Best Tax Relief
Based on In-Depth Reviews
A guide to choosing the best tax relief company to mediate debts with the IRS.
Last Updated: April 17, 2024
- 200+Hours of research
- 35+Sources used
- 32Companies vetted
- 4Research Criteria
- 4Top
Picks
Our Team of Researchers:
Our Site is Referenced By
Consumer Advocacy
What you need to know
Tax Relief
- Choose a business with a solid reputation
- Opt for companies that offer free case review and consultation
- Trust only services with credentialed employees
- No service can guarantee an outcome
Our Top Pick
Anthem Tax Services
- 100% money-back guarantee if your tax situation does not improve*
- Best for individuals with over $10,000 in tax liabilities
- 100% free (no-obligation) eligibility analysis on IRS tax reduction programs
- Assistance with federal and state-owed taxes
- 10+ years of tax resolution experience
- Rated A+ by the BBB
Our Approach
How we analyzed the best Tax Relief
Proven Experience
The U.S. tax code can be daunting even for those with extensive financial experience. Navigating its ins and outs is not only difficult, but can also be incredibly costly. Exhaustive knowledge of tax law is fundamental when dealing with tax authorities.
Services Offered
As a taxpayer, you have a right to certain tax breaks and relief programs that you might not be aware of. Tax attorneys and certified professionals can advise you on the best course of action to navigate yourself out of debt.
Solid Reputation
In recent years, some tax relief firms have been accused of violating consumer protection laws. Make sure you deal with a reputable company with credentialed employees. Good tax relief services combine transparency and consistent results.
Value & Guarantee
Make sure to shop and compare. Confirm what options are available to you, but most importantly, request price details and choose a service with a money-back guarantee.
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We receive compensation from these partners, which impacts the order they appear on the page. That said, the analyses and opinions on our site are our own and we believe in editorial integrity.
Our Top Picks: Tax Relief Reviews
This site does not include all companies or all available offers. Companies listed below are listed in alphabetical order.
Anthem Tax Services review
Best Value for Tax Relief Services
Money-back Guarantees
Anthem Tax Services is the only company offering a 100% money-back guarantee. The company states, "If we don’t save you money or rework your payments, you get your money back – guaranteed.” This is a bold statement that shows strong confidence in the services the company offers. It demonstrates a real commitment to actually go to work on behalf of their customers and not leave them stranded and struggling with additional debt.*
Attention to Complaints
Anthem Tax Services consistently attends to its customers’ reviews and complaints. The vast majority of issues are resolved in a professional and timely manner. This shows a true willingness to correct unresolved issues by partnering with their clients to reach satisfactory solutions.
Screenshot of https://anthemtaxservices.co 1122/17/2019
Tax Relief for Truckers
Anthem is the only service to provide tax services for truck drivers. They offer bookkeeping and back tax filing services for drivers who are owner-operators. Anthem can identify specific deductions related to this industry, such as those for capital and cost-of-goods expenses, truck maintenance and repair, communication tech costs, mileage, union dues, insurance, permits, and fees. Anthem can also help truckers track expenses to decrease tax liability.
*The applicability of the money-back guarantee is evaluated after the client receives a response from the IRS concerning the arrangement negotiated by Anthem Tax. The guarantee does not apply to bookkeeping and tax preparation services, or to the nonrefundable deposit paid by clients.
Community Tax review
Best Tax Relief for Individual Debt
Informational Resources
Community Tax has a detailed tax resources section filled with a wealth of valuable information. They have organized, dedicated sections on back tax solutions, common tax scams, deductions, recent IRS notices, tax facts, tax forms, and tax terms. Additionally, they publish a blog that features advice on all kinds of financial and taxation topics.
Negotiating Five-Figure Debts
If you owe a large sum, especially if you’re being audited, file from overseas, or have a complex tax debt situation, you will greatly benefit from having seasoned tax professionals scrutinize your tax returns. Community Tax has an experienced team of tax attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents who can properly assess your situation to make sure the claimed debt is correct and that you are paying the IRS no more than what you rightfully owe.
Screenshot of https://www.communitytax.com/ 12/17/2019
Attorney-Client Privileges
The Community Tax team has several experienced tax lawyers who are well informed about what your legal rights and obligations are. Unlike discussions held with enrolled agents and accountants, information shared with a lawyer is protected by attorney-client privilege. If you’re being audited or have been accused of wrongdoing, you need to use a service that employs tax lawyers. Always keep in mind that although the tax code is pretty much set in stone, tax law is subject to some interpretation.
