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Our Best Tax Relief Services of 2024
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- Minimum tax amount: $12K
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- Minimum tax amount: $10K
- Over $1 billion in tax liabilities resolved
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- Minimum tax amount: $15K
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Best Tax Relief Services
Tax debt occurs when you owe back taxes to the government because of underpayment or nonpayment. If it accumulates, it can lead to serious issues like penalties, interest, wage garnishments, and property liens.
If you are struggling with tax debt, you need a solution to pay off your taxes without going bankrupt.
Finding good tax relief services that help you understand complex tax laws, negotiate with the IRS, and set up manageable payment plans is crucial. To help you find services that won’t exacerbate your financial issues, we’ve explored the best options. Below are our expert picks for the best tax relief services, including their features and requirements.
Our Top Tax Relief Services 2024
1. Tax Hardship Center: Best for Back Taxes Relief
2. Community Tax: Best for Ongoing Tax Monitoring
3. Larson Tax Relief: Best for Large Tax Debts and Businesses
4. Fortress Tax Relief: Best for Complex Tax Issues
5. Optima Tax Relief: Best for Providing Tax Education
6. TurboTax Premium: Best for Filing Taxes
7. 2020 Tax Resolution: Best for Freeing Up Cash
8. Alleviate Tax: Best for Flat Rate Fees
Methodology: How We Reviewed the Best Tax Relief Services
We assessed several important factors to create the list of the best tax relief services. First, we looked at each company's services and whether they serve individual taxpayers, businesses, or both.
Next, we checked transparency around pricing, processes, and expectations. We also considered how long each business has been operating and evaluated reviews and feedback to understand customers' actual experiences working with each company.
Here’s the complete list of criteria we considered in our reviews:
- Services offered and process for tax relief: Whether you require assistance with back taxes, tax liens, or negotiating with the IRS, it's essential to choose a company that specializes in these areas and has a clear, effective process for resolving them.
- Transparency in pricing and operations: A reputable company should provide clear information on fees, the services included, and any potential additional charges. This helps build trust and allows customers to budget effectively.
- Customer service satisfaction: Reviewing customer feedback can gauge how responsive, helpful, and professional the company is with handling client concerns and inquiries, which is crucial when dealing with something as stressful as tax debt.
- Length of time each company has been in business: A company with a long track record is more likely to have a proven history of successful tax relief cases and a solid reputation in the industry.
Our Top 8 Best Tax Relief Services — Reviewed
1. Tax Hardship Center
Best for: Back taxes relief
Minimum tax amount: $10,000
Fees: $495+
Year Incorporated: 2012
BBB rating: A+
Tax Hardship Center provides tax relief services in all 50 states. It offers help to individuals and businesses with back taxes, unfiled tax returns, wage garnishment, bank levies, penalty abatements, and audit defenses.
Why We Chose Tax Hardship Center: In addition to offering tax relief services to both individuals and businesses, Tax Hardship Center also offers tax preparation and bookkeeping. It can be useful to work with a single company for all facets of tax advice and preparation.
Customer Experience: While there is minimal negative feedback regarding high fees and inadequate communication, reviews are positive for both individuals with tax issues as well as businesses. Most customers praise the company’s communication throughout the tax relief process.
PROS
CONS
Read the full Tax Hardship Center review
2. Community Tax
Best for: Ongoing tax monitoring
Minimum tax amount: Not listed
Fees: Not listed; free consultation
Year Incorporated: 2010
BBB rating: A+
Community Tax offers tax relief services, including offers in compromise, penalty abatement, currently not collectible status, and multiple types of installment agreements, including stair step, streamlined, partial pay, conditional expense, and traditional installment agreements.
While CT does not list its fee structure online, it offers a free consultation to assess your specific situation and provide an estimate based on the details.
Why We Chose Community Tax: In addition to tax relief, Community Tax also offers preventive services with its CTAX+ subscription. For $39 per month, you can have IRS problem prevention, tax identity theft assistance, tax prep services, and more. Subscribers get free annual 1040 tax filing and 20% off of future tax resolution services.
