 5800. We have previously posted on whether cold calling tax liens is legal or not here: The Legal Case Against Cold Calling Tax Liens.

Madison Tax Group, New York , NY , March 2013. Nothing too unique here. Stock photos of well dressed folk. No licensed tax professionals listed. Zzz...The manager is associated with https://getoutofdebt.org/43650...and this other violation as well https://www.sec.gov/litigation. Doesn't build confidence. But one can't be sure that this company is operating? They're not paying the BBB accreditation fee: BBB record.

Mayfair Tax or Watchguard Tax Not sure of their location. Advertising on Google. Alternative to Tax Attorneys? Mayfair Tax orWatchguard Tax Not super thrilled with companies that don't have BBB record and whose location is mysterious?

Millenia Tax Relief, City of Industry, CA. 26 complaints (up from 22 last year) at the BBB record doesn't build confidence? We think these folks are tax lien telemarketers (?).

National Tax, National Tax Debt or "Tax Group", Glendale (L.A.), California, 2011, TAX LIEN MAILER. National Tax Debt or "Tax Group" is a tax relief business centered around marketing to folks with tax liens. You'll find many tax lien mailer companies in the Graveyard of Tax Relief Companies, but National Tax Debt should be credited for having a long run at it.

A sample of a National Tax mailer states "Notice of Wage Garnishment and Lien Investigation," with the phone number 800-780-8415. Their company name is NOT listed on the mailing. National Tax Debt has been mailing TAX LIEN letters with the phone 1-800-314-9702 and 1-800-724-9508 and their caller ID shows up as 213-223-6714. The letter says "This letters is to notify you of the probability that the Federal Taxing Authority will move forward with garnishing your wages..." Many of their mailers have "Tax Processing Center" listed.

There's a fine line of truth/ridiculousness when it comes to tax lien mailers, but it is usually true that if you are getting the mailing a tax lien has been filed. Nonetheless, here is BBB record. For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor.

Nationwide Tax Consulting, June 2015, Pt. St. Lucie, FL and Colorado TAX LIEN CALLER. Apparently these folks have offices in Florida and Colorado. However in 2021, an F rating at the BBB, hmm.... is pretty pretty terrible. They would have to make a 360 degree turn around to survive that? In a pandemic, really only the good and strong survive: Website. In 2022, still F rated. Called phone # on BBB and it sounded like voicemail of one person.

National Tax Experts -Burbank, CA, 2009 TAX LIEN MAILER. These folks have been at it for awhile. Looks like the State of Maryland Attorney General banned them from operating in their state, refunding their fees to their clients in their state. But the BBB still haves them at A + and they can operate in the other 49 states. Website: www.nattaxexperts.com.. Their BBB record San Francisco and BBB record Burbank. In mid 2022, there are about 75 complaints between those two BBB records.

National Tax Relief, Inc., Riverside, CA since 2006. National Tax Relief or nationaltaxrelief.com was originally a company that Washington Tax Services started as an alternative name back in 1997. This website still exists and draws traffic to our company. In the 2000's, a company in Tustin, California took the name National Tax Relief and ran that company into the ground (See Dead List) . And then finally, NTR was chosen as a name by this listed company in Riverside, CA. Apparently they now have several years of operation. Their BBB listing is here: BBB record

NFA Tax Help -- Houston, TX , March 2008. In 2017, the BBB recently punished NFA for claiming to be "accredited": BBB record. Sounds like an easy fix though - just remove "accredited" from website. Their website is: resolvemytaxes.com.

OIC Tax Services, 2015, Sacramento, CA. BBB record is here: BBB record. Their website is HERE. Looks like Enrolled Agent could be key staff member there. Good!

Omni Financial or OFS Tax Resolution-- Broomfield, Colorado and Vero Beach, FL. , started March 1985. TAX LIEN CALLER. Omni clearly is one of the oldest companies in the "tax resolution" business. Over time - they have created two companies in Florida and Colorado. Historically, the Florida office handles the 1040 issues and the Colorado the business or 941 issues. Omni's marketing is strongly based on cold calling tax liens. Our understanding is OFS Tax Resolution is the name given by their Omni's telemarketers to potential clients. We have had some very good experiences with the licensed tax professionals at the Colorado office - and can attest to their knowledge and character. IMPORTANT UPDATE 2019: looks like Omni Colorado had to pay a $1 million fine to Colorado authorities for bad behavior as reflected on their BBB - Omni, Colorado . Their Florida record is BBB - Omni Florida. Omni's website is: https://www.omni-financial.com/).

