As this list of new companies has expanded so incredibly fast in the last year or so, I wanted to categorize these new and unrated companies into three new categories.
A. New Companies - Licensed Professional(s) Visible. These are new companies that clearly state who their licensed tax professional is on their website or advertising materials.
B. New Companies - NO Licensed Professionals Listed - Be Careful!! : Based on my experience, companies that are not willing to make an actual named Enrolled Agent, CPA or Attorney are companies to BE CAREFUL OF -- that indicates fly-by-night potential. Research carefully. The length of this growing list prompted my article on Market Saturation in the Tax Resolution field: Is the market saturated?
C. Curiousities -- Clever, marketing related sites - directly or indirectly related to the tax representation industry. They might also be "lead generators" or companies that sell leads to tax resolution companies.
1. Orange County Tax Relief, Orange County, CA, 2011. http://www.orangecountytaxrelief.com/ Run by Jacques Gendreau, an Enrolled Agent. I love when companies prominently show their licensed tax professional. That is a good thing. They emphasize local representation in Orange County. NO BBB record yet.
2. Front Range Tax Resolution, Colorado, 2008, E.A. in Colorado - Judd Kalush -- his website: frontrangetax.com
3. . Landmark Tax Group, South Coast Metro/Southern California, CA 2012 An ex IRS agent now in the business of representing taxpayers emailed me to announce that he is in business. Sounds good to me. Good luck to you: http://www.landmarktaxgroup.com/
5. GSA Tax Law Advocates, Southern California, 2011. Spoke to Svetlana who is an ex IRS attorney about her new business: http://www.gsataxpayeradvocates.com/ Looks like she has extensive experience in IRS representation. NO BBB listing yet.
6. The Law Office of Elizabeth Gonsalves., Southern California, 2011. Attorney with solid website. She is also interested in keeping the tax representation industry clean. I really like her website: http://egonsalveslaw.com/
7. US Tax Resolution, LLC, Newport Beach, CA, 2011. TAX LIEN MAILER
CPA Jim Genian sends out mailers to people have tax liens. I am not sure when the company started. But the fact that his CPA license is visible is a good thing. USTaxResolution.com No BBB listing yet.
8. Professional Tax Resolution / BCH Consulting, Inc., Irvine, CA, February 2010.
Newish company started by C.P.A. in Sunny So Cal: BBB record. Website: http://professionaltaxresolution.com/resources
9. Five Star Tax Resolution Services, Glendale, CA, July 2011
Tax Attorney's website: http://www.fivestartaxresolution.com BBB record: Five Star BBB record
10. Tax Resolution Institute, California. To these guys' credit, they have a lot of faces of real people on their website. It appears that they have quite a few CPA's on staff. I can't recommend them one way or the other. http://www.taxresolutioninstitute.com/ One strange thing: still no BBB record as of 2013? Finally- spoke with a customer that talked to them in Spring 2013 -- this person hadn't filed returns since 2009...but probably would owe the IRS about $15,000 to $20,000 when he did file them. The IRS wasn't being aggressive with them at all - yet. TRI's fee was between $3000 to $5000 to represent them and get the best deal possible. Our fee was $1000 - which included reviewing one of their tax returns - to make sure that it was done right (we don't think it was).
11. Platinum Tax Defenders, Thousand Oaks, CA , February 2011
After multiple emails exchanged with Platinum, I can sense a dedication there to good service. Their website is : http://platinumtaxdefenders.com/ and their BBB?BCA record is BBB record Platinum Tax was founded by a Sherri Gastelum who previously was associated with the now closed Summit Tax. My understanding is she left that now closed organization (Summit) due to her wish to start a well-run organization dedicated to good customer service.
12. Tax Help HQ, Los Angeles, Denver, Salt Lake City - 2011.
More informative and original website than you will find out there: http://taxhelphq.com/ This company is run by Jassen Bowman, an Enrolled Agent. Here's a good explanation of his approach and himself: http://taxhelphq.com/about/ For good reasons, he does NOT have a Better Business Bureau record. And the fact that he is licensed to practice pretty much has you covered. He operates and represents people from around the country. His office is mobile. He's a pretty interesting fellow and someone who seems to be in the tax representation game for the long haul. AND: he is one of the few people you'll find on this blog list who is teaching other tax professionals about adding tax resolution to their skill set: Tax Marketing Headquarters
13. ALG Tax Solutions, Michigan, 2012
E.A. and C.P.A. Akono Gross has opened up his new practice after being in the industry for a while. Two licenses to practice? Impressive: Website: http://www.algtaxsolutions.com/
14 . Tax Champions, January 2011, Valencia, CA
A new player in LA area in tax resolution game: http://www.taxchampions.com/ You do have to like the CPA clearly stating his name for the world to see. That is huge in this business. BBB record solid: BCA record
15. SLS Financial Solutions, Loveland, Colorado, July 2009 TAX LIEN CALLER
SLS Financial is one of many companies in Colorado that markets itself by calling people with tax liens. But I think these guys are decently run. I have exchanged emailed with Lindsay Tilley-Suarez who is one of their tax attorneys (she has a LLM in taxation!). I think they are sincere in their dedication to good customer service and seem to be in this for the long haul. Their website is here: http://www.slsfinancialsolutions.com/ And here's their BBB record.
16. IRS Medic or irsmedic.com or Parent & Parent, LLP , Connecticut, 2009
Connecticut based tax representation firm but definitely a nationally focused company full of a long list of tax professionals with lots of experience. Pretty informative website too. And a good BBB record.
17. Cool Tax Services, Orange County, California
Exchanged emails with Matthew Cooling, E.A., who is relatively new to the practice but has extensive experience in the audit division of the California FTB and is now representing clients on the other side. He prepares returns and is expanding his tax representation and resolution business. His website is www.cooltaxservices.com
18. The IRS Hitman, 2011. Florida, South Carolina and/or North Carolina ?
These guys have come up with a fun blog -- with tidbits on celebrity tax delinquents and other fun tax-related stuff like the popular SNL spoof of Taxmasters. These guys are attorneys and deserve credit for great marketing. Here's their blog with a hilarious page on Taxmasters: http://irs-hitman.blogspot.com/
Update 2012: These guys appear to be the real deal: http://www.irs-hitman.com/ Looks like ex-IRS attorneys. Looks legit to me! I couldn't however find a link that worked with the BBB.
19. Strategic Tax Lawyers, Santa Monica, August 2011
So Strategic Tax Lawyer's website is mytaxattorney.com . Morris Behboud is the main staff attorney - he's a former IRS attorney. This company is a law firm. There are five licensed tax professionals on staff. They also do estate planning and FBAR / offshore issues. Their BBB record
20. Taxattorney.com or Mytaxhelpattorney.com, October 2011
Looks like this website was set up by an Enrolled Agent(!): Zvi Shapiro. Not a bad marketing idea. Looks like the BBB record is still solid: BBB record
21. JL Tax Group, Vero Beach, Florida , 2013 -- TAX LIEN MAILER
Stumbled up on this company in a websearch. Apparently -- an Enrolled Agent-- Chris Higgins started the company in 2013. Apparently - they are sending out mailings to people with tax liens. As of April 2013 - they have yet to set up a BBB record. -- Their pretty uninformative website (I had to find the Enrolled Agent's name on a Google search) : www.jltaxgroup.com
B. New - NO LICENSED TAX PROFESSIONALS VISIBLE - Tread lightly. :
Based on my experience, companies that are not willing to make an actual named Enrolled Agent, CPA or Attorney are companies to BE CAREFUL OF -- that indicates fly-by-night potential. Research carefully.
THESE COMPANIES ARE LISTED IN ORDER OF THEIR START DATE WITH THE BBB.
Class of 1998 thru 2006: Start up date 1998 thru 2006
21. Ameritax or Fix Your Tax Problem, Inc., Novato, CA. February 1998. Heard their ad on Sirius radio. Their BBB record claims they have been since 1998: BBB- Ameritax In 2012: their company name seems to have switched to Fix your Tax Problem, Inc. Their website: http://www.fixyourtaxproblem.com
22. Tax Crisis Institute, Bakersfield, CA 2002 - Incorporation date . Has been advertising to ex-clients of Roni Deutch, and who can blame them...that's a lot of clients that might need tax help. From the look of their webpage: Victim of the Roni Deutch Lawsuit?/ my first instinct is they were conducting a class lawsuit against Deutch, but they're not: as I said, they're offering tax help. Their website: Tax Crisis Institute--Website Their BBB record
23. Freedom Financial Network, San Mateo, CA July 2003. I believe this is a debt consolidation company that is moving into the tax resolution business. BBB record is here: BBB record And website here: Website
24. Premier Tax Solutions, Los Angeles, CA, June 17, 2005. Their BCA Record: BCA Record Their website: http://www.premiertaxsolutions.com/ For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
25. M and M Financial, Illinois, December 2005. TAX LIEN CALLER. This firm cold calls people with tax liens. http://www.mmfinancial.org/ Decent BBB record: BBB record Phone # (773) 969- 5800. I have previously posted on whether cold calling tax liens is legal or not here: The Legal Case Against Cold Calling Tax Liens
26. Phoenix Financial Group. Denver, CO, October 6, 2006. TAX LIEN CALLER.
This is another firm in Colorado that cold calls people with tax liens. The phone # of one of their caller's is (866) 672-1067 or 1.888.572.2179. Their website is : http://pfgtax.com/ You might want to read this: The Legal Case Against Cold Calling Tax Lien or to learn about Colorado cold calling phenomenon -- check out this: Cold Calling Tax Liens: A Mountain Time Phenomenon I also have to say that they have 9 complaints at the BBB in 2012 - this isn't great - but they do respond their complaints which is good. Their BBB record: BBB record
Class of 2007
27. Tax Resolution Center, Boulder, CO, October 25, 2007. TAX LIEN CALLER
According to an employee who emailed me, they have 20 employees (I stand corrected) and have been in operation since 2005 - but their BBB listing started in 2007. Their website: http://taxresolutioncenter.com/ Here's their BBB record I have previously posted on whether cold calling tax liens is legal or not here: The Legal Case Against Cold Calling Tax Liens
28. Priority Tax Relief, San Francisco, CA, May 3, 2007 I stumbled upon this website in 2012 - I had not heard of them. Here's their site: prioritytaxrelief.com Claims to be "Attorney's but I couldn't see any names. I got to admit it bugs me when they list media companies like CNN on their site when odds are they never advertised on them. Solid BBB record is here: BBB record
Class of 2008
29. NFA Tax Help -- Houston, TX , March 2008. The company still has a good rating at the BBB: BBB record/ Their website is: resolvemytaxes.com I have seen many internet advertisements from these folks.
30. The Core Consulting Group, Longmont, CO Sept. 2008 TAX LIEN CALLER.
One of many Colorado companies that "cold calls" people who have tax liens against them. I spoke recently with a person who had a 941 issue who was called by them. Their website: CORE CONSULTING WEBSITE Their BBB record: Colorado BBB record You might also want to check out my post on the Colorado cold calling industry here: Cold Calling Tax Liens: A Mountain Time Phenomenon
31. Sound Tax Consulting, Bellevue, WA, September 9, 2008. Sound Tax Consulting has great Google ads. They also happen to be a neighbor of ours in the Puget Sound. They were previously called: IRS/State Tax Relief Associates They have a solid website but no licensed professionals are listed: soundtaxconsulting.com and Their BBB record
32. K & K Tax Group, 2008, Miami, Florida Exchanged emails with the owner of this firm. They have been in business since 2008. BBB record: BBB record and Website/
33. Limon Whitaker and Morgan Tax Advisors, Beverly Hills, CA, Feb. 2008. TAX LIEN MAILER.
These guys send out a very clever mailing to people with tax liens. It looks like a notice from the IRS. It says "IRS WAGE GARNISHMENT PENDING. This is your Final notice ... I must admit: effective advertising. On a separate note, I am always skeptical when I look on a company's web page under "About Us" and there is no information about the NAMES of their tax professionals: Enrolled Agent, CPA or Attorneys. See for yourself here: Limon Whitaker Web Site . Their BCA record : BCA Record I will say I did hear of an odd Limon Whitaker sales person saying the following -- Read Here On another occasion I did speak to an individual in Pennysylvania that hired them. He indicated on two separate occasions that they attempted to run payments that he did not authorize against his bank account. That's never good to hear. Still this company persists and has boosted their BBB record to A rating which means they care :)
For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds. You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon -- HERE
Class of 2009
34. Blue Tax -- Los Angeles, California. Started in January 2009. You might have seen their advertisement on TV: it's animated! Blue Tax's Website I have been exchanging emails with one of their executives and I think they are trying to develop a decent infrastructure to serve their numerous clients: including six attorneys, an Enrolled Agent and a CPA. Nonetheless, this is a organization led by strong and aggressive sales people.