Customer Experience: Customer reviews skew positive, with customers happy with the level of communication and service. That said, a few customers complain about agents not being very well-versed in tax issues and unmet expectations regarding the resolution of tax debts.
PROS
CONS
Read the full Community Tax review
3. Larson Tax Relief
Best for: Large tax debts and businesses
Minimum tax amount: $25,000
Fees: Not listed; free consultation
Year Incorporated: 2005
BBB rating: A+
Larson Tax Relief aids both individuals and businesses with tax debts at the federal and state levels, all with a 15-day, money-back guarantee. Some of the services Larson offers include Social Security garnishments, unfiled tax returns, trust fund recovery penalties, seizure of IRS or state tax refunds, tax liens, and more.
Because the minimum tax amount required to work with Larson Tax Relief is high at $25,000, it may not be an option for many.
Why We Chose Larson Tax Relief: On the business side, Larson assists with tax relief services for companies, including missing or unfiled tax returns, bank levies, accounts receivable garnishments, tax liens, and 1099 issues. It also offers corporation formation or shutdown services, making it ideal for small business or corporate owners.
Customer Experience: Many customers say that Larson saves them time and money and reduces stress related to tax issues both for personal and business tax concerns. Negative Larson reviews tend to center around communication issues and unexpected fees.
PROS
CONS
Read the full Larson Tax Relief review
4. Fortress Tax Relief
Best for: Complex tax issues
Minimum tax amount: $10,000
Fees:
- Flat fee: $1,000-$15,000 total
- Hourly: $100-$1,000
Year Incorporated: 2003
BBB rating: A+
Regularly ranked one of the best tax relief services by review sites, Fortress Tax Relief offers various tax relief services, including offers in compromise, penalty, abatement, installment agreements, trust recovery penalties, innocent spouse tax relief, tax appeal service, and more.
Why We Chose Fortress Tax Relief: While many tax relief services have CPAs and a handful of attorneys on staff, Fortress has a team of licensed attorneys who specialize in back tax resolution. They come from top-tier law schools and must have 500 or more hours of training in tax resolution.
Customer Experience: Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, citing the professional expertise and helpfulness of the attorneys who assist with tax debt. What few negative reviews Fortress has relate to high fees and occasional issues with pricing transparency and communication.
PROS
CONS
5. Optima Tax Relief
Best for: Providing tax education
Minimum tax amount: $10,000
Fees: $995-$5,000
Year Incorporated: 2011
BBB rating: A+
Winner of several awards, including the Better Business Bureau’s International Torch Awards for Ethics, Optima Tax Relief services can get you out of tax debt in two to 12 months, on average.
The company offers help with tax levies and liens, wage garnishment, tax liabilities, back taxes, penalties and interest, tax settlement, audit defense, and payroll tax negotiation. It has a team of tax attorneys and licensed tax professionals ready to assist.
Why We Chose Optima Tax Relief: Optima isn’t just here to help address tax debt. The website offers plenty of resources that address the issues that might have led to tax debt in the first place, including articles and videos. Optima empowers you to take control of your tax situation.
Customer Experience: Customer reviews are mixed. Some clients have reported high fees and communication challenges, especially during the lengthy resolution process. Many others praise its customer service and say Optima's tax professionals helped resolve their tax debt.
PROS
CONS
Read the full Optima Tax Relief review
6. TurboTax Premium
Best for: Filing taxes
Minimum tax amount: N/A
Fees: $129-$469
Year Incorporated: 1984
BBB rating: Not rated
While TurboTax doesn’t offer tax relief, the company does offer a Premium service that provides expert assistance when filing tax returns. TurboTax Premium offers Live Assisted or Live Full Service options. The first provides assistance when you file your own taxes, while the latter involves a tax professional filing for you.
Why We Chose TurboTax Premium: While it’s not a tax relief service, having expert assistance in the tax filing process can keep you from needing tax relief help down the road. It has a relatively user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, especially for more complex tax situations.