Optima Tax Relief, Santa Ana, CA, April 2012. Thanks to a massive investment in marketing by their investors who previously had success in debt relief, Optima Tax Relief might very well be the largest tax resolution company in the United States. Optima's website is here: http://optimataxrelief.com/. Optima has grown fast enough to have at least 11 licensed tax professionals on staff including E.A's. and attorneys but probably many more. That's a respectable number of professionals considering their start date. Their A + rated BBB (in spite of 678 complaints in year 2022).

The Yelp reviews are worth a read (two star average - the last ten or so reviews are one-star) as it explains their process: they usually charge a research fee between $495 and $1000 before outlining their bigger plan. After their investigation, they then usually charge a larger fee to represent the client. An issue we run into is the quality of the investigation. At the bare minimum, one should expect the following from the research: 1. What is owed. 2. What years are owed and most importantly, 3. When is the debt expiring. In fact, these are crucial items to qualifying for an Offer in Compromise. In mid-2018, we met an individual who did pay for the investigation and did not get this data. Even so and with no careful analysis, he was encouraged to pay another $5955 to have them provide "resolution" of his case - they even offered a credit card to finance it?!. Nonetheless, if you do pay for the investigation, insist on learning the dates of expiration. That is key info to your resolution.
While their BBB record does indicate a solid quality of service, Optima does charge a premium for their services which we discuss in a blog post.

IN 2013, Optima is also advertising as Taxestozero.comwhich claims to give IRS tax relief solutions within 30 days with a phone # of 1-800-372-7519. ALSO IN 2013 - Optima has been advertising on Google as: tax-settlement.supermoney.com. AND FINALLY, OPTIMA IS ADVERTISING AS TAX RELIEF PARTNERS: http://taxreliefpartners.com/. For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor. For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.

Orange County Tax Relief, Orange County, CA, 2011. http://www.orangecountytaxrelief.com/. Run by Jacques Gendreau, an Enrolled Agent. We love it when companies prominently show their licensed tax professional. They emphasize local representation in Orange County. NO BBB record yet. LICENSED TAX PROFESSIONAL LISTED.

Perfect Tax Relief, Los Angeles, CA - Jan 2009 - TAX LIEN MAILER. PTR sends out a mailer: "You Must Respond by : February 9, 20xx." " Why are you getting this notice?" Phone # 888-591-6212 or 1-888-715-2373, 888-667-5620. What if they don't respond!? LOL. One of many tax resolution companies in Southern California. As of 2012 -- they still seem to be operating: Perfect Tax Relief Website. They are showing some good faith with their accredited BBB record?

Phoenix Financial Group, Denver, CO, October 6, 2006. TAX LIEN CALLER. This is another firm in Colorado that cold calls people with tax liens. Two of their phone numbers are (866) 672-1067 or 1.888.572.2179. Their website is: http://pfgtax.com. Regarding cold-calling liens, you might want to read this: The Legal Case Against Cold Calling Tax Lien. Their BBB record.

Platinum Tax Defenders, Thousand Oaks, CA , February 2011. Their website is : http://platinumtaxdefenders.com. There are 17 complaints at the BBB in only three years..

Polston Tax Resolution , Oklahoma, 2007 Here's their BBB record : https://www.bbb.org/us/ok/norm... Company has been around for awhile and has 19 complaints at the BBB. A local client paid them $10,000 and was very dissatisfied with their service. Attorneys kept quitting on his case. Check out the BBB for more details.

Precision Tax Relief, Coeur D' Alene, ID October 2011. We think Precision is a pretty solid company: 55 employees including 14 licensed tax professionals. Some ex-staff members from the highly reputable Instant Tax Solutions started the firm a few years back. Our understanding is that they have noble intentions and have a solid system to serve their customers. A staff member indicated to us: that they "quote flat fees, offer no interest payment plans and provide the client with a detailed contract." Furthermore, "(their) Resolution Services department has a staff of 13; six Case Teams consisting of a Case Manager and a Case Coordinator. (They) have one Case Specialist that assists with case closeout." UPDATE 2017: Precision quoted a $8800 fee to help some folks in serious hardship ($400 levied in bank account, husband works at Walmart). Our fee was $950 to them. The representative there also misinformed the client that their bank accounts which were levied on 5/5 would be in danger of being levied again on 5/8. This wasn't true. IRS usually spaces levies between one to two months. Their website: http://www.precisiontaxrelief.com and BBB record.