My usual qualms with company's like Blue Tax is in the area of fees. I have found many instances where I believe they overcharge. They hold second place for the largest fee quoted to someone that I know $40,000!!! (Wall and Associates broke that record with a $100,000 plus fee (see NOT recommended list) and Certified Tax (above) did too)). I quoted a fee of $5500.00 to the same client.UPDATE: October 3, 2012 One of their salespeople quoted a fee of $8500 for someone who pretty much had already negotiated an installment agreement on his own and didn't qualify for an Offer in Compromise -- When a Tax Resolution Company Botches an Interview then Charges an Abusive Fee
Nonetheless, I believe this company is trying to learn from the mistakes of previous sales-driven tax resolution companies that are now out of business. By looking at their pretty active BBB record, you can see that they are responsive to complaints yet one would hope for fewer complaints. Still -- their responsiveness is a good indication that they are in this for the long haul. Above all: I am jealous of their marketing. It's clear they know how to make their phones ring. Here's their BCA (formerly know as the BBB) record: Link: BCA record
Finally for what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
35. Nationwide Tax Group, Parkland or Boca Raton, Florida, Feb. 2009. Their website: http://taxreliefservice.org/ There's no there...there. No licensed tax professional is listed. However, it has lots of pictures of people in business attire. I just spoke with someone who interviewed with them. They were going to charge $1800 and $3000 if they did a settlement for him that totals $4800.00. My fee is a flat $1200.00 to do everything on the same case. BBB record There also was a company called Nationwide Tax Relief in Los Angeles who is now deceased. Don't be confused.
36. Tax DRx Roselle Park, NJ , February 2009. Only BBB record I could find was in Florida: BBB record Company claims to have several offices in NY , NJ area: http://www.taxdrx.com/about/locations.html
37. Taxaudit.com or Tax Resources, Inc., Citrus Heights, California, September 2009.
Good looking website specifically for people who are being audited. Website: http://www.taxaudit.com/. Their BCA Record which replaced the BBB in So Cal - BCA Record.
38. Guidance Tax Relief, Beverly Hills, CA, December 2009. TAX LIEN MAILER.
Another L.A. company new to the game: Their Website They send out a scary little mailing saying "Wage Garnishment Pending" -- which was actually UNTRUE for someone I spoke to recently...very very misleading. Nonetheless, they did quote a customer of mine $6800.00 to handle a case that we're handling for $1750.00. AS of March of 2013 - Guidance Tax Relief - was still sending out these mailings. Their BBB/BCA record has a B rating: BBB/BCA record For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds. You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon -- HERE.
39. Tax Resolution Professionals, Los Angeles or Las Vegas, 2009.
Another cockroach from American Tax Relief's L.A. perimeter of tax relief scams? Not sure. Here's their website: http://www.taxresolutionprofessionals.com/about-trp.php AS of 2013 -- they STILL do NOT have a BBB record -- this is either a sign of a dead company/website? or that they're really a lead generator for other companies? Not quite sure. For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
40. Top Tax Defenders, February 2009, Houston TX -- Looks like tax attorneys in the Houston area: http://www.toptaxdefenders.com/. Their BBB record: BBB record
41. Direct Tax Relief , Sherman Oaks, CA , Feb. 2009. Saw them trying to post on my blog (a spam bot). Their BBB record is here : BCA record Their website is directtaxrelief.com . For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
42. Safe Harbor Financial -- Chicago , 2009, TAX LIEN CALLER.
https://safeharborfc.com/ according to BBB record started in September 2009: BBB record These folks cold call people and/or businesses with tax liens. One of their person's sales pitch was that they are the private "Taxpayer Advocate." More on that here: Cold Calling Tax liens 2013: someone relayed to me that this firm has a A TAX LIEN against it for unpaid payroll taxes of $31,000 (est.) filed in November 2012. Better sell some tax relief soon!
43. Insight Financial Services, Sebastian, FL, February 2009 TAX LIEN CALLER.
For starters: a solid BBB record: BBB record A couple years ago: I met a lady who was sold an Offer in Compromise(OIC) who was already in uncollectible status (She also owned a usually OIC-killing home - free and clear). But we'll chalk this up as an overly eagerly salesperson who briefly slipped thru quality-control. They have maintained an Aish rating for over 3 years so we can surmise that sales pitches like this were a dramatic exception to the rule. In early 2013 - a gentleman I spoke to who owed the IRS 65k and whose case was in Automated Collection Systems was quoted a fee of $5000 by Insight to represent him. I offered to take on the case for $1050.00. Their website: http://mytaxinsight.com/
44. National Tax Experts -Los Angeles, Wilshire Blvd., CA, 2009
I think this firm has solid bearings in the tax resolution world as it is owned by Nick Johnson - who has ten plus years in our industry. There are a total of six licensed tax professionals including E.A.s and attorneys. My bet is they are in this for the long haul. Do not confuse them with "National Tax Debt" - which is a new tax lien mailing group -- mentioned further below. Their website: www.nattaxexperts.com Their BCA record Apparently, they also have a presence in San Francisco and New York as well.
45. Perfect Tax Relief, Los Angeles, CA - Jan 2009 - One of many tax resolution companies in Southern California. As of 2012 -- they still seem to be operating: Perfect Tax Relief Website They are showing some good faith with their BCA record: BCA Record? For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
45b. Ellis Penn, Philadelphia, PA, August 2009 - TAX LIEN CALLER
Apparently these folks are formally Mackinaw Consultants based out of Denver Colorado. Like many companies originating in Colorado - they get clients from cold calling tax liens. Here's their BBB record: BBB record
45c. Resolvetax.com, Sacramento, CA , April 2009
Stumbled upon their website: Resolvetax.com upon a search of the internet. Lead generator? Actual company that does cases? Not sure. Their BBB record is: BBB record
Class of 2010 -- a very big year for tax resolution company start-ups!
46. Accelerated Tax Solutions, North Miami Beach, FL, Feb 2010. Another entry into the game : http://www.acceleratedtaxsolutions.com/ No licensed tax professionals listed on their website: not too my liking. They charged $6000 for someone who has a case with the IRS - Automated Collection Systems and that's WAY too much money in my opinion. They also advertise on this website: http://www.irsdebt-relief.net Their BBB record is still pristine: BBB record
47. Professional Tax Resolution, Irvine, CA, February 2010. A CPA (or CPA's) claiming to specialize in Tax Resolution. Their BCA record: HERE There are no "account managers" - you deal directly with tax professional. I like the ring of that: Press Release For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
48. Fresh Start Tax LLC, Fort Lauderdale, FL February 2010. Company claims that they have been helping people since 1982. Hmm. Nope. Unless you count professional previous practice. They have added to their website an ad to help JK Harris clients: http://www.taxlevies.com/ Decent website actually. Their BBB record shows their start date of February 2010: BBB record
49. The Loyal Tax Group, Los Angeles, CA. March 2010. Groovy video: Loyal Tax Video These guys are located on the same street where American Tax Relief (R.I.P.) used to ply their "trade." Their website: http://www.loyaltaxgroup.com/ CPA listed on the door at the end of the video. BCA record: HERE For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
50. National Tax Solutions, Port Richey, Florida, March 3, 2010. The BBB -- BBB record - National Tax Solutions, Inc. doesn't know much about the company. This company does look like a fly-by-night type of operation that has a fakey/creepy website : http://www.national-tax-solutions.com/
51. Ameriguard Tax Services, Jacksonville, FL and New York, NY, March 2010. Website An offshoot of Tax Defense Network? Or are they a debt resolution company dabbling in tax resolution/representation? Brand new BBB record No listed professionals are found on the website: never a good sign. I did a comparison interview with someone that spoke to them HERE In May of 2011. One of their salespeople called me and posed as a potential customer doing a fake interview with me. I got PUNKED! Maybe he learned something from the interview. Hope so. You gotta ask yourself: when do organizations that are essentially telemarketing offices ...just disappear...abandoning dozens of clients...when the money dries up?
52. Fair Tax Resolutions, Corona, CA April 2010. Par for the course. No licensed tax professionals named. Your average creepy website: Website At least they listed their address. This little company looks like they just started. BBB/BCA record For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
54. Coast 2 Coast Tax Relief, Agoura Hills, CA June 2010. TAX LIEN MAILER
Sends out letters to people and businesses with tax liens saying "Wage Garnishment Pending." BBB record clean so far: BCA record Their website: http://coast2coasttaxrelief.com/about.html For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds. You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon -- HERE.
55. U.S. Tax Shield, Woodland Hills, CA - July 2010. TAX LIEN MAILER
To their marketing department's credit, US Tax Shield has quickly become one of the biggest tax resolution companies in the nation. This happened very fast obviously as their 2010 start date shows. In addition to a strong presence on Google, they also send out mailings to people with tax liens, telling folks what their Offer in Compromise settlement amount will be. A customer forwarded to me one of their mailings with the following return address:
Tax Settlement Department
PO Box 106-116
4200 Wisconsin Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20016
Phone: 1-800-858-0996
The company, of course, is actually in Southern California. Their website is: http://ustaxshield.com . In spite of their volume of business, their BBB record is still solid: US Tax Shield BBB/BCA record One form of marketing I don't like is paying to get on lists: http://taxcritics.com/2011-tax-resolution
I will give their salespeople some kudos for a very clever way of interviewing clients. They get the IRS tax practitioner hotline division on the line and then bring the potential customer on the line with them. They then, ask about the client's record with the IRS while the customer is still on the line -- in a conference call. This is all done without any downpayment of the fee -- which has some merit. However, the customer, naturally, might feel obligated to hire them -- once that is done. In the example here, the customer was then quoted a fee of nearly $7000.00 to handle his case. He preferred to work with myself and a $1200.00 fee although tax returns might increase that fee a bit. I have written two different blog posts comparing Washington Tax's fees vs. US Tax shield (you can guess who's lower) : HEREand HERE
Recently, US Tax Shield set up another website and/or other business: Los Angeles Tax Solutions. The website is : http://www.losangelestaxsolutions.com/Contact-Us.html
Finally, for what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
56. Advocate Tax Solutions, Inc. October, 2010, Schiller Park , Illinois. TAX LIEN MAILER
These folks reach their intended audience by sending out letters to taxpayers with tax liens. ..."A recent search of public records indicates a State Tax lien was filed against you..." These folks have a decent record at the BBB BBB record and based on a conversation I had with their owner -- I think they are dedicated to good practices. Their website: http://www.advocatetaxsolutions.com/
You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon -- HERE.
57. Wesettletaxes.com , Tustin, CA November 2010. Snazzy website and great company name: http://www.wesettletaxes.com BBB record is a B rating: BBB/BCA record For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
58. United Tax Group, Florida, December 17, 2010. One of their consultants emailed me with some info. for this blog. Thank you. BBB record: BBB listing Their website: United Tax Group (This company is NOT United Tax Relief which is a company that closed. They were based out of Canoga Park, California).
