You are not alone if you’re struggling with massive tax debt. For those who owe the IRS thousands of dollars, there are professional help options available. Don’t let your tax debt become a stressful burden that leads you to make bad decisions– get the help you need to get back on track now.
Based On Our Research, These Are The Best Tax Relief Companies
When you owe a large amount of money in taxes, especially if you’re struggling financially, it can be extremely stressful. For those with thousands of dollars in IRS debt, tax professional help is available. With proper assistance, you can resolve your tax debt and get a fresh start.
- BBB Accredited A+ Rating
- $7,500 Minimum Tax Debt
- Money Back Guarantee
- You only pay if taxes are reduced
- Licensed in all 50 states
Tax relief companies can assist you with payment options and negotiate with the IRS or state tax agencies on your behalf. You can set up a payment plan with them, or they can pause collections during financial hardships by setting up the “currently not collectible” status. An experienced tax relief firm should have tax attorneys who are well-versed in tax law and can negotiate with the IRS on your behalf to reduce your settlement rate.
In spite of the large number of tax relief companies available, how do you determine which one is the right one for you? The top tax relief companies of 2023 have been reviewed to help you find a trustworthy company that meets your needs. Taking into consideration availability, cost, and consumer reviews, here is a guide to help you find the right tax relief company.
Anthem Tax Services
With Anthem Tax Services, you will receive your full money back if they are unable to reduce or eliminate your tax debt. Anthem Tax Services has one of the best tax relief guarantees in the business, which protects you from any possible losses and makes it one of the best tax relief companies.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No time limit on money-back guarantees | There is no pricing available on the website |
| There have been reports that some customers have had their cases resolved within a week | |
| There are dedicated tax relief services for truck drivers |
In the event of IRS tax debt, Anthem Tax Services understands the challenges that come with it. As well as offers in compromise (OIC), innocent spouse tax relief, and “currently not collectible” status, they also offer a variety of tax relief programs to help you get back on track. You can also avoid potential problems in the future by using their corporate tax preparation services. Unlike their competitors, they also assist clients with wage garnishment and tax levy release, which are not commonly offered.
Getting your finances back on track could be easier with Anthem Tax Services’ money-back guarantee. Their initial investigation fee starts at $275 – but if they can’t get any sort of resolution from the IRS, whether it’s a reduction in payment amounts or tax debt forgiveness, you’ll receive your money back.
Anthem Tax Services helps people with tax debts of up to $7,500 by giving them free consultations. Customers are charged a flat rate upfront, which varies according to the extent of the debt but generally starts at around $3,000.
Community Tax
As one of the best tax relief companies in the industry, Community Tax offers free consultations and an affordable investigation fee of $295.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Bilingual services are offered | There is no upfront pricing information provided |
| Affordable initial fees | State tax debt has limited tax relief options |
| A tax planning service can reduce the chances of future tax issues | |
| Tax relief company with the lowest fees |
If you’re in need of help paying your tax debts, Community Tax Relief can help, whether it’s through an installment agreement or an offer in compromise. Although Community Tax does not provide innocent spouse tax relief, they can still help you manage your taxes.
Interested in finding a tax relief company that offers bilingual assistance? Community Tax is one of the few companies on our list that can assist you with your tax needs, whether it’s filing your taxes or getting relief from tax debt. In addition to providing bookkeeping and business accounting services, Community Tax is rated with an A+ BBB rating, so you can get all the help you need in one place. There are many satisfied clients with Community Tax relief company. One of the reasons Community Tax Relief Company is so highly rated is its quick response time to complaints.
In addition to servicing customers with tax debts as low as $10,000, Community Tax also offers a money-back guarantee that differs from state to state, ranging from three to ten days, and provides a full refund if the issue is not resolved. An initial investigation fee of $275 is charged.