Instant Tax Solutions review
Best Tax Relief Customer Service
Transparency
Instant Tax Relief identifies by name the people who will be handling your case. They publish professional profiles of their staff and identify their roles within the company. Additionally, they offer services for flat fees and openly discuss work-time expectations for cases. You can go into business with them knowing there’s an actual team of professionals handling your case and with a clear idea of what they’ll try to negotiate for you.
Screenshot of https://www.instanttaxsolutions.com/ 12/17/2019
Informational Resources
While many services offer only a phone number for a free consultation, Instant Tax Relief articulates thorough and easily understandable explanations of major tax related topics, problems and solutions. They discuss each category in detail and offer a wealth of information on various taxation topics on their blog. This is a very helpful resource, full of valuable tax information, that gives you a much better understanding of the tax relief practices they offer.
Solid Reputation
Tax relief services are built upon existing tax law provisions, which doesn’t leave much room for innovative procedures and practices. So what makes a company stand apart from others? For one, their business practices and ethics. Instant Tax Solutions has an unmatched reputation for offering personalized service and receives top rankings and reviews all across the web.
Larson Tax Relief review
Best Tax Relief for Business
Handling Complex Debt
The nature and complexity of business tax demands the care of accountants with a strong understanding of tax law policies and obligations. Larson Tax Relief has made business tax their specialty, with tailored services for clients across all fifty states. They offer bookkeeping and can resolve issues regarding reports of corporate income, excise taxes, employee wages, and payroll tax withholdings.
Screenshot of https://larsontaxrelief.com/ 12/17/2019
Business Relief Services
Larson Tax Relief handles unfiled tax returns, including 1040 Personal Taxes for sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs. They can also complete or resolve 941 payroll reports, 1099 forms, and other worker classification issues. Enrolled agents can negotiate to resolve IRS or state tax seizures such as 1058, CP 90, CP 91 and CP 504, as well as accounts receivable levy enforcements, tax liens, and other conflicts with a revenue officer.
Mitigating Tax Debt for Ongoing Businesses
Tax liens and levies can severely harm, if not outright end, an already struggling business. The Larson Tax Services team uses their combined expertise to provide you with release from these situations. IRS and state tax authorities have the power to empty business accounts and seize assets, leaving companies in a serious predicament. Larson’s knowledge of tax proceedings can provide you with enough time to organize a winning strategy to tackle your tax debt.
Tax Resolvers review
Best for Variety of Services
Tax Preparation
Tax Resolvers provides tax preparation services to its customers, which isn't something all tax relief companies do. It's not a service everyone will be interested in, but if you have tax debt and you still need to file taxes for the year, it makes sense to work with a single company for all of this so you can have a cohesive strategy. It can assist you with filing your state and federal tax returns and it'll check everything over carefully before it submits your taxes to help reduce your risk of an audit.
Tax Settlement and Negotation
If you have tax debt, Tax Resolvers can help you negotiate with the IRS to come up with a solution that works for you. There are a variety of options available to you, including installment plans that let you pay back your tax debt over time, and an offer-in-compromise, where you tell the IRS what you're able to pay and if it accepts, it forgives the remainder of your debt. Everyone's situation is different, so Tax Resolvers will go through all of your options with you to help you figure out which is best for you. It offers brief explanations of these options on its website, but for more information and personalized recommendations, you should reach out to the company by phone.
Tax Resolution
Tax Resolvers will assist you in working with the IRS if you're audited and it can also help stop wage garnishment and get tax liens removed and tax levies released. The company's tax professionals can also assist you with state tax debt issues in all 50 states. Again, the exact assistance you need will depend on your circumstances, but Tax Resolvers can help you figure out your best move if you're not sure.
Our Research
More insight into our methodology
Most tax relief services don’t disclose information about their costs, nor do they provide much detail about their practices. This makes it hard to determine what makes one service better than another. Additionally, most of the tax problems they handle can be directly negotiated with the IRS by taxpayers themselves. So why choose a tax relief service? And most importantly, how do you know which service is best for you?
Our review takes into consideration these limitations, as well as the fact that no service can guarantee a particular outcome. We examined twenty top-rated services and compared them on nine factors to make sure you have a clear understanding on how to pick a service with an understanding of the risks and limitations.