59. Tax Law Advocates, Costa Mesa, CA December 2010, TAX LIEN MAILER
Their BBB/BCA listing No tax professional is willing to list their name and license on their pretty cheezy website. They told a potential client that they specialize in business tax cases, but they would handle her 1040 case. I don't know if that was a sales pitch or the truth. I can't recommend them, but you never know. Their website They also send out a TAX LIEN official mailer as described here: http://taxresolutiontalk.blogspot.com/2011/03/receive-notice-like-this.html For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds. You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon -- HERE.
60. True Tax Solutions, Pasadena, CA, December 2010. Another So Cal company. Just heard about them: http://www.truetaxsolutions.com/ December of 2010 was a big month for tax resolution company start-ups!!!! No licensed tax professionals are listed -- the usual scenario. Why won't a licensed tax professional -- Enrolled Agent, CPA, Tax Attorney -- stick their neck out, and put their license on the line? It would do so much to validate the company!!! Without this assurance, you have to be careful. Their new BBB record is here -- BCA record For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
61. Pinnacle Tax Solutions, Los Angeles, CA, December 7, 2010.
Website is http://www.pinnacletaxsolutions.com/ or I called the company at 1-800-410-8605. I asked them how many licensed tax professionals were on staff. He didn't know the answer to that question. BBB record: BBB/BCA record Not to be confused with Pinnacle Tax Advisors -- pinnacletaxadvisors.com on the Not Recommended List For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
62. Tax Relief Foundation, Orange County, California, 2010
That's an odd name for a tax resolution company. You would think you'd have to be a non-profit organization to be called a "foundation." Looks like they posted their first fake client recommendation here: Fake Posting Their website: http://taxrelieffoundation.com/ No professionals are listed on their site: BEWARE. They don't have a BBB listing yet. For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
63. Taxation Solutions, Inc. Austin, TX, March 2010, TAX LIEN MAILER.
Taxation Solutions sends out mailings to people with tax liens.
The mailings say:
Federal Tax Lien Notification: Form 1040-ST, Taxation Solutions
Urgent Notification for
PENDING - WAGE GARNISHMENT
PENDING - BANK ACCOUNT AND ASSET SEIZURES
The phone # they list is 888 931 1079. Taxation Solution has a BBB record at BBB record - Taxation Solutions
You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon -- HERE.
64. 911 Tax Relief, Glendale, CA, April 2010
I can't believe I missed this guys just put them on list in 2013: but here's their BCA/BBB record I do like how their blog is pretty informative and seems to be updated frequently: http://blog.911taxrelief.com/Their website is here: http://www.911taxrelief.com/about-us.html
64b. Nation Tax Law, Newport Beach, CA 2010
Came across their website: the advertise strongly as Tax Attorney Newport Beach. I could not find a listing for them at the BBB or what is now the BCA - the business/consumer alliance that replaced the BBB in Southern California. I really get concerned when a company doesn't have a BBB/BCA record. And furthermore zero attorneys names on the website: Nation Tax law website.
It has the look and feel of a fly-by-night company. But I would be glad to be corrected by someone: email me.
Class of 2011
65. Front Street Tax Resolution, Grand Rapids, Michigan, April 2011. TAX LIEN MAILER
This company got off on the wrong foot with me, based on an interview they did here: Selling Offer in Compromises for $3750.00 But the owner/manager indicated to me that the contracted person who did the interview is no longer with the company. I think it is awesome that owner took effort to contact me on this. Their website: :http://frontstreettaxresolution.com/solutions Their: BBB record
You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon -- HERE.
66. First Class Tax Relief or Gator Tax Relief, Houston, TX, May 2011, TAX LIEN MAILER
I make no claims that these guys will be anything like Taxmasters. But it is pretty common for ex employees of very large companies to start tax resolution companies of their own. First Class Tax Relief does send mailers to people with tax liens:
URGENT NOTICE: YOU MAY HAVE: WAGE GARNISHMENT PENDING
Call Toll - Free 800 304-6206
Look at the surge in tax relief companies that started in Southern California from seeds planted by American Tax Relief. Nonetheless, anyone new in this business deserves the benefit of the doubt. Good luck First Class Tax Relief -- do your customers right! Their website: http://www.firstclasstaxrelief.com/ Their BBB Record You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon -- HERE.
67. Debt Logic USA, New York , NY, June 2011. Appears to be a new tax resolution company on the scene: BBB record started June 2011 They appear to be a credit repair company too? Press release: Brand new company, but getting awards?
68. Apex Tax Resolutions, Costa Mesa, CA, June 2011 TAX LIEN MAILER
Company sends out mailers to individuals and business with tax liens -- mailing could be mistaken as an actual tax lien -- more on this mailing practice HERE. Here's their BBB record: BBB/BCA RECORD and their website is http://www.apextaxresolution.com/. If you are going to hire this firm: ask their salesperson : "who are your licensed tax professionals on the Power of Attorney?" For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds. You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon -- HERE.
69. OMG Tax, North Highlands, California, July 2011.
I have seen OMG Tax advertise on cable TV. Here's a link to their TV ad: OMG Tax - TV ad. Their BBB record has them listed as the Juceam Group as one of the owners: Scott Juceam had a differently named tax resolution company that was folded into OMG Tax. Their A minus rated BBB record is HERE. And their website is: http://omgtax.com/
At one time, Mr. Juceam was entangled in some issues stemming from the closure of his sister's company: the massively popular : Roni Deutch - the TV Tax Attorney, But according to the BBB, in late 2011 -- Mr. Juceam resolved all claims connected to Deutch. Good for them and good luck: OMG Tax...keep up the decent BBB record.
70. Internal Tax Resolution, Brookfield, WI, Minneapolis, MN,St. Louis, MO, Miramar Beach, FL, Atlanta, GA, Mission, KS, Nashville, TN, Naperville, IL, Dallas, TX or Kansas City, MO August 2011.
This company is somewhat of a mystery. However I am told it was opened by an ex-employee of Levy and Associates (on my Tax Industry Stalwart List). Their BBB record is eerily devoid of activity.
Hate to say it: but what is up with the name? Kind of goofy - don't you think? Internal? As in your emotional state or the buried records of your audit? Internal organs or Internal Revenue Service? Website: http://tax-attorney-dallas.tx-biz.com/ Same company? Illinois website They might also be in Kansas City too? Kansas City Website I think there is probably just one office and they are trying to give the impression they are all around the country? If you are an Internal person, give me a call to clear this up.
71. Assurance Tax Advisors, Houston, TX , October 27, 2011. Nothing too original here. I am not a big fan of tax resolution websites that don't list any names of tax professionals. Good luck to you guys. Here's the link to website: Website Their BBB record: BBB record
72. Precision Tax Relief, Coeur D' Alene, ID October 2011. These are ex-employees of Instant Tax Solutions also of Idaho. My understanding is that they have noble intentions and have a system to serve their customers. Good! However: they did quote someone a $15,000 fee for representation and tax preparation whereas WATAX , my company is charging only $3000.00. Website: http://www.precisiontaxrelief.com BBB record: BBB record
73. Flat Fee Tax Resolution ad/or Flat Fee Tax Service, Inc., San Diego, October 2011. Hey this company is using my blog template! LOL. Nonetheless here's their website: Flat Fee Tax Resolution Website Fresh BBB record here: BBB record For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
75. Classic Tax Resolution, Houston, TX 2011(?) I truly, truly love the name. If you like classic rock, maybe you'll like classic tax resolution? http://www.classictaxresolution.com/ There is no BBB listing, yet. And as of January 2013 - no BBB listing -- not a good sign. What's up guys? Is it under another name?
76. Confidential Tax Resolution, Knoxville, TN, March 2012 New company in Tennessee. . http://www.confidentialtaxresolution.com/ Whoops - their BBB record is temporarily bad due to one complaint but that can be easily fixed: BBB record
77. Tax Relief Center of America, Valley Stream, NY 2011. Not an original name, but add America and you've got an original name. Hmm. Their website is clearly not original: http://taxreliefcenterofamerica.com/ Best of luck folks. No BBB record as of yet.
78. ASAP Tax Relief, Mt. Pleasant, SC, 2011. CPA based firm. Website: http://www.asaptaxrelief.com/ No BBB record yet. Company might benefit from JK Harris' bankruptcy and their location in SC. Their Alexa - web rating has plummeted in ten months as per my article here (see bottom): Alexa Ratings Can Show Company Viability
79. South Coast Tax or South Coast Tax Resolution, August 2011, Westlake Village, CA
Another player in the Southern California tax resolution market. Nice website. Actors? Or real people? http://www.southcoasttaxresolution.com/ BBB record: BBB record For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
80. Tax Relief Providers, July 2011 , Clifton , NJ
Another new player based in New Jersey trying to reach national marketplace of tax representation clients. Got to admit: they have website which is a slight variation on about 90 of the companies that you will find on this list, i.e. not very original. http://www.taxreliefproviders.com Nonetheless - their BBB record is untainted: BBB record
81. Stop IRS debt or stopIRSdebt.com, Santa Monica, CA , October 2011
My understanding is this firm was started by a veteran tax resolution person who was previously associated with the now defunct Tax Incorporated. I have spoke with this person and I truly sense from him that this new organization is dedicated to good customer service. Good luck. BBB record: BCA/BBB RECORD
and website: http://www.stopirsdebt.com/ For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
82. Rapid Resolution Tax Group, San Mateo, CA March 2011
I have exchanged emails with the folks at this company and I think they aspire to good service. You can check out their BBB record: HERE and their website is: HERE
82b. National Tax Network, Irvine, California, April 2011
Their website advertises strongly the services of Enrolled Agents and claims to have done major advertising on TV (maybe?): http://www.nationaltaxnetwork.com/...BBB/BCA record is pretty dormant: BCA record Maybe they're a lead generator for other companies? Possible. Websites like National Tax Network's are frustrating because it is hard to pinpoint any live and licensed tax professionals there. No names, etc. But if they are a lead generator that makes sense. But if they really do cases there - they would benefit from sharing with the public the actual names of Enrolled Agents they might have on staff.
CLASS OF 2012
83. Optima Tax Relief, Santa Ana, CA, April 2012. Southern Cal is the capital of the movie industry and what is appearing to be the tax resolution industry. Optima's website is here: http://optimataxrelief.com/ They are also affiliated with www.DebtAmerica.com . Quickly, they have etched out a strong marketing presence on the internet. Recently I exchanged emails with one of the owners. Optima has grown fast enough to have 11 licensed tax professionals on staff including E.A's. and attorneys. That's a respectable number of professionals considering their start date. Their marketing is evidently working and they appear to be in this for the long haul. I appreciate them emailing me. The truth is only the good guys do. Their B rated BBB record is here: BBB record/BCA record In 2013 - Optima has been running intelligent well-produced radio ads with Alan Thicke, the entertainer. For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
IN 2013, Optima is also advertising as Taxestozero.com which claims to give IRS tax relief solutions within 30 days with a phone # of 1-800-372-7519
84. National Tax Relief Center, Florida, 2012 Looks like a new company: http://www.nationaltaxreliefcenter.com/index.cfm I am not able to locate a Better Business Bureau record for the company - which is concerning.
85. Tax Law Advisory, San Diego, March 2012. http://taxlawadvisory.com/ Looks like they got a BBB record now: BBB record For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
86. National Tax Awareness Center, California, 2012. I tried to google a website. But this new company ( I think) telemarkets their services to the random public, seeking people with tax problems.