Larson Tax Relief
For businesses and corporations seeking relief from tax debt, Larson Tax Relief is a good choice. One of the best tax relief companies in 2023, they offer a variety of services, including payroll taxes, federal taxes, conflicts with revenue officers, and worker classifications. You can avoid future financial problems by getting your finances back on track with their help.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| There is a 15-day money-back guarantee for new customers | The 15-day guarantee may not be enough for serious tax debt issues |
| Provides assistance in resolving complex business tax issues such as tax liens and accounts receivable levies | Bilingual services are not available |
| Free consultations are available | Tax debt must be at least $20,000 |
A number of tax debt relief services are available through Larson Tax Relief, including personal and corporate tax debt relief, as well as assistance in delaying or preventing bank levies.
The company Larson provides top-notch tax relief services for businesses. Especially for small businesses with smaller accounting departments that require assistance, they are an extremely valuable resource, since they can handle everything from payroll taxes and corporate income taxes to paperwork.
In order to accept your case, Larson requires that you have at least $20,000 in tax debt. They offer free consultations. The minimum fee for filing a tax return is $200, the minimum fee for research and discovery is $250, and the minimum fee for representation or power of attorney is $1,750.
A full refund is guaranteed if you aren’t satisfied with your Larson service within 15 days. When compared to other tax relief companies that offer 30 days, Larson’s policy is on the shorter end. You may not be able to take advantage of this guarantee if it takes weeks for your case to be resolved.
Perfect Tax Relief
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free consultations are available | Los Angeles is the only physical location |
| Consult a tax attorney, CPA, or enrolled agent | |
| A variety of tax relief strategies are available |
Perfect Tax Relief offers a free and confidential consultation to assess your situation and see if they can help you get a settlement. They will work with you every step of the way to develop a personalized strategy for your case. To stop any further action from the IRS, the company’s tax experts typically place a hold on your case first. Then they will pull your transcripts and conduct full discovery. As a last step, your tax professional will help you reach the best settlement possible. Ideally, you will only have to pay a fraction of what you actually owe. Perfect Tax Relief also provides you with support after the settlement so that you can continue to comply.
Perfect Tax Relief is a full-service tax firm that provides assistance with a variety of tax issues, such as back taxes and unfiled tax returns. The IRS can garnish your paycheck or your tax refund, but Perfect Tax Relief can help you get back on track. In order to get started, you can request a free consultation to discuss your situation and ask about costs and guarantees. An enrolled agent, CPA, or tax attorney will develop a strategy tailored to your particular needs.
Tax Resolvers
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free consultation | It can get expensive |
| Exceptional customer service reviews from consumers |
In addition to helping clients with IRS and state taxes, Tax Resolvers offers financial and tax services. They are composed of qualified tax and financial professionals who can answer your questions and help you negotiate with the IRS or state tax agencies. There are many positive reviews from customers and a BBB rating of A+ for Tax Resolvers, indicating they provide excellent customer service. If you have back taxes and penalties, The Tax Resolvers can assist you.
Tax Defense Network
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| There is a wide range of tax preparation services and tax debt relief options available | Three-day money-back guarantee |
| Resources to educate yourself about taxes | |
| A fully bilingual service |
With outstanding customer service in Spanish and English, Tax Defense Network prides itself on providing outstanding customer service. Their representatives are available online and by phone to help you with your tax needs. As well as accepting tax debt as low as $5,000 in some cases, they are more accessible than their competitors.
A comprehensive range of IRS and state tax debt relief services (payment plans, offers in compromise, innocent spouse tax relief, etc.) is also available through Tax Defense Network for businesses that must permanently close (close corporate filing services, for example). In addition, Tax Defense Network provides specialized tax services for businesses. Additionally, it offers tax withholding calculators and offers-in-compromise in addition to comprehensive educational resources.
In comparison to many of its competitors, which, for instance, offer 15-day money-back guarantees, this tax relief company offers free consultations but offers a 3-day money-back guarantee. The extensive certifications and memberships in national tax professional organizations, however, can be attributed to the numerous positive reviews received from current and former clients.
Precision Tax
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A 30-day money-back guarantee is offered | There is no representation available for tax audits |
| No-interest payment plans are available to all clients | |
| Free consultations are available |
Individuals and businesses can benefit from Precision Tax ‘s relief services. Their wage garnishment and levy release services can provide significant financial tax relief, while their individual and business tax preparation services can help you avoid tax debt problems in the first place by preventing tax debt issues.