Priority Tax Relief, San Francisco, CA, May 3, 2007. Their website is currently on hiatus: prioritytaxrelief.com WE called them in 2020 and they are still operating! Solid BBB record is here: BBB record.

In 2016, a new client of our's called Priority who had a sales tax issue with the State of Ohio - 30k was assessed because the client didn't file Sales Tax returns for their defunct business. Pretty easy fix: call the State - stop collections, file accurate Sales tax returns - eliminate the debt. There was a chance but a slim one that the State would pursue them personally. Priority was going to charge $3000 immediately to handle the case and then $3000 later. Our fee? $1000.00.

Pure Tax Help or Pure Tax Resolution , Seattle, Michigan, Portland, OR, Boston or Virginia or Dallas, 2014. Not exactly sure about the story of Pure Tax - there's no Better Business Bureau record - to help the narrative. They have set up several websites with the hope of capturing local audiences around the U.S. But it's not clear where their central office is? But it looks like real professionals - a consortium of various ones (?): here's "Michigan Pure Tax Help" for example.. A fellow called us in 2016 and said he walked down to the Dallas office of Pure Tax and there was no one there. Having national offices is an attractive marketing tool, but expensive to pull off. We're skeptical these folks truly have such a physical presence in locations all around the country.

Rapid Resolution Tax Group, San Mateo, CA March 2011. We have exchanged emails with the folks at this company and we think they aspire to good service. You can check out their BBB record and their website.

Recovery Tax Relief, Los Angeles, CA, June 2016. Lead generator? Real company? Not sure: nice website: http://www.recoverytaxrelief.c... and BBB record: https://www.bbb.org/losangeles...

Republic Tax Relief, Corona, CA, August 2015. A plus rated at BBB 21 customer complaints

Rush Tax Resolution, Jan 2015, Woodland Hills, CA. In early 2020, we exchanged emails with a lady who had just hired Rush Tax Resolution "they "mentioned" possible criminal charges - that they have "never seen anything quite like our situation." We agreed to a fee of $15,000 (even though it seems EXTREMELY high???) "Criminal? Wow - that's a pretty bold claim. To know a case is criminal, you literally need a visit from the Department of Justice or a letter. Sounds cooked up to create urgency. Rush Tax is a huge advertiser on Fox News that was started by a Fred Katz who a Google search looks like an ex-consultant of Tax Defense Partners in nearby Encino. Their BBB record is HERE.

Sequoia Tax Relief, December 2017, Westminster, CO., TAX LIEN CALLER. Sixteen year veteran and Enrolled Agent Jeff Belcher started this tax relief company recently. They are not affiliated with the recently defunct Clear Creek but do get their phone calls (for service and sales). Sequoia Tax Relief's BBB is here. We salute these businesses where the owner is a licensed tax pro like Mr. Belcher. We wish Sequoia the best of luck.

Silver Tax Group, Detroit , MI , February 2013 Lawyer in the tax representation game, 12 customer complaints at the BBB record and their website is busted? Phone calls did go to voicemail. Dissolved?

Sound Tax Consulting, Bellevue, WA, September 9, 2008. Sound Tax Consulting is a neighbor of ours in the Puget Sound. They were previously called: IRS/State Tax Relief Associates. They have a solid website but no licensed professionals are listed: soundtaxconsulting.com. Their "Non-accredited" BBB record.

South Coast Tax or South Coast Tax Resolution, August 2011, Westlake Village, CA. Another player in the Southern California tax resolution market. Nice website. Actors? Or real people? https://southcoasttaxresolution.com/ BBB record. For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only two companies out of 20 are still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor. For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.

Steve Moskowitz, Tax Attorney, San Francisco, CA, August 1996.
Mr. Moskowitz has been practicing at least since the 1990's in the Bay Area. We know he charges a premium for his help. But you have to like his length of time in the tax representation business. His website is here: Website. And his BBB record is: HERE

Stop IRS debt or stopIRSdebt.com and Blue Tax (defunct), Los Angeles, California/Santa Monica, CA Blue TAX started in January 2009 (but according to the BBB isn't responding to complaints so seems to be defunct in 2019), Stop IRS Debt in 2011. Blue Tax is the original of these two companies. A few years back, you might have seen their advertisement on TV: it's animated! Blue Tax's Website. Blue Tax and Stop IRS Debt originate from the ex-owners of Tax, Incorporated a company now in the dustbin of history - Dead Tax Relief Company List.

