Dealing with substantial tax debt can be an overwhelming and stressful challenge, especially when you’re already facing financial difficulties. Luckily, there are professional tax relief services designed for individuals burdened with thousands of dollars in IRS debt.
Tax relief companies have a team of tax professionals who specialize in assisting you with negotiating payment options with both the IRS and state tax agencies. This includes setting up payment plans and, in certain situations of financial hardship, temporarily halting collections through what’s known as “currently not collectible” status.
Keep reading to learn more about the top tax relief companies, assessed based on their accessibility, cost, and feedback from consumers.
Our Top Picks for Tax Relief Companies
- Community Tax Relief – Most Affordable Fees
- Anthem Tax Services – Best Guarantee
- Larson Tax Relief – Best for Large Tax Debts and Businesses
- Optima Tax Relief – Best Mobile App
- Tax Defense Network – Best for Bilingual Services
Best Tax Relief Companies Reviews
Most Affordable Fees: Community Tax Relief
PROS
- Bilingual services offered
- Affordable initial fees
- Tax planning services help reduce the likelihood of future tax issues
CONS
- No upfront fee information
- Limited state tax debt relief options
Why we chose this company:
Community Tax offers free consultations and budget-friendly investigation fees, ranging from $295 to $500.
They primarily focus on federal tax debt relief, with limited assistance for state tax issues. Similar to other companies, Community Tax handles various applications, including installment agreements and offers in compromise (excluding innocent spouse relief).
One distinctive feature is Community Tax’s bilingual assistance, both online and through its representatives. Apart from tax debt relief services, the company provides tax filing, bookkeeping, and business accounting services. Free consultations, an A+ BBB rating, positive reviews, and prompt responses to customer complaints contribute to its reputation.
Community Tax caters to customers with tax debt as low as $5,000. Their money-back guarantee varies by state, lasting between three and 10 days, ensuring a full refund if issues remain unresolved. With investigation fees ranging from $295 to $500, Community Tax offers affordable initial services.
Community Tax offers free consultations and budget-friendly investigation fees, ranging from $295 to $500.
HIGHLIGHTS
Minimum debt required $5,000
Certifications and memberships IRS Continuing Education Provider
Cost Starts at $295
BBB rating A+
Best Guarantee: Anthem Tax Services
PROS
- Money-back guarantee with no time limit
- Some customers have reported cases resolved in as little as one week
- Dedicated tax relief services for truck drivers
CONS
- Customers have reported poor communication on cases that go on longer than a week
Why we chose this company:
Anthem Tax Services offers one of the best industry-wide money-back guarantees, ensuring a full refund if your tax debt isn’t reduced or eliminated. (Please note that this guarantee excludes tax prep services or the minimum deposit made by clients.)
HIGHLIGHTS
The minimum debt required is $10,000
Certifications and memberships National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP), National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA), California Tax Education Council (CTEC)
Cost $400
BBB rating A+
Anthem Tax Services provides a range of services, covering both IRS tax debt relief and corporate tax preparation. The company assists in applying for various IRS tax debt relief programs, such as offers in compromise (OIC), innocent spouse relief, and “currently not collectible” status.
Anthem stands out by offering support for filing wage garnishment and tax levy release, services not commonly found with other competitors. The company boasts one of the best money-back guarantees in the tax debt relief industry, promising a full refund if it doesn’t achieve any resolution with the IRS, whether it involves reducing payment amounts or forgiving debt. It’s important to note that this guarantee doesn’t cover the initial investigation fee, typically starting at $400, depending on your case details. Pricing details on the website might be a bit unclear.
Anthem Tax Services takes on clients with as little as $10,000 in tax debt, providing free consultations. Generally, the company charges an upfront flat-rate fee, which varies for each customer but typically starts around $3,000. Prices may change based on additional services required during the process.
Best for Large Tax Debts and Businesses: Larson Tax Relief
PROS
- 15-day money-back guarantee for new customers
- Can help resolve complex business tax situations such as tax liens or accounts receivable levies
- Free consultations
CONS
- 15-day guarantee may be too short for serious tax debt issues
- No bilingual service
- Minimum $20,000 tax debt required
Why we chose this company
Larson Tax Relief stands out for its diverse business tax services, covering payroll and federal tax issues, conflicts with revenue officers, and worker classification problems. This makes them a great option for businesses seeking corporate tax debt relief.