The 30-day money-back guarantee offered by Precision is quite generous, as most tax debt issues can be resolved within three to four weeks.
The fee and rate are not advertised upfront, but are always disclosed during the free consultation.
Victory Tax Lawyers
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flat-rate pricing | Money-back guarantees are not available |
| Free consultations are available | Tax debt must be at least $20,000 |
Taxes can be a difficult task for both individuals and businesses. That is why Victory Tax Lawyers offers a range of services to help you stay on top of your tax obligations. You can count on them for everything from tax preparation to levy defense to audit representation.
Also, if you have bank accounts in other countries than the U.S., they can assist with reporting of foreign banks and financial accounts (FBAR).
Furthermore, they only accept cases with tax debts of at least $20,000, which is much higher than the average of other tax relief companies.
Optima Tax Relief
A tax relief company with the best mobile app in the industry, Optima Tax Relief is one of the best companies in the tax relief industry. A free tax extension can be filed with Optima Tax Relief, and users can learn what to do when they receive an IRS notice from Optima Tax Relief.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| With Optima Tax Relief’s proprietary app, collection notices can be assessed for free | $10,000 is the minimum tax debt required |
| Free consultations | A 15-day money-back guarantee is shorter than those offered by competitors |
| A clearly outlined tax resolution process will provide you with realistic expectations regarding the outcome of your tax resolution case |
With enrolled agents, tax attorneys, and certified public accountants on staff, Optima Tax Relief works with every type of IRS and state tax debt relief option available.
It is possible to file for an extension on your tax filing deadline using Optima Tax Relief free app if you receive an IRS collection notice.
In addition to ensuring your taxes are filed accurately and on time, the Optima Tax Relief team offers free consultations to help you better understand their process. A two-step process is followed by setting up a protection plan and providing a case summary for you to pause any immediate IRS action against you.
Optima Tax Relief charges an investigation fee of approximately $295 and requires a minimum tax debt of $10,000 to qualify.
A Comprehensive Guide To Tax Relief
There are many tax relief programs available, but the tax relief landscape can be confusing and difficult to navigate. This guide provides basic information about tax relief concepts and the many programs available. Choosing the right tax relief program can be an informed decision based on your understanding of the options available.
What Exactly Is Tax Debt Relief?
Tax debt relief strategies are a number of measures and strategies designed to help individuals pay their taxes or reduce their tax obligations.
Typically, tax relief refers to payment plans, settlements (called offers-in-compromise) and wage garnishments offered by the federal and state governments to help people who are having difficulty paying their taxes. When taxpayers struggle to meet their obligations, these programs can provide them with much-needed assistance.
In terms of paying taxes, there are a few different options available to you. They can vary depending on what state you live in.
In terms of tax payments, there are a few options available. It is possible to negotiate these options directly with the IRS, but it may be worthwhile to hire a tax professional in certain cases.
In the event that you are having difficulty paying your taxes, you might be able to get assistance from a tax relief company. These companies specialize in helping people resolve their tax problems, often by negotiating with the IRS on their behalf. You may be able to get the outcome you need if you work with a tax relief company even though the process can be complex.
In some complex cases, tax attorneys can act as your mediators in negotiations with the IRS for tax relief companies.
How Does Tax Relief Work?
It is important to note that many of the same services can be performed by speaking directly with the IRS. Tax relief companies can do many things to help reduce the amount of back taxes owed. A good tax relief company stands out in a few ways. Firstly, they employ tax professionals with years of experience. As a result, they are better able to navigate complicated cases involving higher tax debts. In addition, tax relief companies are very knowledgeable about tax law. If you’re behind on your taxes, it’s probably best to contact the IRS directly. These companies won’t be able to do much more than you can.
Tax relief companies can assist you if you have multiple bank accounts, assets, and years of unpaid taxes. They will review your paperwork and identify the best options available. In rare cases, they may be able to negotiate a lower tax bill.