First, we’ve made sure that all the tax-services recommended offer tax preparation at both state and federal levels. All of these services have experience with typical debt scenarios, both for individuals and businesses alike. They’ve consistently proven themselves efficient at solving their customers’ tax problems.
Our review considers the assurances that tax relief services can legitimately offer their customers. A fundamental aspect of tax relief services is their ability to favorably resolve debt situations. All the services we recommend include free consultation and at the very least a 15-day money-back guarantee.
We evaluated each tax relief service’s customer service responsiveness, unresolved legal disputes, and review-based reputation. Some services look great on paper but ultimately fail to deliver results. Others neglect to address their customers’ questions and complaints in good faith. We’ve recommended only tax relief services that communicate clearly, have consistently shown a helpful disposition, and possess adequate staff to answer and follow through with their client’s questions, reviews and complaints.
Finally, our recommendations went to companies with credentialed tax attorneys, accountants, or tax professionals. When you hire tax relief services, you are really paying for your representative's knowledge and experience with the tax code. Only professionals with a solid background and understanding of tax provisions can truly represent your best interests and work on your behalf. We gave additional consideration to services willing to name their staff and disclose the professional backgrounds and certifications their associates possess.
Proven Experience
Even for those with extensive tax experience, navigating the U.S. tax code can be daunting. Tax law is notoriously complex. A deep understanding of taxation law and practices is fundamental when dealing with state or federal tax authorities.
You need to make sure that your debt has been properly scrutinized before you walk into a deal with the IRS. Otherwise, you could miss important deductions or access to programs that could significantly help you. Tax professionals can negotiate smaller settlements, a better monthly payment plan, or given specific financial circumstances, the partial or complete annulment of your debt.
Services Offered
Not all debt problems merit the intervention of tax relief services. As a taxpayer, you have a right to negotiate directly with the IRS and to take advantage of official assistance programs. However, understanding the way these resources work can be a monumental task. Digesting the sheer number of options, qualification criteria, and provisions for each requires an investment of time and effort that you might not be able or willing to make.
Tax attorneys and certified professionals offer expert knowledge and advice that can help you get out of debt. They are well versed on the tax code, which gives them a strong understanding of the debt or problem you are facing. We’ve made sure that all the companies we recommend are familiar with every tax problem and relief program currently available.
Solid Reputation
Tax relief companies provide serious tax law know-how, which serves as extra muscle when dealing with the IRS. However, in past years, unscrupulous individuals have preyed on the distress of unsuspecting citizens. Some companies have misrepresented their negotiation capacities or sold nonexistent services.
Before you decide to work with any tax relief service, make sure it’s a reputable company with credentialed employees. The best tax relief services will combine experience, transparency, and consistent reviews and results. Companies confident of their services will not shy away from offering generous guarantees of the results they provide. Be wary, though, of guarantees that are too good to be true. We’ll say it again: no tax relief service can guarantee to eliminate your tax debt or to cut it by a certain amount. If you see “guarantees” like that, run.
Value & Guarantee
Choosing a tax relief service shouldn’t be a hasty decision. We know that time is of the essence, but before making a decision, make sure to explore your options and compare. Use the free consultations offered to your advantage. This is crucial in order to select the service that best fits both your budget and expectations. Listen to different relief strategies. Confirm what programs are available to you. And most importantly: request price details.
Before you agree to a service, make sure you understand what the charges will be. Some services charge a flat fee, but others charge on a monthly basis. Request thorough explanations of any money-back guarantee offered. You are dealing with finances from an already difficult position and tax relief services don’t come cheap. Make sure to weigh your options to make sure that the solution being offered won’t leave you further in debt.
Helpful information about Tax Relief
Tax relief services offer professional representation for people with tax problems. Most companies employ tax attorneys, certified public accountants (CPAs), and enrolled agents who assess and determine the best course of action for your case. They can assist you not only in negotiating debts with the IRS, but also in ensuring that you take full advantage of programs available to you.
All the tax relief services we’ve reviewed help with a variety of tax debt situations, both at the federal and state levels. They can negotiate with the IRS to stop or release you from wage garnishments, tax levies, and liens. They can also work toward eliminating penalties or interest on your current debt. A central part of what they do is to negotiate settlements that may significantly reduce the amounts owed. All our reviewed services can resolve back tax errors and unfiled returns.
Because most tax relief services do similar work, we looked for companies that also excel in their informational resources, transparency, and customer service. We favor companies that openly communicate with their customers on payments, possible outcomes, and the length of the negotiation process. You want to have as much clarity as possible about what is being done on your behalf.