87. Federal Tax Relief Commission, 2012, Exact location unknown. TAX LIEN CALLER
Federal Tax Relief Commission cold calls people with tax liens. The leave messages as FTRC. They are particularly after clients who owe a lot to the IRS. They have a bull##it line that "your tax case has been flagged for a HIGH DOLLAR UNIT." This is FALSE for TWO REASONS: 1. The Large Dollar unit has been retired -- http://taxresolutiontalk.blogspot.com/2012/03/100000-plus-tax-debts-now-get-assigned.html 2. $20,000 does NOT constitute a large dollar balance -- $100,000 plus does. A client of mine talked to a Michael Davis at FTRC. The phone number they list on their website is: 1-800-975-9450.
These are two big questions that I have for FTRC: 1. Where is your main office? You say you are in Seven different cities including Seattle. So does your website: http://federaltaxreliefcommission.org/ I don't believe you. Nationwide Tax Relief said the same thing and had pictures of their various offices around the country. They were closed. Prove me wrong. 2. Where's your Better Business Bureau record? AS of January 2013 -- I still DO NOT SEE A BBB RECORD FOR THESE GUYS.
88. Consumer Tax Relief -- 2012, New Jersey
Looks like these guys took the same name as another CTR in Newport Beach, California. Here's their website: http://www.consumertaxreliefus.com/ Their number is 800-411-1536. This New Jersey version of Consumer Tax Relief does NOT appear to have a listing at the BBB as the Irvine, California does. (I have placed Consumer Tax Relief of Newport Beach on my not recommended list).
89. Tax Cuts Center, February 2012, Mission Viejo, CA
Another new company on the scene: http://www.taxcutscenter.com/ They advertise on radio. Their BBB record shows their start date of February 2012. BBB record These guys had an interesting sales pitch for my client who hadn't filed taxes since 2005. The good news is the customer "officially" didn't owe any money to the IRS. He was simply inquiring to see about getting up to date on his returns. This company however could avoid using fear tactics including a $4000 fee to handle it for him. Frankly, if you don't owe the IRS any money - a fee that large is egregious. Representation really isn't necessary on a case like this...YET. However, for a small fee of $275 for starters I agreed to research this client's record to see how many returns really need to be done and to see where he stands with the IRS. For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
90. FTB Tax Services, February 2012, San Marcos, CA
Another new tax resolution company, the BBB record: BBB record. Their website is www.ftbtaxservices.com. I have nothing to report on them for now.
91. Tax Monkey, May 2012, Newport Beach, CA
Clever marketing: taxmonkey.com We'll see....BBB record for Tax Monkey: pretty mint: BBB record
For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
92. New Life Tax Relief, February 2012, Los Angeles , CA
I would wager that this company has NEVER advertised on any of the TV stations listed on it's website:
Website This company is located on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles - let's hope that this company doesn't meet the fate of American Tax Relief and numerous other now deceased tax resolution companies that were also located at Wilshire! Their BBB record shows that they are Accredited! Which has me wonder: BBB shouldn't companies be in a business for a while before they are invited to be accredited? Good luck: New Life Tax Relief! Their BBB record is here: BCA/BBB record For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
93. Authority Tax Services, LLC, Los Angeles, CA January 2011 TAX LIEN CALLER
Authority Tax Services is unrated, i.e., NEW at the BBB -- BBB record / BCA record Authority Tax is cold calling people with tax liens apparently (see below). As I have written multiple times on this blog -- the practice of cold calling tax liens is LEGAL if you are licensed tax professional. It is NOT legal if you are just an unlicensed salesperson: Cold Calling Tax Liens -- Legal?. According to my sources, they are also handling all of the cases from the new defunct Tax Network USA as they added that now dead company to their start-up.I am glad to see those potentially orphaned clients go somewhere. Furthermore and finally - in 2013 -- my understanding is that they also acquired Pinnacle Tax -- a firm based in Irvine, CA.
Comparison Interview: February 2013 - $950 vs. $4000
One of their salespeople did offer representation for a fee of $4000 to a gentleman who makes $22,000 a year and clearly qualifies for an Offer (he owes $23k to the IRS). Our fee? $950.00. According to this gentleman - the salesperson at Authority does call him often to see if he's ready to go. They might not have the right read on this guy as he is in poverty and pretty broke - minus a small piece of land worth $3500.00
UPDATE: April 11, 2013
On the phone with gentleman in the Midwest - who is nearly done with his Offer in Compromise process. He just needs to appeal it and/or make another request of a supervisor in the IRS Offer department. Authority tax keeps slamming with calls offering to take over the case for $5000.00 - $2000 down and payments on the rest. This guy was naturally suspicious and I told him to keep working with the supervisor at the IRS and/or retain us for $600 to see if we can get this Offer thru --- or another $650 on top of that to start over with the Offer process.
For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
94. Global Tax Services, Houston, TX, October 2011, TAX LIEN MAILER.
From the den of tax resolution sin - Houston TX - home of the defunct Taxmasters comes Global Tax Services who sends out mailings to people with Federal and State tax liens. The letter I am looking at says:
State Tax Warrant Notification Important Message Regarding your Tax Debt
Wage Garnishment Pending
Bank Accounts and Asset Seizure Pending
(is it illegal to make a fake notice like this purporting to be the State? My client was freaked out when he got the letter). Phone 866 460 9601
I have seen this game a million times. Do they really have top notch professionals or they really a boiler room like Taxmasters? We'll see. Their deceptive mailing has me erring on the latter. Global Tax Services' brand new BBB record - BBB record You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon -- HERE.
95. Key Tax Group, Fort Lauderdale, FL
New company? Just ran across a Google Ad --www.keytaxgroup.com/ As of May 2013 -- there is no BBB record yet? This is a crucial crucial thing to protecting consumers to have a BBB record. Hope it's coming soon.
96. National Tax Relief Center of America, Plainview, NY, February 2012
Ex-employee(s) of JK Harris enter the national tax resolution game. JK Harris went out of business in December/January 2011/2012. Haven't seen the website, yet.
97. Tax Help Associates or Taxhelpattorneys.com, Seattle, WA, Just stumbled upon their website: http://www.taxhelpattorneys.com/
98. Maximum Tax Resolution or Calls Direct, Santa Barbara, CA, April 2012
Stumbled upon their site via Google Adwords: http://maximumtaxresolution.com Maybe their a lead generator? Maybe they're real company. Not sure. Their BBB record says they are "Calls Direct" so probably a lead generator.: BBB record
99. Iconic Tax Solutions, Houston, TX May 2012
Looks like ex-employees of Taxmasters - started a tax resolution firm. The name I see associated with this company is Scott Curley. However -- I am not sure if this the same person who is associated with a California tax relief company -- that is now closed -- Summit -- see my deceased list. Can anyone enlighten me? Their BBB record: BBB record Their website: http://www.iconictaxsolutions.com/
100. Community Tax Team, Dallas, TX I don't see any tax professionals listed on this site. I couldn't find a BBB record for them. Nothing truly of substance appears on their site. Good luck folks. http://www.communitytaxteam.com/ 866-693-8293
101. Taxpayer Resolution Services, Florida? 2012
Looks like they have a great name if S.E.O. is the name of game. Don't they have a toll free # in Florida? I would wager they don't exist in 3 years. Website: http://www.taxpayerresolution.com/contact-us No Better Business Bureau record that I could find.
102. Resolute Tax Services, Mt. Pleasant, SC February 2012
JK Harris - now in the graveyard (see below) hasn't spawned too many babies in it's demise. However this might just be one of them. Good luck and kudos to starting a BBB record - that's a good start: BBB record
Website: http://resolutetaxservices.com/
103. Insight Law Firm, Seattle, WA, July 2012
Welcome neighbor to the tax representation game. I like the website: http://www.insightlawfirm.com . I like the BBB record BBB record If staff is reading this, give me a call at 1 8665257302 - Jay. Nonetheless, when a licensed tax professional is prominent on a website - in this case -- an attorney - it is usually a good thing - for the person with the tax issue.
104. National Tax, National Tax Debt , Los Angeles, California, 2011, TAX LIEN MAILER.
National Tax Debt or "Tax Group" as their office sometimes answers the phone is a new company that has made a substantial investment in mailings to people with tax liens. My research is that this company was started by a gentleman named Patrick Oakes. My understanding is that he was the previous owner of Traveler's Tax - another company that relied on tax lien mailings for its marketing. That company expired in the mid 2000's and is in the Graveyard of Tax Relief Companies
Their website is here: http://www.nationaltaxdebt.com/about-us/ They say that they have CPA's, EA's and Attorneys on staff in the big building picture on their site. But I wish they'd list some names of them?
They have multiple # is 1-888-780-9892 or 1-800-657-0840 or 1-800-656-1732 or 1-800-409-7968 or 1-866-362-5842. I have called this company a few times to see who they were and almost universally - I was spoken to very rudely and on one occasion hung-up on. Here's their BBB record: BCA record/BBB record
I can't verify this - but I think these guys also market themselves as IRS Tax Doctors http://www.irstaxdoctors.com/ -- but I could very well be wrong.
For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
Here's the language in a couple of their mailers:
EXAMPLE ONE:
Tax Processing Center
Tax Lien Division
FINAL NOTICE
1-800-656-1732
The address they indicate is
Tax Processing Center
4133 Avenida de la Plata
Oceanside, CA 92056
They also have a mailer that says
Notice of Tax Lien Investigation
Tax Lien Verification Unit
Phone 866-362-5842
EXAMPLE TWO:
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
Tax Lien Notification. Please Read Carefully.
Phone 800-713-5783
and another:
Form 009-S Tax Lien Reduction Notification
Info for the Federal Affordability Stability Plan
Phone 800-913-7965
I am not aware of this form # - form 009-S - bogus. And the Federal Affordability Stability plan - WTF is that? You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon -- HERE.
105. 800 TAX or Clear Choice Tax Solutions, Costa Mesa, CA, April 2012
Marketing pretty heavily on the internet -- they certainly have nice websites: http://800tax.com/ and http://www.resolveyourtax.com/ and a brand new BBB record: BBB record For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
106. Community Tax Team -- Dallas, TX, 2012
This company seems to be building a website. There is no BBB record yet. It is not clear where they are located. But they are advertising on Google Adwords so something is happening: http://communitytaxteam.com
107. Integris Financial Group, July 2012
Looks like one of the owners was arrested for third degree Grand Felony theft? Mugshot - Francis M. Bell I can't find a website or a BBB record. But this was passed along to me from another company.
108. National Tax Relief Center of America or National Tax Service of America, 2012
Who are these guys? I don't know. Do they have a BBB record? No. Here's a pretty slick website: http://taxservices411.com/ I tried to call their # on the site: 855-411-8297 and went to voicemail.
109. NTC Financial, LLC or National Tax Consultants, West Palm Beach, FL, November 2012
New player in the tax resolution game: BBB record Their website is here: ntcfinancial.com . They quoted a fee of $3500 to help a taxpayer who owed $22,000 to the IRS whose case was in Automated Collection Systems. I offered the same service for $900.00.
2013
110. DWK Tax Group, Tarzana, CA
Just stumbled upon this website: Website I haven't been able to find a listing at the BBB or on the new Business Consumer Alliance website on these folks:
D. Curiousities -- Clever, marketing related sites - directly or indirectly related to the tax representation industry.
109. Rocket Tax Relief, 2010. RocketRelief.com is an interesting website which seems to aspire to list-making of tax resolution companies like someone else I know :) I have spoken with the owner: an ex-New Yorker: he is trying to start a new referral service of sorts with the website. Interesting idea. In 2013 - I poked around on the website and it didn't look much had happened on it since 2010. Here's their template for reviews of other companies: http://taxreliefgeeks.com/ They also have a website at settlemytax.com
110. Consumer Tax Reports, 2012 or Tax Defense Network, Jacksonville, Florida
Tax Defense Network of Florida decided to imitate the format of the Tax Problem Resolution Blog with their own form of company review site: consumertaxreports.org
Aesthetically, I love it. Legally, I have problems with it. This site is anonymous. Tax Defense Network (TDN) should come out in the open and lay claim to this site. It is illegal to post questionable reviews of your competition anonymously: Anonymous Video and Blog Posters Beware I also, of course, know very well that their review of my company and other companies is inaccurate. They also have inaccurate data like Total Years of Experience. Of course, Tax Defense Network has hundreds of years of experience cumulatively (!). But so do we and many of the other legitimate companies on the site. They don't take the time to make sure the stats are accurate Nonetheless, TDN needs to tread carefully -- at least come out in the open and say it's yours?! My name is all over this blog. I am NOT anonymous...hence my criticism passes the legal smell-test.