Customer Experience: Reviews are generally positive, with customers praising TurboTax for its detailed guidance and its particularly efficient ability to handle investment and self-employment income. A few customers had more complicated tax situations and didn’t feel like the tax professionals at TurboTax were very helpful.
PROS
CONS
7. 2020 Tax Resolution
Best for: Freeing up cash
Minimum tax amount: Not listed
Fees: Not listed; free consultation
Year Incorporated: 1998
BBB rating: A+
2020 Tax Resolution offers tax relief services for tax levies and liens, penalties, and garnishments. The company offers services for both individual taxpayers and businesses. The services that 20/20 Tax Resolution provides include offers in compromise, penalty abatements, levy relief, appeals, and innocent spouse relief.
On the business side, the company can help with penalties, payroll tax problems, and sales tax issues.
Why We Chose 20/20 Tax Resolution: For taxpayers who have their paycheck garnished or who have levies, it’s all too common to experience financial strain. 20/20 Tax Resolution can help resolve these issues quickly to help you free up cash.
Customer Experience: Generally, customer reviews online are positive, citing the ease of working with 20/20 Tax Resolution to resolve tax issues. Any poor feedback — though rare — revolves around communication issues and unexpected fees.
PROS
CONS
Read the full 2020 Tax Resolution review
8. Alleviate Tax
Best for: Flat rate fees
Minimum tax amount: Not listed
Fees: Not listed; free consultation
Year Incorporated: 2018
BBB rating: Not rated
Alleviate Tax offers tax relief services including penalty abatement, offers in compromise, wage garnishment removal, delinquent tax return filings, bank levy release, tax resolution assistance, installment agreements, and more.
Alleviate Tax says it can help taxpayers resolve tax issues in two to 10 months. Customers report a phase-one flat fee of $495 and a varying flat fee for phase two.
Why We Chose Alleviate Tax: Although it doesn’t list its prices online, we like that Alleviate charges a flat fee for the initial investigation phase and another for resolution, and that there’s no obligation to move forward with the resolution. Also, there’s a 30-day guarantee, which is more than most tax relief services offer.
Customer Experience: Overall, customer reviews online are positive. However, some clients have expressed frustration over inadequate communication throughout the process. The majority of customers, however, say agents were helpful and communicative throughout the investigation and resolution phases.
PROS
CONS
Read the full Alleviate Tax review
Compare the Top Tax Relief Services
| Minimum tax amount | Fees | Year incorporated | Better Business Bureau rating | |
| Tax Hardship Center | $10,000 | $495+ | 2012 | A+ |
| Community Tax | Not listed | Not listed | 2010 | A+ |
| Larson Tax Relief | $25,000 | Not listed | 2005 | A+ |
| Fortress Tax Relief | $10,000 | Flat fee: $1,000-$15,000 Hourly: $100-$1,000 | 2003 | A+ |
| Optima Tax Relief | $10,000 | $995-$5,000 | 2011 | A+ |
| TurboTax Premium | n/a | $129-$469 | 1984 | Not rated |
| 2020 Tax Resolution | Not listed | Not listed | 1998 | A+ |
| Alleviate Tax | Not listed | Not listed | 2018 | Not rated |
What are Tax Relief Services?
Tax relief services, sometimes called tax resolution services, aim to help taxpayers reduce or pay off federal or state tax debt. Tax relief services may assist with back taxes, installment and settlement agreements, negotiating payment plans, offers in compromise (reducing the total debt), penalty abatements (removing penalties), representing clients in audits, and more.
Tax relief services are often provided by CPAs, tax professionals, or attorneys specializing in tax law.
How Do Tax Relief Services Work?
Tax relief services help individuals and businesses reduce or manage tax liabilities through various strategies and programs. These services typically begin with a consultation to assess the client's financial situation and tax issues. Tax relief professionals may then negotiate with the IRS on behalf of the client to reduce the amount owed, set up a payment plan, or remove penalties and interest.