Blue Tax (now defunct) and Stop IRS Debt are definitely sales-driven organizations. They hold second place for the largest fee quoted to someone that we know $40,000!.We quoted a fee of $5500.00 to the same client. In late 2015, one of their "attorneys" told a person we met recently that they can "stop penalties and interest" from accruing on a debt that they had negotiated a payment plan for, already. Their fee for that questionable solution? $7500.00.

One thing is for sure: we hope that these company's well rated BBB record are really true (and that the So Cal BBB is not corrupt): Blue Tax: D rated BBB record. Stop IRS Debt's 120 complaints at BBB record in 2022 and some pretty rough Yelp Reviews ?

Tax Advantage Advisors, New York, NY, March 21, 2021

Client with large tax debt reached out to us for representation after talking to Tax Advantage, who called him due to a tax lien filing. In client's words, "Tax Advantage wants huge fees (ten percent of tax bill owed which includes interest and penalties amounts to $444,000.00 plus)." Client balked at that $44,000 fee and went with WATAX and our $2500 representation fee. "D +" rating at the BBB record: https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/new-...Website: https://www.taxadvantageadviso... TAX LIEN COLD CALLERS

Taxation Solutions, Inc. Austin, TX, March 2010, TAX LIEN MAILER. Taxation Solutions sends out mailings to people with tax liens. The mailings say:

Federal Tax Lien Notification: Form 1040-ST, Taxation Solutions
Urgent Notification for PENDING - WAGE GARNISHMENT
PENDING - BANK ACCOUNT AND ASSET SEIZURES

The phone # they list is 888 931 1079. Taxation Solution's BBB record. You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon.

Taxaudit.com or Tax Resources, Inc., Citrus Heights, California, September 2009. Good looking website specifically for people who are being audited. Website: http://www.taxaudit.com/. Their BBB record.

Tax Crisis Institute, Bakersfield, CA 2002 - Incorporation date. Kudos to these folks: over 10 years of business. Their website: Tax Crisis Institute--Website. Their BBB record

Tax Debt Services, Temecula, CA, 2014. A company started by an ex-employee of Platinum Tax Defenders. Many years after we first listed TDS on our blog, we are here to report that they are going strong in 2023, the BBB record still a solid A +. Good job team! Website: http://www.taxdebtservices.net/ and their BBB record: HERE.

Tax Defense Partners formerly known as Tax Resolution Services (TRS), Encino, CA -- started Jan 1997. We think as far as experience and support staff this is a quality organization. These guys have been on the scene nearly as long as WATAX: 1997. However as our entry here shows: Five Different Interviews...Five Different Companies -- they are a company centered around strong salespeople. Nonetheless, their management, we believe, is dedicated to running a good shop. They have an enviable problem: how to provide good customer service to the high volume of clients that they are getting from their extensive advertising budget. UPDATE 2012: we recently offered our services to a client for $2550.00. TRS' fee for the same case? $12,000.00. Ouch. That's a big difference. UPDATE: Feb. 27, 2012: A salesperson a TRS insisted that uncollectible status wasn't adequate resolution of a person's case and offered to do more for them for a $5000 fee. Hmm. UPDATE: Oct. 31, 2012: Guy called with straightforward IRS representation case with balance due of $111,000 - might qualify for an Offer in Compromise - might not. We charged him $1750 to handle everything. TRS fee? $13,000 buckaroos. Wow. They recently retired their Tax Resolution Service's trade name and have become Tax Defense Partners. Their BBB record doesn't show much: BBB - Tax Defense Partners

The following conversation occurred between a potential customer in TX with Tax Group Center (TGC) in the fall of 2016.

TGC: We think we can reduce your debt of 35k to about 10k thru an Offer in Compromise. Our fee is $3250.00.

Customer: But what if I have the assets to pay the debt?

TG: They can't see your assets.

(That is not a conversation you want an Attorney General staff member to be listening in on.)

Tax Help MD, Jupiter, FL, March 2014. Tax Help MD is a company that processes the cases of a defunct company, United Tax Group, which is a good thing - but also seems to be in business to take on new cases as well. Their BBB record: Their "non-accredited" BBB record. Their website: http://mytaxhelpmd.com/

Tax Law Advocates or IRS Levy Solutions, Costa Mesa, CA December 2010. TAX LIEN MAILER. In 2016 - Tax Law Advocates has also been advertising itself as "IRS Levy Solutions"-: we saw an email they sent to a customer about the "Fresh Start" program with the phone # 1(888) 210-0806. Their BBB listing. Their website. They also have marketed themselves by sending out a TAX LIEN official mailer as described here: Tax Lien Mailers: An Overview. A client sent us a recent mailer from them that says:

"IMPORTANT NOTICE OF FEDERAL TAX LIEN AND NOTICE OF ENFORCED COLLECTION ACTIVITY.