110b. The Tax Relief Company or http://thetaxreliefcompany.com/, 2013
Yet another imitator of the blog like Consumer Tax Reports above. This site seems to have been created by Optima Tax Relief above - a company who started in 2012. Come on guys - you got to show people that you are making the site. I do. See my name and my company name over to the right?
111. IRSmaster.com , 2012
Apparently this company advertises a special software program for people with tax problems for the low price of $299.00. Their website is irsmaster.com They have a pdf called: "The 5 Big Tax Industry Scams and How to Avoid Them" The only irony of that pdf is that the owner of this new company: James Catipay was involved with two failed tax resolution companies: Innovative Tax Relief and Advantage Tax Resolution. And trust me: they didn't fail for noble reasons. Another co-owner Peter Tejera was accused of tax evasion. Who knows: maybe irsmaster is their attempt to make things right?
Lead Generators- What Does This Mean? Lead Generators are Marketers for Tax Resolution/Representation Companies -- they Generate Leads or New Clients via TV, Radio and/or Internet. They are NOT "actual" tax representation companies.
32. Back Taxes Help or backtaxeshelp.com, Stamford, CT, April, 2009. Company's BBB record says they are internet marketing company (?): BBB record Their website: http://www.backtaxeshelp.com/About_us.html
34. Tax Negotiation Center, Citrus Heights, CA, October 12, 2009. Sends out robot calls to people who need tax help. http://www.taxnegotiationcenter.com/ These guys might be lead generators and NOT an actual company, but I am not exactly sure. BBB record: BBB record
37. Clear Tax Relief , 2009-- Address: unknown. This website is a "lead generator" that routes "leads" to prospective tax resolution companies. We aren't one of the companies getting the leads. http://www.cleartaxrelief.com/aboutus.html
74. Tax Solutions Network, 2011, Woodland Hills, CA This might be a lead generator for tax resolution companies or an actual firm? Their website: http://www.taxsolutionsnetwork.com/about-us They don't have a BBB record, yet
90. Tax Advisor America, ? 2012
Phone # 877 435 7577 is temporarily unavailable. Could be a lead generator? http://www.taxadvisoramerica.com/ NO BBB record as of January 2013.
107. Taxation Law Firms or taxationlawfirms.com, ? 2012
I think this is a lead generation site for attorneys in the tax representation field? It's not too bad of a site: http://www.taxationlawfirms.com/
111. Taxreliefnews.com
Looks like a lead generator for tax resolution calls. Robo-calls come to you saying "do you owe more than $10,000 to the IRS?" Pretty scary calls, to be honest with you.
112. Mytaxreliefoptions.com , 2011.
Clever lead generator website I found on Google Ad Words : Website again: http://mytaxreliefoptions.com
114. IRS Tax Survivor, irstaxsurvivor.com 2012
Saw an ad on TV last nite with the Survivor winner Richard Hatch advertising Irstaxsurvivor.com -- a lead generation service for tax companies. He served four years in jail for tax evasion. Can't blame him for trying to cash in on his infamy. But this is NOT an actual staff of tax professionals -- they send leads to tax resolution companies -- I am not sure what companies get the "leads."
115. Tax Renegotiation Center, 2012?
I don't owe taxes. But I just got a phone call on my cellphone from this company: perhaps they are a lead generator for other companies? Nonetheless: this link came up on a Google search about them: Tax Renegotiation Center - Fraud?
117. Business Tax News - ROBOCALL,
Company sends out robocalls leaving the phone 1-888-814-4411 asking if you are being levied or you have unfiled tax returns.
118. Tax 10000 Network or Tax10000.com 2012
This company which advertises on cable TV appears to be a lead generator for other companies. But I could be wrong. They have phone #'s 1-800-549-2544 or 1-800-671-8366. I hope they route the calls to good legitimate companies. But I wouldn't count on it. I could NOT find a Better Business Bureau listing for them.
120. Tax Debt Relief Center or Tax Freedom Insitute?
Heard an internet radio ad -- listening to Pandora -- I don't think they are tax firm-- just a lead generator -- the phone # to call is 1-800-989-1782.
119. Tax Resolvers
They have a lead generation site http://www.thetaxresolvers.com/ and appear to advertise on Radio. Community Tax Relief of Chicago (on stalwart list) is the recipient of leads from them.
121. IRS Tax Leads or http://irstaxleads.com/, Sacramento, CA
It's rare for the tax blog to endorse a lead generator. But our company has worked directly with IRS Tax Leads and we can attest that they are a very efficient and professionally-run company. We have been very pleased with the reasonably priced tax help leads they have forwarded to us If you are in the tax representation business and are looking for a way to get new clients -- you might want to give them a call at 1-877-318-7997 or check out their site: http://irstaxleads.com/
122. The Good Tax Company -- 2013
Looks like Tax Defense Network, Tax Tiger and Blue Tax joined forces to create new business by building a lead generation site: http://www.thegoodtaxcompany.com Looks like pretty effective marketing to me. Why didn't they invite our company to join? :)
When any of these new companies die they go to a place I call the Graveyard of Tax Resolution Companies.
Do really want to take a chance with a tax representation company with 4 years or less of existence? Why don't you call the experts at a company with 24 years of experience? 1-888-282-4697 or visit www.watax.com
A. New Companies - Licensed Professional(s) Visible. These are new companies that clearly state who their licensed tax professional is on their website or advertising materials.
B. New Companies - NO Licensed Professionals Listed - Be Careful!! : Based on my experience, companies that are not willing to make an actual named Enrolled Agent, CPA or Attorney are companies to BE CAREFUL OF -- that indicates fly-by-night potential. Research carefully. The length of this growing list prompted my article on Market Saturation in the Tax Resolution field: Is the market saturated?
C. Curiousities -- Clever, marketing related sites - directly or indirectly related to the tax representation industry. They might also be "lead generators" or companies that sell leads to tax resolution companies.
A. New Companies - Licensed Professional(s) Visible.
1. Orange County Tax Relief, Orange County, CA, 2011. http://www.orangecountytaxrelief.com/ Run by Jacques Gendreau, an Enrolled Agent. I love when companies prominently show their licensed tax professional. That is a good thing. They emphasize local representation in Orange County. NO BBB record yet.
2. Front Range Tax Resolution, Colorado, 2008, E.A. in Colorado - Judd Kalush -- his website: frontrangetax.com
3. . Landmark Tax Group, South Coast Metro/Southern California, CA 2012 An ex IRS agent now in the business of representing taxpayers emailed me to announce that he is in business. Sounds good to me. Good luck to you: http://www.landmarktaxgroup.com/
5. GSA Tax Law Advocates, Southern California, 2011. Spoke to Svetlana who is an ex IRS attorney about her new business: http://www.gsataxpayeradvocates.com/ Looks like she has extensive experience in IRS representation. NO BBB listing yet.
6. The Law Office of Elizabeth Gonsalves., Southern California, 2011. Attorney with solid website. She is also interested in keeping the tax representation industry clean. I really like her website: http://egonsalveslaw.com/
7. US Tax Resolution, LLC, Newport Beach, CA, 2011. TAX LIEN MAILER
CPA Jim Genian sends out mailers to people have tax liens. I am not sure when the company started. But the fact that his CPA license is visible is a good thing. USTaxResolution.com No BBB listing yet.
8. Professional Tax Resolution / BCH Consulting, Inc., Irvine, CA, February 2010.
Newish company started by C.P.A. in Sunny So Cal: BBB record. Website: http://professionaltaxresolution.com/resources
9. Five Star Tax Resolution Services, Glendale, CA, July 2011
Tax Attorney's website: http://www.fivestartaxresolution.com BBB record: Five Star BBB record
10. Tax Resolution Institute, California. To these guys' credit, they have a lot of faces of real people on their website. It appears that they have quite a few CPA's on staff. I can't recommend them one way or the other. http://www.taxresolutioninstitute.com/ One strange thing: still no BBB record as of 2013? Finally- spoke with a customer that talked to them in Spring 2013 -- this person hadn't filed returns since 2009...but probably would owe the IRS about $15,000 to $20,000 when he did file them. The IRS wasn't being aggressive with them at all - yet. TRI's fee was between $3000 to $5000 to represent them and get the best deal possible. Our fee was $1000 - which included reviewing one of their tax returns - to make sure that it was done right (we don't think it was).
11. Platinum Tax Defenders, Thousand Oaks, CA , February 2011
After multiple emails exchanged with Platinum, I can sense a dedication there to good service. Their website is : http://platinumtaxdefenders.com/ and their BBB?BCA record is BBB record Platinum Tax was founded by a Sherri Gastelum who previously was associated with the now closed Summit Tax. My understanding is she left that now closed organization (Summit) due to her wish to start a well-run organization dedicated to good customer service.
12. Tax Help HQ, Los Angeles, Denver, Salt Lake City - 2011.
More informative and original website than you will find out there: http://taxhelphq.com/ This company is run by Jassen Bowman, an Enrolled Agent. Here's a good explanation of his approach and himself: http://taxhelphq.com/about/ For good reasons, he does NOT have a Better Business Bureau record. And the fact that he is licensed to practice pretty much has you covered. He operates and represents people from around the country. His office is mobile. He's a pretty interesting fellow and someone who seems to be in the tax representation game for the long haul. AND: he is one of the few people you'll find on this blog list who is teaching other tax professionals about adding tax resolution to their skill set: Tax Marketing Headquarters
13. ALG Tax Solutions, Michigan, 2012
E.A. and C.P.A. Akono Gross has opened up his new practice after being in the industry for a while. Two licenses to practice? Impressive: Website: http://www.algtaxsolutions.com/
14 . Tax Champions, January 2011, Valencia, CA
A new player in LA area in tax resolution game: http://www.taxchampions.com/ You do have to like the CPA clearly stating his name for the world to see. That is huge in this business. BBB record solid: BCA record
15. SLS Financial Solutions, Loveland, Colorado, July 2009 TAX LIEN CALLER
SLS Financial is one of many companies in Colorado that markets itself by calling people with tax liens. But I think these guys are decently run. I have exchanged emailed with Lindsay Tilley-Suarez who is one of their tax attorneys (she has a LLM in taxation!). I think they are sincere in their dedication to good customer service and seem to be in this for the long haul. Their website is here: http://www.slsfinancialsolutions.com/ And here's their BBB record.
16. IRS Medic or irsmedic.com or Parent & Parent, LLP , Connecticut, 2009
Connecticut based tax representation firm but definitely a nationally focused company full of a long list of tax professionals with lots of experience. Pretty informative website too. And a good BBB record.
17. Cool Tax Services, Orange County, California
Exchanged emails with Matthew Cooling, E.A., who is relatively new to the practice but has extensive experience in the audit division of the California FTB and is now representing clients on the other side. He prepares returns and is expanding his tax representation and resolution business. His website is www.cooltaxservices.com
18. The IRS Hitman, 2011. Florida, South Carolina and/or North Carolina ?
These guys have come up with a fun blog -- with tidbits on celebrity tax delinquents and other fun tax-related stuff like the popular SNL spoof of Taxmasters. These guys are attorneys and deserve credit for great marketing. Here's their blog with a hilarious page on Taxmasters: http://irs-hitman.blogspot.com/
Update 2012: These guys appear to be the real deal: http://www.irs-hitman.com/ Looks like ex-IRS attorneys. Looks legit to me! I couldn't however find a link that worked with the BBB.