The company is well-versed in various tax debt relief services, addressing both personal IRS tax debt relief and corporate tax assistance. Larson Tax Relief is equipped to assist in delaying or preventing bank levies, providing comprehensive support for individuals and businesses alike.
In addition to the large number of positive reviews the company receives online, Larson stands out for its business tax services. The company can handle just about everything about business tax preparation, including paperwork for payroll taxes and corporate income taxes. This can be especially useful for small business owners or those with smaller accounting departments that need the support.
Larson offers free consultations but does require a minimum of $20,000 in tax debt to take on your case.
According to Larson, it charges a minimum fee of $200 to file tax returns, between $250 and $500 for research and discovery, and a minimum fee of $1,750 for representation or power of attorney services. On average, it costs $2,400 to work with Larson Tax Relief.
Larson has a 15-day money-back guarantee that applies to all new customers — this is definitely on the shorter side, as other companies offer 30 days. It might not be all that useful if your case takes weeks to resolve.
HIGHLIGHTS
Minimum debt required $20,000
Certifications and memberships NAEA
Cost Starts at $2,400
BBB rating A+
Best Mobile App: Optima Tax Relief
PROS
- Proprietary app provides free assessment of collection notices
- Free consultations
- Clearly outlined tax resolution process provides realistic expectations on the outcome of your case
CONS
- Minimum $10,000 tax debt required
- 15-day money-back guarantee shorter than competitors
Why we chose this company
Optima Tax Relief caters to various IRS and state tax relief options, encompassing payment plans and filings for “currently not collectible” status. Their team comprises diverse tax professionals, including enrolled agents, tax attorneys, and accountants.
A distinctive feature of Optima is its proprietary app, allowing users to access free assessments for any IRS collection notice and assisting in filing extensions for tax deadlines.
Additionally, Optima provides tax preparation services for individuals and businesses, along with complimentary consultations. In these consultations, the company outlines its two-step strategy: 1) establishing a protection plan by filing paperwork to temporarily halt immediate IRS actions — typically completed within four weeks, and 2) furnishing a case summary.
Optima’s investigation fee typically amounts to around $295, and a minimum tax debt of $10,000 is required.
HIGHLIGHTS
Minimum debt required $10,000
Certifications and memberships NAEA, IRS-approved Continuing Education Provider, NATP
Cost Starts at $295
BBB rating A+
Best for Bilingual Services: Tax Defense Network
PROS
- Wide range of tax debt relief and preparation services
- Robust tax education resources
- Fully bilingual services
CONS
- Three-day money-back guarantee
Why we chose this company
Tax Defense Network earns the title of the top choice for bilingual services, thanks to its online and phone availability for both Spanish and English speakers. This company stands out with its fully bilingual customer service, ensuring accessibility for Spanish and English speakers both online and over the phone.
Notably, Tax Defense Network is open to assisting with tax debt as low as $5,000, making its services more inclusive compared to many competitors.
In addition to the common IRS and state tax debt relief options offered by other companies, such as payment plans and offers in compromise, Tax Defense Network goes a step further. It provides specialized business tax solutions, particularly close corporate filing services designed for businesses facing permanent closure.
The company’s educational resources surpass those of other firms, featuring tools like offer-in-compromise and tax withholding calculators.
Despite a relatively brief three-day money-back guarantee in contrast to competitors offering at least 15 days, Tax Defense Network maintains a positive reputation. Its extensive certifications and memberships in national tax professional organizations contribute to numerous favorable reviews from both current and former customers.
HIGHLIGHTS
Minimum debt required $5,000
Certifications and memberships NAEA, American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS), NATP, Association of International Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Cost Starts at $250
BBB rating A+
Other Tax Relief Companies We Considered
Here are a few companies we considered exploring, but in the end, they didn’t make it to our list. While they might not be the perfect fit for every situation, they do provide services that could be beneficial for some individuals, depending on their specific circumstances.
Precision Tax Relief
PROS
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- No-interest payment plans for all clients
- Free consultations
CONS
- No audit representation
Precision Tax Relief primarily focuses on relieving IRS tax debt, while also addressing state tax issues. Notably, the company doesn’t provide audit representation for its clients.
In addition to tax debt relief, Precision offers support in dealing with wage garnishment and securing levy releases, offering significant financial relief if approved by the IRS. Clients can also benefit from individual and business tax preparation services, aiming to prevent tax debt issues proactively.
One standout feature of Precision is its emphasis on interest-free payment plans. The company provides a generous 30-day money-back guarantee, recognizing that resolving tax debt issues may take varying amounts of time, typically within three to four weeks.