You need to contact us immediately upon receipt of this notice.

(Kind of implies that they are a government agency themselves?) The phone # listed on this mailer is 1-877-960-4861"

For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor. For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds. You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon -- HERE.

Tax Resolution Services of Charlotte NC appears to have inherited: Yarborough - Professional IRS Debt Solutions (now closed?) BBB link-- BBB record start - 1995. New and soid website: Tax Resolution Services Website. Their: BBB record.

Tax Solutions Group, Santa Ana, CA , October 2013 TAX LIEN MAILER. Sends out mailers to folks with tax liens (website takes awhile to load).. BBB record.

Taxsmith, LLC, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, Oct 2012
This supposed "law firm" told a client of ours to pay them a day after she hired our firm. We had not agreed to a refund before she hired them creating a pretty complex situation. If you are going to "poach" a client from someone else, it's respectful to have your new client make sure he/she has gotten a refund from the previous firm before they hire you. Website: http://www.taxsmith.com/ BBB record: BBB record.

Timberline Tax Group, Denver, CO, December 2016. TAX LIEN CALLER. We have been told that these guys call saying to potential clients that they might have a potential IRS Refund for them?! Pretty low chances for most likely a tax problem client, but might get people to call back. Nice looking website which indicates real live licensed tax professionals: a good thing: https://www.timberlinetax.com/ BBB record: https://www.bbb.org/denver/bus... These folks apparently have ties with a deceased company called Clear Creek which was one of the original lien cold callers that started in Colorado.

Top Tax Defenders, February 2009, Houston TX. Looks like tax attorneys in the Houston area: http://www.toptaxdefenders.com. Their BBB record - a handful of complaints worth reading - but low volume of complaints is a good thing: BBB record

Total Tax Inc, since 2011, Coeur D'Alene, Idaho Saw that they were advertising on WATAX in 2021, here's their site: https://totaltaxinc.com/best-t... and BBB record. After speaking to one of their representatives, Tim Bales, looks like these folks are owned by a CPA, Tamar Johnson, and have actually been operating since 2009. To quote Mr. Bales, "I think a key differentiator is that we are still full service – we don’t use the high-volume production line tax relief service model – our clients work directly with their licensed representatives for tax prep and resolution – not very common these days. We’ve had 1 BBB complaint in 30 years and great reviews despite not hiring anyone to “manufacture” some." Thanks Tim! Looks like the real deal.

U.S. Tax Shield, Woodland Hills, CA - July 2010. US Tax Shield, generally speaking, has a decent customer service reputation and a solid BBB record: US Tax Shield BBB record. Their website is: http://ustaxshield.com. Their BBB record above does say they started business in July 2000, but this actually refers to an affiliate company Intercard Payments, Inc. -- we are pretty confident that the tax relief company started in July 2010. In December 2015, we offered our services to a physician with back-tax issues for $1550.00. US Tax Shield offered the same services for $12,500.00. August 2018 - they took an 8821 form from a client to research his record. They told him to file 2008 2009 which seems to be bad advice as the IRS generally doesn't look for returns that old. Filing those returns would have created unnecessary extra tax debt on top of his recent years owed. All of this conjecture aside - with six years under their belt - we have to give US Tax Shield some credit - good customer service is obviously in their mix.Victory Tax Solutions, Ann Arbor, MI, April 2010. Judging from their video on their website: these guys clearly dress better than our office - Victory Tax Solutions Website. We see many words on licensed tax professionals BUT no actual names of them on the site: NOT what we like to see. Victory Tax Solution's BBB record.

Vanguard Tax Relief, Jan 2015, Los Angeles, CA. Their BBB record: https://www.bbb.org/losangeles...They are paying for accreditation. They do not have a website?

Vercy Tax, Irvine, CA, 2019/2021. A new tax relief company in Optima Tax's neighborhood. Website: http://www.vercytax.com/ and seven complaints at BBB record is pretty fast?

Wesettletaxes.com, Tustin, CA November 2010. Snazzy website and great company name: http://www.wesettletaxes.com. Their BBB record.