19. Strategic Tax Lawyers, Santa Monica, August 2011
So Strategic Tax Lawyer's website is mytaxattorney.com . Morris Behboud is the main staff attorney - he's a former IRS attorney. This company is a law firm. There are five licensed tax professionals on staff. They also do estate planning and FBAR / offshore issues. Their BBB record
20. Taxattorney.com or Mytaxhelpattorney.com, October 2011
Looks like this website was set up by an Enrolled Agent(!): Zvi Shapiro. Not a bad marketing idea. Looks like the BBB record is still solid: BBB record
21. JL Tax Group, Vero Beach, Florida , 2013 -- TAX LIEN MAILER
Stumbled up on this company in a websearch. Apparently -- an Enrolled Agent-- Chris Higgins started the company in 2013. Apparently - they are sending out mailings to people with tax liens. As of April 2013 - they have yet to set up a BBB record. -- Their pretty uninformative website (I had to find the Enrolled Agent's name on a Google search) : www.jltaxgroup.com
B. New - NO LICENSED TAX PROFESSIONALS VISIBLE - Tread lightly. :
Based on my experience, companies that are not willing to make an actual named Enrolled Agent, CPA or Attorney are companies to BE CAREFUL OF -- that indicates fly-by-night potential. Research carefully.
THESE COMPANIES ARE LISTED IN ORDER OF THEIR START DATE WITH THE BBB.
Class of 1998 thru 2006: Start up date 1998 thru 2006
21. Ameritax or Fix Your Tax Problem, Inc., Novato, CA. February 1998. Heard their ad on Sirius radio. Their BBB record claims they have been since 1998: BBB- Ameritax In 2012: their company name seems to have switched to Fix your Tax Problem, Inc. Their website: http://www.fixyourtaxproblem.com
22. Tax Crisis Institute, Bakersfield, CA 2002 - Incorporation date . Has been advertising to ex-clients of Roni Deutch, and who can blame them...that's a lot of clients that might need tax help. From the look of their webpage: Victim of the Roni Deutch Lawsuit?/ my first instinct is they were conducting a class lawsuit against Deutch, but they're not: as I said, they're offering tax help. Their website: Tax Crisis Institute--Website Their BBB record
23. Freedom Financial Network, San Mateo, CA July 2003. I believe this is a debt consolidation company that is moving into the tax resolution business. BBB record is here: BBB record And website here: Website
24. Premier Tax Solutions, Los Angeles, CA, June 17, 2005. Their BCA Record: BCA Record Their website: http://www.premiertaxsolutions.com/ For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
25. M and M Financial, Illinois, December 2005. TAX LIEN CALLER. This firm cold calls people with tax liens. http://www.mmfinancial.org/ Decent BBB record: BBB record Phone # (773) 969- 5800. I have previously posted on whether cold calling tax liens is legal or not here: The Legal Case Against Cold Calling Tax Liens
26. Phoenix Financial Group. Denver, CO, October 6, 2006. TAX LIEN CALLER.
This is another firm in Colorado that cold calls people with tax liens. The phone # of one of their caller's is (866) 672-1067 or 1.888.572.2179. Their website is : http://pfgtax.com/ You might want to read this: The Legal Case Against Cold Calling Tax Lien or to learn about Colorado cold calling phenomenon -- check out this: Cold Calling Tax Liens: A Mountain Time Phenomenon I also have to say that they have 9 complaints at the BBB in 2012 - this isn't great - but they do respond their complaints which is good. Their BBB record: BBB record
Class of 2007
27. Tax Resolution Center, Boulder, CO, October 25, 2007. TAX LIEN CALLER
According to an employee who emailed me, they have 20 employees (I stand corrected) and have been in operation since 2005 - but their BBB listing started in 2007. Their website: http://taxresolutioncenter.com/ Here's their BBB record I have previously posted on whether cold calling tax liens is legal or not here: The Legal Case Against Cold Calling Tax Liens
28. Priority Tax Relief, San Francisco, CA, May 3, 2007 I stumbled upon this website in 2012 - I had not heard of them. Here's their site: prioritytaxrelief.com Claims to be "Attorney's but I couldn't see any names. I got to admit it bugs me when they list media companies like CNN on their site when odds are they never advertised on them. Solid BBB record is here: BBB record
Class of 2008
29. NFA Tax Help -- Houston, TX , March 2008. The company still has a good rating at the BBB: BBB record/ Their website is: resolvemytaxes.com I have seen many internet advertisements from these folks.
30. The Core Consulting Group, Longmont, CO Sept. 2008 TAX LIEN CALLER.
One of many Colorado companies that "cold calls" people who have tax liens against them. I spoke recently with a person who had a 941 issue who was called by them. Their website: CORE CONSULTING WEBSITE Their BBB record: Colorado BBB record You might also want to check out my post on the Colorado cold calling industry here: Cold Calling Tax Liens: A Mountain Time Phenomenon
31. Sound Tax Consulting, Bellevue, WA, September 9, 2008. Sound Tax Consulting has great Google ads. They also happen to be a neighbor of ours in the Puget Sound. They were previously called: IRS/State Tax Relief Associates They have a solid website but no licensed professionals are listed: soundtaxconsulting.com and Their BBB record
32. K & K Tax Group, 2008, Miami, Florida Exchanged emails with the owner of this firm. They have been in business since 2008. BBB record: BBB record and Website/
33. Limon Whitaker and Morgan Tax Advisors, Beverly Hills, CA, Feb. 2008. TAX LIEN MAILER.
These guys send out a very clever mailing to people with tax liens. It looks like a notice from the IRS. It says "IRS WAGE GARNISHMENT PENDING. This is your Final notice ... I must admit: effective advertising. On a separate note, I am always skeptical when I look on a company's web page under "About Us" and there is no information about the NAMES of their tax professionals: Enrolled Agent, CPA or Attorneys. See for yourself here: Limon Whitaker Web Site . Their BCA record : BCA Record I will say I did hear of an odd Limon Whitaker sales person saying the following -- Read Here On another occasion I did speak to an individual in Pennysylvania that hired them. He indicated on two separate occasions that they attempted to run payments that he did not authorize against his bank account. That's never good to hear. Still this company persists and has boosted their BBB record to A rating which means they care :)
For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds. You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon -- HERE
Class of 2009
34. Blue Tax -- Los Angeles, California. Started in January 2009. You might have seen their advertisement on TV: it's animated! Blue Tax's Website I have been exchanging emails with one of their executives and I think they are trying to develop a decent infrastructure to serve their numerous clients: including six attorneys, an Enrolled Agent and a CPA. Nonetheless, this is a organization led by strong and aggressive sales people.
My usual qualms with company's like Blue Tax is in the area of fees. I have found many instances where I believe they overcharge. They hold second place for the largest fee quoted to someone that I know $40,000!!! (Wall and Associates broke that record with a $100,000 plus fee (see NOT recommended list) and Certified Tax (above) did too)). I quoted a fee of $5500.00 to the same client.UPDATE: October 3, 2012 One of their salespeople quoted a fee of $8500 for someone who pretty much had already negotiated an installment agreement on his own and didn't qualify for an Offer in Compromise -- When a Tax Resolution Company Botches an Interview then Charges an Abusive Fee
Nonetheless, I believe this company is trying to learn from the mistakes of previous sales-driven tax resolution companies that are now out of business. By looking at their pretty active BBB record, you can see that they are responsive to complaints yet one would hope for fewer complaints. Still -- their responsiveness is a good indication that they are in this for the long haul. Above all: I am jealous of their marketing. It's clear they know how to make their phones ring. Here's their BCA (formerly know as the BBB) record: Link: BCA record
Finally for what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
35. Nationwide Tax Group, Parkland or Boca Raton, Florida, Feb. 2009. Their website: http://taxreliefservice.org/ There's no there...there. No licensed tax professional is listed. However, it has lots of pictures of people in business attire. I just spoke with someone who interviewed with them. They were going to charge $1800 and $3000 if they did a settlement for him that totals $4800.00. My fee is a flat $1200.00 to do everything on the same case. BBB record There also was a company called Nationwide Tax Relief in Los Angeles who is now deceased. Don't be confused.
36. Tax DRx Roselle Park, NJ , February 2009. Only BBB record I could find was in Florida: BBB record Company claims to have several offices in NY , NJ area: http://www.taxdrx.com/about/locations.html
37. Taxaudit.com or Tax Resources, Inc., Citrus Heights, California, September 2009.
Good looking website specifically for people who are being audited. Website: http://www.taxaudit.com/. Their BCA Record which replaced the BBB in So Cal - BCA Record.
38. Guidance Tax Relief, Beverly Hills, CA, December 2009. TAX LIEN MAILER.
Another L.A. company new to the game: Their Website They send out a scary little mailing saying "Wage Garnishment Pending" -- which was actually UNTRUE for someone I spoke to recently...very very misleading. Nonetheless, they did quote a customer of mine $6800.00 to handle a case that we're handling for $1750.00. AS of March of 2013 - Guidance Tax Relief - was still sending out these mailings. Their BBB/BCA record has a B rating: BBB/BCA record For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds. You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon -- HERE.
39. Tax Resolution Professionals, Los Angeles or Las Vegas, 2009.
Another cockroach from American Tax Relief's L.A. perimeter of tax relief scams? Not sure. Here's their website: http://www.taxresolutionprofessionals.com/about-trp.php AS of 2013 -- they STILL do NOT have a BBB record -- this is either a sign of a dead company/website? or that they're really a lead generator for other companies? Not quite sure. For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
40. Top Tax Defenders, February 2009, Houston TX -- Looks like tax attorneys in the Houston area: http://www.toptaxdefenders.com/. Their BBB record: BBB record
41. Direct Tax Relief , Sherman Oaks, CA , Feb. 2009. Saw them trying to post on my blog (a spam bot). Their BBB record is here : BCA record Their website is directtaxrelief.com . For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
42. Safe Harbor Financial -- Chicago , 2009, TAX LIEN CALLER.
https://safeharborfc.com/ according to BBB record started in September 2009: BBB record These folks cold call people and/or businesses with tax liens. One of their person's sales pitch was that they are the private "Taxpayer Advocate." More on that here: Cold Calling Tax liens 2013: someone relayed to me that this firm has a A TAX LIEN against it for unpaid payroll taxes of $31,000 (est.) filed in November 2012. Better sell some tax relief soon!
43. Insight Financial Services, Sebastian, FL, February 2009 TAX LIEN CALLER.
For starters: a solid BBB record: BBB record A couple years ago: I met a lady who was sold an Offer in Compromise(OIC) who was already in uncollectible status (She also owned a usually OIC-killing home - free and clear). But we'll chalk this up as an overly eagerly salesperson who briefly slipped thru quality-control. They have maintained an Aish rating for over 3 years so we can surmise that sales pitches like this were a dramatic exception to the rule. In early 2013 - a gentleman I spoke to who owed the IRS 65k and whose case was in Automated Collection Systems was quoted a fee of $5000 by Insight to represent him. I offered to take on the case for $1050.00. Their website: http://mytaxinsight.com/
44. National Tax Experts -Los Angeles, Wilshire Blvd., CA, 2009
I think this firm has solid bearings in the tax resolution world as it is owned by Nick Johnson - who has ten plus years in our industry. There are a total of six licensed tax professionals including E.A.s and attorneys. My bet is they are in this for the long haul. Do not confuse them with "National Tax Debt" - which is a new tax lien mailing group -- mentioned further below. Their website: www.nattaxexperts.com Their BCA record Apparently, they also have a presence in San Francisco and New York as well.