While the company doesn’t advertise upfront fees and rates, they are transparently provided during the free consultations.
Victory Tax Lawyers
PROS
- Flat-rate pricing
- Free consultations
CONS
- No money-back guarantee
- Minimum $25,000 tax debt required
Victory Tax Lawyers specialize in addressing tax controversy issues, focusing on preventing or resolving tax-related criminal charges rather than general debt relief. While the firm doesn’t handle innocent spouse relief, it does manage common IRS tax debt relief options such as compromise and installment agreements.
Victory Tax extends its assistance to both individuals and businesses, offering services such as tax preparation, defense against tax levies and liens, and representation during audits. The firm also aids in Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) filings, a requirement for individuals with bank accounts in countries other than the U.S.
It’s worth noting that Victory Tax Lawyers exclusively takes on cases with a minimum of $25,000 in tax debt, a threshold higher than other companies on this list.
- Minimum debt required: $25,000
- Certifications and memberships: Association of American Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS)
- BBB rating: A+
Tax Relief Guide
Navigating tax relief options can feel overwhelming. This guide aims to simplify the process, providing explanations of fundamental concepts you need to grasp. Additionally, it offers insights into various programs where tax relief companies can assist you in applying.
What are tax relief services?
Tax debt relief involves a range of measures and strategies designed to assist individuals in paying or reducing their tax liability, especially when seeking help with IRS debt and state tax debt.
While the term originally referred to policies aimed at reducing the tax burden for both companies and individuals, it’s now often used to describe payment plans, settlements (known as offers-in-compromise), and wage garnishments.
Although both state and federal tax collectors offer similar plans, local regulations can vary widely. It’s important to check with your state’s comptroller’s office to understand the specific options available to you.
It’s crucial to note that anyone can negotiate options for paying back taxes directly with the IRS. However, there are situations when hiring professionals can be a worthwhile investment.
Tax relief companies, also known as tax resolution firms, leverage their knowledge of federal
and state law to review your documents and financial situation, identifying the best alternative.
The process typically involves filing paperwork and communicating with the IRS on your behalf. Some companies even have tax attorneys who can act as intermediaries in particularly complex cases.
How do tax relief companies work?
Tax relief companies collaborate with the IRS to help taxpayers reduce their outstanding back taxes. However, it’s important to note that almost everything tax relief companies do can be accomplished by communicating directly with the IRS.
The key distinction lies in the fact that reputable tax relief companies employ seasoned professionals with extensive experience in tax law. These experts are adept at navigating complex cases involving substantial debt amounts.
For example, if your tax debt issues are related to missing last year’s tax payments, reaching out to the IRS directly might suffice, as there’s little these companies can do that you can’t handle yourself.
On the other hand, if your tax debt case involves multiple bank accounts, assets, years of unpaid taxes, or other complexities, a tax relief company can potentially assist by sorting through your paperwork and identifying the best available options. In rare instances, they may even discover overlooked details and negotiate a reduced tax bill.
As a general guideline, if your tax debt is under $10,000, attempting to negotiate with the IRS on your own may be more practical. Most tax relief companies have a minimum debt requirement, often $10,000 or more. If your debt falls below that threshold, paying the IRS in installments might be a preferable option, rather than adding to your debt load by paying for tax relief services.
It’s important to recognize that individual circumstances vary, and if you believe you need tax assistance, regardless of your debt size, many tax relief firms offer a free consultation to help you get started.
How much do tax relief companies charge?
Navigating the realm of tax relief services can be quite intricate, and it’s safe to say that costs aren’t set in stone. There are typically two pricing models: a percentage of the debt owed and flat hourly rates. The most economical choice hinges on the size of your tax debt and the complexity of your case.
Companies employing a percentage-based model often have rates ranging from 10% to 15% of your tax debt. For instance, if your debt stands at $10,000 (which is the required minimum for many companies), you might anticipate paying between $1,000 and $1,500.
Conversely, a company utilizing a flat hourly rate might be more budget-friendly if you owe a substantial amount, but your case is relatively straightforward. The average hourly rate for tax relief companies typically spans from $240 to $1,000.
Some companies provide individual prices for various services. For instance, a firm might charge a flat fee of $300 for a basic investigation but could ask for over $1,000 if you opt for a specific tax relief avenue, such as an offer in compromise.