When it comes to negotiating with the IRS over tax debt, there is no hard and fast rule. You may be better off going it alone if your outstanding balance is less than $10,000. Most companies require that their customers meet a minimum debt threshold before working with them. As a result, many companies have minimum debt requirements, usually $10,000 or more. The IRS can also be paid in installments if your tax debt is below that amount, preventing you from increasing your overall tax debt load by paying for tax relief services. As well as reducing or eliminating their clients’ tax debts, the best tax relief companies negotiate with the IRS on their client’s behalf.
There are tax relief firms that can offer you a free consultation to get started if you’re worried about your taxes. Many people struggle with tax debt but don’t know where to turn. Don’t let your tax debt overwhelm you – get help and solve it for good.
Some Of The Most Common Tax Problems
It is possible to have a number of problems arising from mistakes made during the tax filing process, or from not filing at all. The following are some of the most common problems that tax relief companies can help you resolve:
Back Taxes
If you did not file your taxes or made mistakes when you did, you owe the government back taxes. You need to keep up to date on the IRS website for the latest information on interest rates for penalties on these, as they can grow until the debt is much more than you can afford.
Tax preparation software can help you avoid paying back taxes. Our article on the best tax software can help you find the right one.
Wage Garnishments
Eventually, the IRS will take action to collect your debt. This may include wage garnishment, which directs your employer to withhold a portion of your paycheck until the debt is paid.
Depending on your marital status and the number of dependents, your employer should have received IRS Publication 1494, which details how much of your wages can be garnished. There may be other repayment options through tax relief companies, but wage garnishment will continue until the debt is paid.
Tax Liens
In a similar manner to wage garnishment, the IRS informs financial institutions and other relevant parties that they will be the first to receive proceeds from the sale of personal property.
Tax Levies
The IRS can use a tax levy to seize your property for payment of your debt, which is a more severe version of a tax lien.
Tax Audits
Tax audits may occur if the IRS finds irregularities in your taxes. However, wealthy individuals are more likely to be audited than those with less income, especially those who earn $10 million or more a year.
How Much Does Tax Relief Cost?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the cost of tax relief services. The price you pay depends on the size of your tax debt and the complexity of your case. Depending on your specific circumstances, there are two common pricing models available to you: a percentage of the debt owed or flat hourly rates.
The rates for percentage-based payment plans typically range from 10-15% of the total debt. For example, if you owe $10,000 in taxes, you can expect to pay at least $1,000-$1,500.
In order to find affordable tax relief services, it is important to work with the right company. You might find it more affordable to hire a company that charges a flat hourly rate if your case is relatively straightforward, but you owe a large amount. On the other hand, if your case is more complex, companies that charge a higher rate may be worth the investment.
A company may charge a flat fee of $300 if you want to pursue tax relief services such as an offer in compromise (OIC), which allows you to settle your tax debt for a lower amount than you originally anticipated.
If you want to ensure that you get what you expect and there are no hidden fees, it is crucial to ask as much information as possible before contracting a tax relief company. To avoid any surprises down the road, get quotes in writing, and ask about all payment options.
Different Options For Tax Debt Relief
If you are struggling to pay your taxes, there are a few options available to you. The IRS website offers information on these options, or you can contact a representative over the phone. State agencies may also offer similar programs. Another option is to hire a tax relief company, but do your research first.
Private tax resolution companies can only recommend the best option based on the information they have. They do not have access to any information you wouldn’t be able to get yourself, and they cannot guarantee results.
You might be better off speaking with the IRS directly if you have a complex tax situation, with multiple sources of income and a complex stock portfolio.
Offers In Compromise
Tax debt can be settled for less than what you owe if you cannot pay the full amount to the IRS. This is called an offer in compromise.
An offer in compromise is determined by factors such as your ability to pay, income, expenses, and assets. The IRS may accept your offer in compromise if they believe that the lower amount is all they can collect from you “within a reasonable amount of time.”
The majority of people will not qualify for offers in compromise, however.
Innocent Spouse Tax Relief
You may qualify for innocent spouse tax relief if your spouse makes a mistake on your taxes, which can exempt you from any penalties that may result. You can only qualify for this if the IRS decides that you were unaware of the omission and that it would cause an undue hardship.