45. Perfect Tax Relief, Los Angeles, CA - Jan 2009 - One of many tax resolution companies in Southern California. As of 2012 -- they still seem to be operating: Perfect Tax Relief Website They are showing some good faith with their BCA record: BCA Record? For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
45b. Ellis Penn, Philadelphia, PA, August 2009 - TAX LIEN CALLER
Apparently these folks are formally Mackinaw Consultants based out of Denver Colorado. Like many companies originating in Colorado - they get clients from cold calling tax liens. Here's their BBB record: BBB record
45c. Resolvetax.com, Sacramento, CA , April 2009
Stumbled upon their website: Resolvetax.com upon a search of the internet. Lead generator? Actual company that does cases? Not sure. Their BBB record is: BBB record
Class of 2010 -- a very big year for tax resolution company start-ups!
46. Accelerated Tax Solutions, North Miami Beach, FL, Feb 2010. Another entry into the game : http://www.acceleratedtaxsolutions.com/ No licensed tax professionals listed on their website: not too my liking. They charged $6000 for someone who has a case with the IRS - Automated Collection Systems and that's WAY too much money in my opinion. They also advertise on this website: http://www.irsdebt-relief.net Their BBB record is still pristine: BBB record
47. Professional Tax Resolution, Irvine, CA, February 2010. A CPA (or CPA's) claiming to specialize in Tax Resolution. Their BCA record: HERE There are no "account managers" - you deal directly with tax professional. I like the ring of that: Press Release For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
48. Fresh Start Tax LLC, Fort Lauderdale, FL February 2010. Company claims that they have been helping people since 1982. Hmm. Nope. Unless you count professional previous practice. They have added to their website an ad to help JK Harris clients: http://www.taxlevies.com/ Decent website actually. Their BBB record shows their start date of February 2010: BBB record
49. The Loyal Tax Group, Los Angeles, CA. March 2010. Groovy video: Loyal Tax Video These guys are located on the same street where American Tax Relief (R.I.P.) used to ply their "trade." Their website: http://www.loyaltaxgroup.com/ CPA listed on the door at the end of the video. BCA record: HERE For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
50. National Tax Solutions, Port Richey, Florida, March 3, 2010. The BBB -- BBB record - National Tax Solutions, Inc. doesn't know much about the company. This company does look like a fly-by-night type of operation that has a fakey/creepy website : http://www.national-tax-solutions.com/
51. Ameriguard Tax Services, Jacksonville, FL and New York, NY, March 2010. Website An offshoot of Tax Defense Network? Or are they a debt resolution company dabbling in tax resolution/representation? Brand new BBB record No listed professionals are found on the website: never a good sign. I did a comparison interview with someone that spoke to them HERE In May of 2011. One of their salespeople called me and posed as a potential customer doing a fake interview with me. I got PUNKED! Maybe he learned something from the interview. Hope so. You gotta ask yourself: when do organizations that are essentially telemarketing offices ...just disappear...abandoning dozens of clients...when the money dries up?
52. Fair Tax Resolutions, Corona, CA April 2010. Par for the course. No licensed tax professionals named. Your average creepy website: Website At least they listed their address. This little company looks like they just started. BBB/BCA record For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
54. Coast 2 Coast Tax Relief, Agoura Hills, CA June 2010. TAX LIEN MAILER
Sends out letters to people and businesses with tax liens saying "Wage Garnishment Pending." BBB record clean so far: BCA record Their website: http://coast2coasttaxrelief.com/about.html For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds. You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon -- HERE.
55. U.S. Tax Shield, Woodland Hills, CA - July 2010. TAX LIEN MAILER
To their marketing department's credit, US Tax Shield has quickly become one of the biggest tax resolution companies in the nation. This happened very fast obviously as their 2010 start date shows. In addition to a strong presence on Google, they also send out mailings to people with tax liens, telling folks what their Offer in Compromise settlement amount will be. A customer forwarded to me one of their mailings with the following return address:
Tax Settlement Department
PO Box 106-116
4200 Wisconsin Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20016
Phone: 1-800-858-0996
The company, of course, is actually in Southern California. Their website is: http://ustaxshield.com . In spite of their volume of business, their BBB record is still solid: US Tax Shield BBB/BCA record One form of marketing I don't like is paying to get on lists: http://taxcritics.com/2011-tax-resolution
I will give their salespeople some kudos for a very clever way of interviewing clients. They get the IRS tax practitioner hotline division on the line and then bring the potential customer on the line with them. They then, ask about the client's record with the IRS while the customer is still on the line -- in a conference call. This is all done without any downpayment of the fee -- which has some merit. However, the customer, naturally, might feel obligated to hire them -- once that is done. In the example here, the customer was then quoted a fee of nearly $7000.00 to handle his case. He preferred to work with myself and a $1200.00 fee although tax returns might increase that fee a bit. I have written two different blog posts comparing Washington Tax's fees vs. US Tax shield (you can guess who's lower) : HEREand HERE
Recently, US Tax Shield set up another website and/or other business: Los Angeles Tax Solutions. The website is : http://www.losangelestaxsolutions.com/Contact-Us.html
Finally, for what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
56. Advocate Tax Solutions, Inc. October, 2010, Schiller Park , Illinois. TAX LIEN MAILER
These folks reach their intended audience by sending out letters to taxpayers with tax liens. ..."A recent search of public records indicates a State Tax lien was filed against you..." These folks have a decent record at the BBB BBB record and based on a conversation I had with their owner -- I think they are dedicated to good practices. Their website: http://www.advocatetaxsolutions.com/
You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon -- HERE.
57. Wesettletaxes.com , Tustin, CA November 2010. Snazzy website and great company name: http://www.wesettletaxes.com BBB record is a B rating: BBB/BCA record For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
58. United Tax Group, Florida, December 17, 2010. One of their consultants emailed me with some info. for this blog. Thank you. BBB record: BBB listing Their website: United Tax Group (This company is NOT United Tax Relief which is a company that closed. They were based out of Canoga Park, California).
59. Tax Law Advocates, Costa Mesa, CA December 2010, TAX LIEN MAILER
Their BBB/BCA listing No tax professional is willing to list their name and license on their pretty cheezy website. They told a potential client that they specialize in business tax cases, but they would handle her 1040 case. I don't know if that was a sales pitch or the truth. I can't recommend them, but you never know. Their website They also send out a TAX LIEN official mailer as described here: http://taxresolutiontalk.blogspot.com/2011/03/receive-notice-like-this.html For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds. You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon -- HERE.
60. True Tax Solutions, Pasadena, CA, December 2010. Another So Cal company. Just heard about them: http://www.truetaxsolutions.com/ December of 2010 was a big month for tax resolution company start-ups!!!! No licensed tax professionals are listed -- the usual scenario. Why won't a licensed tax professional -- Enrolled Agent, CPA, Tax Attorney -- stick their neck out, and put their license on the line? It would do so much to validate the company!!! Without this assurance, you have to be careful. Their new BBB record is here -- BCA record For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
61. Pinnacle Tax Solutions, Los Angeles, CA, December 7, 2010.
Website is http://www.pinnacletaxsolutions.com/ or I called the company at 1-800-410-8605. I asked them how many licensed tax professionals were on staff. He didn't know the answer to that question. BBB record: BBB/BCA record Not to be confused with Pinnacle Tax Advisors -- pinnacletaxadvisors.com on the Not Recommended List For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
62. Tax Relief Foundation, Orange County, California, 2010
That's an odd name for a tax resolution company. You would think you'd have to be a non-profit organization to be called a "foundation." Looks like they posted their first fake client recommendation here: Fake Posting Their website: http://taxrelieffoundation.com/ No professionals are listed on their site: BEWARE. They don't have a BBB listing yet. For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
63. Taxation Solutions, Inc. Austin, TX, March 2010, TAX LIEN MAILER.
Taxation Solutions sends out mailings to people with tax liens.
The mailings say:
Federal Tax Lien Notification: Form 1040-ST, Taxation Solutions
Urgent Notification for
PENDING - WAGE GARNISHMENT
PENDING - BANK ACCOUNT AND ASSET SEIZURES
The phone # they list is 888 931 1079. Taxation Solution has a BBB record at BBB record - Taxation Solutions
You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon -- HERE.
64. 911 Tax Relief, Glendale, CA, April 2010
I can't believe I missed this guys just put them on list in 2013: but here's their BCA/BBB record I do like how their blog is pretty informative and seems to be updated frequently: http://blog.911taxrelief.com/Their website is here: http://www.911taxrelief.com/about-us.html
64b. Nation Tax Law, Newport Beach, CA 2010
Came across their website: the advertise strongly as Tax Attorney Newport Beach. I could not find a listing for them at the BBB or what is now the BCA - the business/consumer alliance that replaced the BBB in Southern California. I really get concerned when a company doesn't have a BBB/BCA record. And furthermore zero attorneys names on the website: Nation Tax law website.
It has the look and feel of a fly-by-night company. But I would be glad to be corrected by someone: email me.
Class of 2011
65. Front Street Tax Resolution, Grand Rapids, Michigan, April 2011. TAX LIEN MAILER
This company got off on the wrong foot with me, based on an interview they did here: Selling Offer in Compromises for $3750.00 But the owner/manager indicated to me that the contracted person who did the interview is no longer with the company. I think it is awesome that owner took effort to contact me on this. Their website: :http://frontstreettaxresolution.com/solutions Their: BBB record
You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon -- HERE.
66. First Class Tax Relief or Gator Tax Relief, Houston, TX, May 2011, TAX LIEN MAILER
I make no claims that these guys will be anything like Taxmasters. But it is pretty common for ex employees of very large companies to start tax resolution companies of their own. First Class Tax Relief does send mailers to people with tax liens:
URGENT NOTICE: YOU MAY HAVE: WAGE GARNISHMENT PENDING
Call Toll - Free 800 304-6206
Look at the surge in tax relief companies that started in Southern California from seeds planted by American Tax Relief. Nonetheless, anyone new in this business deserves the benefit of the doubt. Good luck First Class Tax Relief -- do your customers right! Their website: http://www.firstclasstaxrelief.com/ Their BBB Record You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon -- HERE.
67. Debt Logic USA, New York , NY, June 2011. Appears to be a new tax resolution company on the scene: BBB record started June 2011 They appear to be a credit repair company too? Press release: Brand new company, but getting awards?
68. Apex Tax Resolutions, Costa Mesa, CA, June 2011 TAX LIEN MAILER
Company sends out mailers to individuals and business with tax liens -- mailing could be mistaken as an actual tax lien -- more on this mailing practice HERE. Here's their BBB record: BBB/BCA RECORD and their website is http://www.apextaxresolution.com/. If you are going to hire this firm: ask their salesperson : "who are your licensed tax professionals on the Power of Attorney?" For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds. You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon -- HERE.
69. OMG Tax, North Highlands, California, July 2011.
I have seen OMG Tax advertise on cable TV. Here's a link to their TV ad: OMG Tax - TV ad. Their BBB record has them listed as the Juceam Group as one of the owners: Scott Juceam had a differently named tax resolution company that was folded into OMG Tax. Their A minus rated BBB record is HERE. And their website is: http://omgtax.com/
At one time, Mr. Juceam was entangled in some issues stemming from the closure of his sister's company: the massively popular : Roni Deutch - the TV Tax Attorney, But according to the BBB, in late 2011 -- Mr. Juceam resolved all claims connected to Deutch. Good for them and good luck: OMG Tax...keep up the decent BBB record.
70. Internal Tax Resolution, Brookfield, WI, Minneapolis, MN,St. Louis, MO, Miramar Beach, FL, Atlanta, GA, Mission, KS, Nashville, TN, Naperville, IL, Dallas, TX or Kansas City, MO August 2011.