It’s important to acknowledge that the IRS itself offers taxpayers the opportunity to negotiate a payment plan for back taxes. Taxpayers can submit an Offer In Compromise, which is essentially an offer to pay a certain amount of money over a specified period of time in satisfaction of your tax debt.
However, if you believe that there is an error in the amount owed, if there’s an audit or ongoing investigation, or if you find yourself without the financial means to make a full payment, you may well benefit from professional assistance. Which course of action is best for your situation depends on the nature of the tax problem you’re facing, but also on your present capacity to pay the amount owed.
Beware Snake-Oil Salesmen
If you’re looking for tax relief services, you’ve probably already received some form of communication from tax authorities and are looking to tackle your pending debt. Before you commit to a tax relief service, you should know what the service is capable of doing for you. Most companies will offer free consultation. Use this to your advantage. But beware: many hard-sell companies will try to push you into a quick service agreement using scare tactics as a sales ploy. Don’t fall for it.
Although you may believe that your situation is hopeless, a tax professional may see it differently. Take time to shop around until you feel confident with the information provided and fully understand the costs, negotiation plans, and work-time expectations. A good consultation will assess your tax debt problem and present possible plans of action without forcing you head-first into a costly agreement. Proper tax relief solutions assess your debt situation in relation to your current financial situation.
Beware of services that promise to lower amounts owed or that characterize themselves as miracle workers. Tax relief can come in various forms, depending on your current financial footing. Some negotiations, such as Offers in Compromise, attempt to reduce the total amount owed. Others, like a Currently Non-Collectible status, ask that your debt be forgiven based on your inability to pay. Yes, not having to pay is a possibility. But it’s not the norm, nor should it be in any way an expected outcome.
FAQs about Tax Relief
I’ve heard these companies can’t really guarantee what they advertise. Are they scams?
The truth is that in past years some fraudulent companies have misrepresented what they can achieve in order to sales-pitch miracle solutions to desperate taxpayers. However, there are many legitimate and honestly helpful tax relief services out there. As a rule of thumb, never engage with a company that doesn’t display their credentials. If the company won’t name a single employee or publishes little or no information about the services it offers, it may well be a scam.
Why should I hire a tax relief company?
People turn to tax relief services to get expert advice on how to minimize their tax debts and to avoid the nerve-wracking ordeal of dealing with the IRS directly. Knowledgeable experts in your corner can make a huge difference. If you’re already being subjected to liens or levies, a tax relief service can significantly reduce the time it takes to restore full access to your accounts and property.
Should I negotiate directly with the IRS?
Unless you have considerable experience with taxes or have expertise with tax law, you will greatly benefit from hiring tax relief experts with a clear understanding of the U.S. tax code and Internal Revenue collection procedures. This can give you an advantage in negotiating both the amount and the terms under which the money owed will be paid.
If a tax relief service negotiates my case and the IRS still won’t grant me a tax relief, will I get my money back?
No tax relief service can guarantee a specific outcome. Before you agree to a service contract, make sure to fully understand what the service is offering and what will happen with your money if they fail to deliver. Many companies advertise full money-back guarantees, but they will still collect partial payment associated to research services before issuing your refund.
Do I qualify for tax relief?
Only the IRS or a state comptroller can make the final determination whether you qualify for tax relief. Be sure not to trust any company that promises otherwise. (This is why a reputable company will typically offer a free consultation, in order to determine if you will meet the IRS and/or state comptroller requirements). Anyone who owes more than they can afford to the IRS can potentially employ the services of a tax relief firm. But in order to even be considered, you must be 100% up to date on your yearly tax filings. Tax relief firms can then offer you different services depending on your particular situation.
What else should I know if I owe back taxes?
Many tax relief companies perform services you can do yourself. The FTC advises that if you owe back taxes or are having trouble meeting your tax obligation to read your notices from the IRS or your state comptroller and ask those agencies about collection alternatives.
Can I negotiate with the IRS on my own?
The FTC recommends that any time you’re having trouble paying bills, it’s often better to negotiate directly with creditors yourself than paying an intermediary to negotiate for you. This is also true when you owe money to the IRS.
Our Tax Relief Review Summed Up
| Company Name | The Best |
|---|---|
| Anthem Tax Services | Value |
| Community Tax Relief | For Individual Debt |
| Larson Tax Relief | For Businesses |
| Instant Tax Solutions Tax Relief | For Customer Service |
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