Installment Agreement
You can set up an installment plan with the IRS if you can’t pay the full amount right away. With an installment plan, you make smaller payments over time.
A short-term installment plan is for taxpayers who can pay off their debt within 180 days, while a long-term plan is for those who need more time to pay and must make monthly payments.
For an installment agreement, you do not need to owe a specific amount. However, online applications are only accepted for amounts up to $50,000 (long-term) or $100,000 (short-term).
Penalty Abatement
If you find yourself in a situation where you have incurred a penalty for your taxes, there may be some options available to you for tax relief if you file and pay on time. Often, the first-time penalty abatement can be applied to smaller penalties, such as failing to make a payment on a single tax return or failing to file on time. In order to qualify for this type of tax relief, you generally must have no penalties for the previous three tax years and have filed your taxes.
Currently Not Collectible Status
Getting CNC status means you agree with the IRS that paying your taxes would be unduly burdensome on your living expenses. If you owe taxes but cannot pay them, you may be eligible for what’s known as “currently not collectible” or CNC status. It is generally necessary to prove that paying your taxes would prevent you from paying for essential necessities like housing, utilities, food, and other necessities if you applied for CNC status.
During CNC status, the IRS will review your finances every year to see if your circumstances have changed. In addition, any future tax refund you receive may be used to pay down your debt.
IRS Fresh Start Program
The IRS Fresh Start Program lowers the requirements for IRS tax relief programs, making it easier for taxpayers to qualify for help.
For offers-in-compromise, the IRS has revised the way income is calculated. Offers paid in five months or less were previously considered for four years of future income, and offers paid for six to 24 months were considered for five years of future income. For offers paid in less than five months, only one year of future income will be considered and for offers paid in six to 24 months, two years of future income will be considered.
There are a few things you should know if you’re considering tax debt relief. In addition, tax relief companies will evaluate your case and check Fresh Start guidelines to determine if you qualify. First, all offers must be paid in full within 24 months of their acceptance.
Other Services Provided By Tax Relief Companies
Audit Defense
For an additional fee, some tax professionals offer audit defense services. They help you resolve any audits that come up for up to three years.
Audit defense services are a personal choice. The IRS only audited 0.45% of individual tax returns in 2019. People earning over $1 million are more likely to be audited.
Alternatives To Tax Debt Relief Companies
Direct Negotiation With The IRS
It may be cheaper for you to negotiate directly with the IRS if you owe less than $10,000 in taxes. If you feel comfortable completing your own tax returns, explore the different options offered by the IRS for payment plans or debt reduction.
Tax Relief Lawyers
A tax relief lawyer can be extremely helpful if your case could result in criminal charges if you’re struggling with tax debt. They’re more specialized than CPAs or enrolled agents.
Scam Alert Regarding Tax Relief
According to the IRS, over 60 percent of Americans cannot afford to pay their taxes in full, so if you’re struggling with tax debt, you’re not alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your tax debt, it’s understandable you want to find a tax relief company that can help lower your debt. However, the FTC warns, not all tax relief companies have your best interests at heart.
Don’t trust tax relief companies that promise to settle your debts in a certain timeframe without even reviewing your case. Many of these companies are scams and will just take your money without doing anything. Several tax relief companies have even been known to charge customers’ credit cards after the case has been closed, according to FTC reports.
Be on the lookout for some key red flags when considering hiring a tax relief company. One example is when the company representative makes grandiose promises without knowing the details of your case. Another example is when the company demands payment upfront for guaranteed results. If the company initially contacts you via cold calls or unsolicited mail or email, this could be a sign they are trying to delay you. Furthermore, if the company repeatedly requests the same documents, that’s another sign of stalling.
A good rule of thumb is to avoid companies that make specific promises and instead, look for firms that are transparent about their costs and processes. There are many tax relief companies out there, but how do you know which ones to trust? Make sure to take advantage of free consultations offered by many reputable tax relief firms before deciding which firm is right for you.
Make sure the tax relief company is accredited by one or more tax professional associations, such as the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP), the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA), or the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA). Knowing that you’re working with a reputable, reliable company will give you peace of mind.