Common methods used in tax relief include an offer in compromise, which allows taxpayers to settle their tax debt for less than the full amount owed if they meet certain criteria, and installment agreements, which break down the total amount due into more manageable monthly payments. Additionally, penalty abatement can remove penalties for taxpayers who can show reasonable cause for their failure to comply with tax laws.
By navigating the complex tax code and IRS procedures, tax relief services aim to provide financial relief and peace of mind to taxpayers struggling with significant tax burdens.
How Much Do Tax Relief Companies Charge?
The fee for tax relief services will vary from one company to another, depending on specifics and the services required. Most tax relief companies offer free consultations to assess client needs. From there, the company may charge a flat fee or hourly rate, and some may even charge a percentage of the tax savings.
On average, expect to spend $2,000 to $7,000 on tax issue relief. For more complex tax problems, the costs may rise, and some tax relief companies offer flexible payment plans.
No matter the expenses associated with tax relief, it's crucial to get a detailed quote during the initial consultation to understand the full cost.
Common Tax Problems
People who seek tax relief services may have a variety of tax problems. The most common include:
- Unpaid taxes: Many people fall behind on tax payments, resulting in significant debt accumulation.
- Tax liens: The IRS can place a lien on property when taxes are unpaid, which can affect credit and the ability to sell assets.
- Wage garnishments: The IRS can garnish wages to collect unpaid taxes, severely impacting an individual's income.
- Bank levies: The IRS can seize funds directly from a taxpayer’s bank account to satisfy tax debt.
- Back taxes: Unresolved taxes from previous years can accumulate, leading to larger debts and penalties.
- Tax penalties and interest: Late payments or filings can incur penalties and interest, increasing the total amount owed.
- Tax audits: Individuals or businesses may face audits that can lead to additional taxes owed if discrepancies are found.
- Payroll tax Issues: Businesses sometimes struggle with paying payroll taxes, leading to significant liabilities.
Tax Debt Relief Options
While tax debt relief options will vary, depending on the specific tax situation of a taxpayer, here are some common solutions:
Installment Agreements
When a taxpayer owes a large amount in taxes and cannot pay it all at once, a tax relief company can negotiate installment agreements, which allow you to pay off your debt in monthly installments based on what you can afford.
Offer in Compromise
When your debt is high and you can’t pay it all, even over time, the best tax relief services may be able to negotiate with the IRS on your behalf to settle for less than the full amount you owe.
The IRS considers factors like income, expenses, asset equity, and overall ability to pay when evaluating OIC applications. Successfully obtaining an OIC can provide significant financial relief and help avoid further collection actions
Currently Not Collectible Status
Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status is a designation by the IRS indicating that a taxpayer cannot afford to pay their tax debt due to financial hardship. A tax relief company can help temporarily suspend tax payments or other collection methods such as levies and garnishments.
To qualify, the taxpayer must demonstrate that their income and assets are insufficient to cover living expenses and the tax liability. The IRS periodically reviews CNC status to reassess the taxpayer's financial situation.
Penalty Abatement
When the IRS enforces penalties for unpaid taxes, a tax relief firm can help reduce or eliminate some of the penalties.
Innocent Spouse Relief
When one spouse makes an error during tax filing — whether the errors were made accidentally or intentionally — the other spouse may be held responsible. Tax relief services can ensure that the innocent spouse isn’t held responsible.
Other Services Offered by Tax Relief Companies
While most of the best tax relief companies on this list focus on tax relief services like installment agreements and offers in compromise, some offer other services that may be of interest. These include:
- Audit representation: Wherein a professional stands on behalf of a taxpayer during IRS audits to help navigate and respond effectively.
- Tax preparation and bookkeeping services: These can be helpful if you worry about making tax errors without professional assistance.
- Subscription services: Monthly paid services that assist year-round to avoid potential tax issues when it’s time to file.
Everything You Need to Know About Tax Relief Scams
Not all companies that claim to offer tax relief services are legitimate. Here are a few things to look out for as red flags.
Guaranteed Results
If a tax relief company promises anything, particularly to drastically reduce IRS tax debt, it may be a scam.