Given these nuances, it cannot be emphasized enough how crucial it is to seek as much information as a company is willing and able to disclose before committing to its services. Ideally, you’ll want quotes in writing, encompassing details about potential additional fees and all available payment options.
Common tax problems
Tax problems can arise from mistakes made during filing or even from not filing a tax return at all. Here are some explanations of the most common tax issues that tax relief companies and tax agencies can assist you with.
Back taxes
Back taxes refer to taxes owed as a result of unfiled tax forms or filing mistakes. These can accumulate interest, leading to a significant increase in your tax debt. The IRS regularly updates the interest rates for penalties, and you can find the latest information on the agency’s website.
To prevent incurring back taxes, consider using tax preparation software. If you need assistance, take a look at our article on the best tax software for guidance.
Wage garnishments
When it’s time to pay your tax bill, the IRS will send you a series of collection notices. If you disregard these notices for an extended period, the IRS might opt to collect portions of your debt directly from your wages through garnishment.
To determine the exempt portion of your wages from garnishment, your employer refers to Publication 1494, taking into account your marital status and the number of dependents. Garnishment typically persists until the debt is fully satisfied, but tax relief companies might help by securing alternative payment arrangements.
Tax liens
Like a wage garnishment, a tax lien is a public notice issued by the IRS to financial institutions and other relevant parties, declaring their right to collect any proceeds from personal property sales before other creditors.
Tax levies
A more severe form of a tax lien, a tax levy means that the IRS is enforcing its legal right to seize your property to pay your debt.
Tax audits
If the IRS notices any irregularities in your taxes, they might decide to audit you. In total, 0.38% of income tax returns underwent auditing for the fiscal year 2022.
Tax debt relief options
The IRS provides various tax debt relief options directly to individuals. Some state agencies may also offer similar programs for local taxes. Before considering tax relief companies, it’s advisable to check the IRS website or talk to a representative over the phone to understand your options.
It’s important to note that most services offered by private tax resolution companies involve reviewing your case details and suggesting the best option based on the information available. They don’t have access to any information that you couldn’t obtain yourself, and there’s no guarantee of specific results.
If your tax situation is relatively simple, without multiple income sources or a complex stock portfolio, it’s often better to communicate directly with the IRS. Here are some tax debt resolution options provided by the IRS:
Offers in Compromise
Offers in Compromise (OIC) provides an option to resolve your tax debt for less than the total amount owed. In this arrangement, the IRS takes into account factors like your ability to pay, income, expenses, and assets to assess your eligibility.
According to the IRS, offers in compromise are only entertained if there’s a belief that the reduced amount is the maximum that can be collected “within a reasonable amount of time.” This makes it one of the less frequently offered options for settling tax debt.
Innocent spouse relief
Innocent Spouse Relief comes into play when your current or former spouse makes a mistake or omission while filing taxes. This relief exempts you from any tax penalties resulting from these errors, but it’s only applicable if the IRS determines that you had no reasonable way of knowing about the omissions.
Installment agreement
If you find yourself unable to pay your tax debt in a lump sum, the IRS might provide relief through an installment agreement, allowing you to pay off your debt gradually over time. There are two types of installment agreements: short-term (lasting 180 days or less) and long-term (involving monthly payments until the debt is cleared).
The application process for an installment agreement doesn’t specify a particular amount you must owe, but online applications are accepted for sums up to $50,000 (for long-term agreements) or $100,000 (for short-term agreements). This option is quite common and accessible for individuals who prefer direct negotiations with the IRS.
Penalty Abatement
Frequently referred to as “first-time penalty abatement,” this tax relief opportunity is typically accessible for minor tax penalties, like missing a payment on a single tax return or failing to meet a filing deadline. The primary condition for eligibility is having no penalties in the preceding three tax years, although you must have also filed your current taxes or, at the very least, requested an extension.
Currently not collectible
Currently not collectible” (CNC) status is an agreement between you and the IRS acknowledging that, although taxes are owed, your current financial situation prevents you from making the payment. Typically, you can request CNC status when settling your taxes would impose an undue burden on your essential living expenses. This includes situations where covering vital bills like utilities or rent becomes challenging, and there isn’t sufficient money remaining for basic groceries due to your tax debt.
Once the IRS approves your CNC status, your financial situation undergoes an annual review until they determine your ability to repay the debt. Furthermore, any forthcoming tax refunds you receive may be utilized to reduce your debt while you’re in CNC status.