Upfront Fees
If a company asks for fees before they’ve done any work, run. Most reputable companies offer a free consultation to first understand your specific tax situation.
Fee Structure Unclear
While not every tax relief company publishes its prices online, what you’ll have to pay should be clearly outlined in a free consultation. If a company agent dodges questions or can’t give you a clear understanding of what your case will cost, it may not be a legitimate company.
High-Pressure Sales
Deciding how to tackle your tax debt is an important and stressful decision, and not one that should be rushed. If a company pressures you to make quick choices without having the opportunity to ask questions, the services may not be valid.
Other IRS-Related Scams
Be on the lookout for other types of IRS scams. If you receive a phone call, email, or text that claims to be from the IRS asking for personal or financial information, report it immediately. The IRS will never contact you to ask for payment through these channels.
Find more information on these and other recent scams here.
Alternatives to Using Tax Debt Relief Companies
While it can be beneficial to work with tax debt professionals, you have other options, including:
Speak Directly with the IRS
There’s no need to be intimidated by the Internal Revenue Service. It offers several options for paying late taxes and dealing with other tax issues. You can set up a payment plan, apply for an offer in compromise, or request penalty abatement yourself. Some tips to keep in mind:
- Understand the criteria: Know the IRS criteria for penalty abatement, such as reasonable cause, administrative waivers, or statutory exceptions.
- Gather documentation: Collect relevant documents that support your case, such as medical records, financial statements, tax return transcripts, and more.
- Request first-time penalty abatement: This is a one-time removal of penalties that you may be eligible for if you have a clean compliance history for the past three years.
Hire a Tax Professional
If your tax situation is beyond what a tax relief company can assist with, consider hiring a certified public accountant (CPA), tax attorney, or enrolled agent for help.
Find Your Local Taxpayer Advocate Service
This is an independent organization that is part of the IRS and designed to help taxpayers resolve issues. It’s free, and you can find your state’s local office on the IRS website.
Bottom Line: Tax Take Relief Seriously
Having tax debt can be emotionally exhausting and can put a major strain on your finances. But you don’t have to struggle to pay tax debt, no matter the amount. With the best tax relief services, you can get a plan for paying off the debt, possibly even reducing what you owe.
When exploring tax relief companies, set up several free consultations with multiple companies to find the one that can best help you, and remember to be on the lookout for red flags.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How far back can the IRS audit you?
Generally, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) won’t audit further back than three years unless there are substantial errors in your tax returns, and then they can go back up to six years. In the case of fraud, the IRS can audit tax returns as far back as necessary.
What is the IRS Fresh Start Program?
The IRS Fresh Start Program can assist taxpayers with tax debt they are unable to pay. The program has flexible payment options, higher thresholds for tax liens, and easy installment agreements and offers in compromise. The program aims to help taxpayers pay off their tax debts with fewer penalties.
What is an offer in compromise?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides an option to apply for an offer in compromise, which is an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS to pay less than the full amount of taxes and penalties due. The IRS will consider the taxpayer’s financial situation, assets, and ability to pay upon reviewing an OIC application.
Who can I call to ask tax questions for free?
The Internal Revenue Service is always available to answer tax questions for free at 800-829-1040. There is also the Local Taxpayer Advocate Service, which offers free assistance in resolving tax issues. It can be reached at 877-777-4778 or you can find your local office here.
Do tax relief companies really work?
Yes, tax relief companies can work, but their effectiveness largely depends on the specific circumstances of the taxpayer and the credibility of the company. Reputable tax relief firms employ experienced tax professionals, including CPAs, tax attorneys, and enrolled agents, who can negotiate with the IRS on your behalf to reduce tax liabilities, set up payment plans, or eliminate penalties. They can navigate complex IRS procedures and find solutions that might be difficult for an individual to handle alone.
Explore more from BestMoney Tax Relief:
Su Guillory is a freelance business writer and expat coach. She’s written several business books and has been published on sites including Forbes, Nav, SoFi, and AllBusiness. She writes about business and personal credit, insurance, loans, and credit cards.