Other services offered by tax relief companies
Audit Defense
Certain licensed tax professionals provide reliable assistance if your tax returns undergo an audit. Consider it akin to car insurance: You pay an extra upfront fee to the tax professional, and they commit to helping you address any potential tax audits in the future (typically covering up to three years).
Warning about tax relief scams
Dealing with tax debt can be incredibly stressful, making any solution to eliminate it seem appealing. However, it’s crucial to heed the Federal Trade Commission’s warning – not all tax relief companies genuinely have your best interests at heart.
Tax debt relief companies’ red flags
Because only the IRS has the authority to determine your eligibility for relief programs, it’s advisable to avoid any tax relief company that promises to drastically reduce your debt or makes claims that sound too good to be true.
Be cautious if a company assures you that you qualify for various programs without examining the details of your case or if they pledge to settle your tax debt within a specific timeframe. Such assurances should raise immediate red flags.
Unfortunately, some unscrupulous companies engage in fraudulent practices. They may skip filing the necessary paperwork for relief programs, opting instead to deceive customers and pocket their money without performing any legitimate work.
Reports from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reveal instances where companies even made unauthorized charges to customers’ credit cards long after their cases were supposedly closed.
Here are some red flags to look out for when evaluating tax relief companies
- Company representatives make guarantees or promises without looking at your case details
- The company fails to ask specifics about your tax debt situation
- Upfront payment is demanded in exchange for “guaranteed” results
- The company contacts you first by cold call, unsolicited mail and/or email
- The company uses delay tactics such as asking you for the same documents over and over again
Other IRS-related scams
In addition to being cautious about tax relief scams, it’s essential to stay vigilant against other IRS-related scams, like the IRS text message scam highlighted in a press release last September. A reputable tax relief company may also offer valuable guidance on how to steer clear of these scams.
Trustworthy tax relief companies refrain from making specific promises and prioritize transparency regarding their costs and processes, often providing free consultations.
When selecting a company, ensure that it holds accreditation with one or more tax professional organizations, such as the National Association of Tax Professionals, the National Association of Enrolled Agents, and the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. This helps minimize the risk of falling victim to a scam.
Alternatives to using tax debt relief companies
Direct negotiation with the IRS
As mentioned earlier, if your tax debt is relatively small—usually less than $10,000—you might consider negotiating directly with the IRS. If handling your tax returns is a fairly straightforward task, applying for any of the IRS’s tax debt relief programs could be a more cost-effective option than opting for the services of a tax debt relief company.
Tax relief lawyers
On the flip side, if you sense that your tax debt situation is more complex, working directly with tax relief lawyers might be the preferred route. Keep in mind that not all tax debt relief companies have lawyers on staff. A tax lawyer possesses a higher level of specialization compared to a certified public accountant or an enrolled agent, especially beneficial when your case involves potential criminal charges.
Tax debt relief programs
The IRS also provides several tax assistance programs crafted to assist individuals in filing their taxes on time, among other things.
Latest News About Tax Relief
Even though the IRS had been more lenient with overdue tax bills during the pandemic, they have now resumed their collection efforts. The current tax season began on January 29, and for most states (but not all), individual income taxes are due by April 15.
Before you decide to pay for tax filing services, take a moment to see if you qualify for the trial of the IRS’s free direct file program. Alongside this initiative, the IRS has committed to introducing enhancements to customer service throughout the 2024 tax season.
How We Chose the Best Tax Relief Companies
If you’re seeking professional help with your tax debt concerns, considering a tax relief company is probably on your radar. While it’s entirely possible, and sometimes even beneficial, to negotiate with the IRS independently, consulting a professional can often bring more peace of mind.
We used the following criteria to pick the best tax relief companies:
Availability
When folks consider relief from tax debt, they often focus on the IRS, a federal agency. Yet, tax debt can also affect individuals at the state level. We selected companies capable of addressing both federal and state tax matters, extending their services nationwide.
Cost
We selected companies that provide free consultations and flexible payment plans, ensuring their services are within reach for everyone who requires assistance.
Credibility
To make sure you team up with reputable companies, we checked their Better Business Bureau records and customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot. Additionally, we specifically chose companies holding at least one certification, accreditation, or membership in major tax professional organizations.
Summary of Money’s Best Tax Relief Companies
- Community Tax Relief – Most Affordable Fees
- Anthem Tax Services – Best Guarantee
- Larson Tax Relief – Best for Large Tax Debts and Businesses
- Optima Tax Relief – Best Mobile App
- Tax Defense Network – Best for Bilingual Services