This company is somewhat of a mystery. However I am told it was opened by an ex-employee of Levy and Associates (on my Tax Industry Stalwart List). Their BBB record is eerily devoid of activity.
Hate to say it: but what is up with the name? Kind of goofy - don't you think? Internal? As in your emotional state or the buried records of your audit? Internal organs or Internal Revenue Service? Website: http://tax-attorney-dallas.tx-biz.com/ Same company? Illinois website They might also be in Kansas City too? Kansas City Website I think there is probably just one office and they are trying to give the impression they are all around the country? If you are an Internal person, give me a call to clear this up.
71. Assurance Tax Advisors, Houston, TX , October 27, 2011. Nothing too original here. I am not a big fan of tax resolution websites that don't list any names of tax professionals. Good luck to you guys. Here's the link to website: Website Their BBB record: BBB record
72. Precision Tax Relief, Coeur D' Alene, ID October 2011. These are ex-employees of Instant Tax Solutions also of Idaho. My understanding is that they have noble intentions and have a system to serve their customers. Good! However: they did quote someone a $15,000 fee for representation and tax preparation whereas WATAX , my company is charging only $3000.00. Website: http://www.precisiontaxrelief.com BBB record: BBB record
73. Flat Fee Tax Resolution ad/or Flat Fee Tax Service, Inc., San Diego, October 2011. Hey this company is using my blog template! LOL. Nonetheless here's their website: Flat Fee Tax Resolution Website Fresh BBB record here: BBB record For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
75. Classic Tax Resolution, Houston, TX 2011(?) I truly, truly love the name. If you like classic rock, maybe you'll like classic tax resolution? http://www.classictaxresolution.com/ There is no BBB listing, yet. And as of January 2013 - no BBB listing -- not a good sign. What's up guys? Is it under another name?
76. Confidential Tax Resolution, Knoxville, TN, March 2012 New company in Tennessee. . http://www.confidentialtaxresolution.com/ Whoops - their BBB record is temporarily bad due to one complaint but that can be easily fixed: BBB record
77. Tax Relief Center of America, Valley Stream, NY 2011. Not an original name, but add America and you've got an original name. Hmm. Their website is clearly not original: http://taxreliefcenterofamerica.com/ Best of luck folks. No BBB record as of yet.
78. ASAP Tax Relief, Mt. Pleasant, SC, 2011. CPA based firm. Website: http://www.asaptaxrelief.com/ No BBB record yet. Company might benefit from JK Harris' bankruptcy and their location in SC. Their Alexa - web rating has plummeted in ten months as per my article here (see bottom): Alexa Ratings Can Show Company Viability
79. South Coast Tax or South Coast Tax Resolution, August 2011, Westlake Village, CA
Another player in the Southern California tax resolution market. Nice website. Actors? Or real people? http://www.southcoasttaxresolution.com/ BBB record: BBB record For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
80. Tax Relief Providers, July 2011 , Clifton , NJ
Another new player based in New Jersey trying to reach national marketplace of tax representation clients. Got to admit: they have website which is a slight variation on about 90 of the companies that you will find on this list, i.e. not very original. http://www.taxreliefproviders.com Nonetheless - their BBB record is untainted: BBB record
81. Stop IRS debt or stopIRSdebt.com, Santa Monica, CA , October 2011
My understanding is this firm was started by a veteran tax resolution person who was previously associated with the now defunct Tax Incorporated. I have spoke with this person and I truly sense from him that this new organization is dedicated to good customer service. Good luck. BBB record: BCA/BBB RECORD
and website: http://www.stopirsdebt.com/ For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
82. Rapid Resolution Tax Group, San Mateo, CA March 2011
I have exchanged emails with the folks at this company and I think they aspire to good service. You can check out their BBB record: HERE and their website is: HERE
82b. National Tax Network, Irvine, California, April 2011
Their website advertises strongly the services of Enrolled Agents and claims to have done major advertising on TV (maybe?): http://www.nationaltaxnetwork.com/...BBB/BCA record is pretty dormant: BCA record Maybe they're a lead generator for other companies? Possible. Websites like National Tax Network's are frustrating because it is hard to pinpoint any live and licensed tax professionals there. No names, etc. But if they are a lead generator that makes sense. But if they really do cases there - they would benefit from sharing with the public the actual names of Enrolled Agents they might have on staff.
CLASS OF 2012
83. Optima Tax Relief, Santa Ana, CA, April 2012. Southern Cal is the capital of the movie industry and what is appearing to be the tax resolution industry. Optima's website is here: http://optimataxrelief.com/ They are also affiliated with www.DebtAmerica.com . Quickly, they have etched out a strong marketing presence on the internet. Recently I exchanged emails with one of the owners. Optima has grown fast enough to have 11 licensed tax professionals on staff including E.A's. and attorneys. That's a respectable number of professionals considering their start date. Their marketing is evidently working and they appear to be in this for the long haul. I appreciate them emailing me. The truth is only the good guys do. Their B rated BBB record is here: BBB record/BCA record In 2013 - Optima has been running intelligent well-produced radio ads with Alan Thicke, the entertainer. For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
IN 2013, Optima is also advertising as Taxestozero.com which claims to give IRS tax relief solutions within 30 days with a phone # of 1-800-372-7519
84. National Tax Relief Center, Florida, 2012 Looks like a new company: http://www.nationaltaxreliefcenter.com/index.cfm I am not able to locate a Better Business Bureau record for the company - which is concerning.
85. Tax Law Advisory, San Diego, March 2012. http://taxlawadvisory.com/ Looks like they got a BBB record now: BBB record For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
86. National Tax Awareness Center, California, 2012. I tried to google a website. But this new company ( I think) telemarkets their services to the random public, seeking people with tax problems.
87. Federal Tax Relief Commission, 2012, Exact location unknown. TAX LIEN CALLER
Federal Tax Relief Commission cold calls people with tax liens. The leave messages as FTRC. They are particularly after clients who owe a lot to the IRS. They have a bull##it line that "your tax case has been flagged for a HIGH DOLLAR UNIT." This is FALSE for TWO REASONS: 1. The Large Dollar unit has been retired -- http://taxresolutiontalk.blogspot.com/2012/03/100000-plus-tax-debts-now-get-assigned.html 2. $20,000 does NOT constitute a large dollar balance -- $100,000 plus does. A client of mine talked to a Michael Davis at FTRC. The phone number they list on their website is: 1-800-975-9450.
These are two big questions that I have for FTRC: 1. Where is your main office? You say you are in Seven different cities including Seattle. So does your website: http://federaltaxreliefcommission.org/ I don't believe you. Nationwide Tax Relief said the same thing and had pictures of their various offices around the country. They were closed. Prove me wrong. 2. Where's your Better Business Bureau record? AS of January 2013 -- I still DO NOT SEE A BBB RECORD FOR THESE GUYS.
88. Consumer Tax Relief -- 2012, New Jersey
Looks like these guys took the same name as another CTR in Newport Beach, California. Here's their website: http://www.consumertaxreliefus.com/ Their number is 800-411-1536. This New Jersey version of Consumer Tax Relief does NOT appear to have a listing at the BBB as the Irvine, California does. (I have placed Consumer Tax Relief of Newport Beach on my not recommended list).
89. Tax Cuts Center, February 2012, Mission Viejo, CA
Another new company on the scene: http://www.taxcutscenter.com/ They advertise on radio. Their BBB record shows their start date of February 2012. BBB record These guys had an interesting sales pitch for my client who hadn't filed taxes since 2005. The good news is the customer "officially" didn't owe any money to the IRS. He was simply inquiring to see about getting up to date on his returns. This company however could avoid using fear tactics including a $4000 fee to handle it for him. Frankly, if you don't owe the IRS any money - a fee that large is egregious. Representation really isn't necessary on a case like this...YET. However, for a small fee of $275 for starters I agreed to research this client's record to see how many returns really need to be done and to see where he stands with the IRS. For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
90. FTB Tax Services, February 2012, San Marcos, CA
Another new tax resolution company, the BBB record: BBB record. Their website is www.ftbtaxservices.com. I have nothing to report on them for now.
91. Tax Monkey, May 2012, Newport Beach, CA
Clever marketing: taxmonkey.com We'll see....BBB record for Tax Monkey: pretty mint: BBB record
For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
92. New Life Tax Relief, February 2012, Los Angeles , CA
I would wager that this company has NEVER advertised on any of the TV stations listed on it's website:
Website This company is located on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles - let's hope that this company doesn't meet the fate of American Tax Relief and numerous other now deceased tax resolution companies that were also located at Wilshire! Their BBB record shows that they are Accredited! Which has me wonder: BBB shouldn't companies be in a business for a while before they are invited to be accredited? Good luck: New Life Tax Relief! Their BBB record is here: BCA/BBB record For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
93. Authority Tax Services, LLC, Los Angeles, CA January 2011 TAX LIEN CALLER
Authority Tax Services is unrated, i.e., NEW at the BBB -- BBB record / BCA record Authority Tax is cold calling people with tax liens apparently (see below). As I have written multiple times on this blog -- the practice of cold calling tax liens is LEGAL if you are licensed tax professional. It is NOT legal if you are just an unlicensed salesperson: Cold Calling Tax Liens -- Legal?. According to my sources, they are also handling all of the cases from the new defunct Tax Network USA as they added that now dead company to their start-up.I am glad to see those potentially orphaned clients go somewhere. Furthermore and finally - in 2013 -- my understanding is that they also acquired Pinnacle Tax -- a firm based in Irvine, CA.
Comparison Interview: February 2013 - $950 vs. $4000
One of their salespeople did offer representation for a fee of $4000 to a gentleman who makes $22,000 a year and clearly qualifies for an Offer (he owes $23k to the IRS). Our fee? $950.00. According to this gentleman - the salesperson at Authority does call him often to see if he's ready to go. They might not have the right read on this guy as he is in poverty and pretty broke - minus a small piece of land worth $3500.00
UPDATE: April 11, 2013
On the phone with gentleman in the Midwest - who is nearly done with his Offer in Compromise process. He just needs to appeal it and/or make another request of a supervisor in the IRS Offer department. Authority tax keeps slamming with calls offering to take over the case for $5000.00 - $2000 down and payments on the rest. This guy was naturally suspicious and I told him to keep working with the supervisor at the IRS and/or retain us for $600 to see if we can get this Offer thru --- or another $650 on top of that to start over with the Offer process.
For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
94. Global Tax Services, Houston, TX, October 2011, TAX LIEN MAILER.
From the den of tax resolution sin - Houston TX - home of the defunct Taxmasters comes Global Tax Services who sends out mailings to people with Federal and State tax liens. The letter I am looking at says:
State Tax Warrant Notification Important Message Regarding your Tax Debt
Wage Garnishment Pending
Bank Accounts and Asset Seizure Pending
(is it illegal to make a fake notice like this purporting to be the State? My client was freaked out when he got the letter). Phone 866 460 9601
I have seen this game a million times. Do they really have top notch professionals or they really a boiler room like Taxmasters? We'll see. Their deceptive mailing has me erring on the latter. Global Tax Services' brand new BBB record - BBB record You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon -- HERE.
95. Key Tax Group, Fort Lauderdale, FL
New company? Just ran across a Google Ad --www.keytaxgroup.com/ As of May 2013 -- there is no BBB record yet? This is a crucial crucial thing to protecting consumers to have a BBB record. Hope it's coming soon.
96. National Tax Relief Center of America, Plainview, NY, February 2012
Ex-employee(s) of JK Harris enter the national tax resolution game. JK Harris went out of business in December/January 2011/2012. Haven't seen the website, yet.
97. Tax Help Associates or Taxhelpattorneys.com, Seattle, WA, Just stumbled upon their website: http://www.taxhelpattorneys.com/
98. Maximum Tax Resolution or Calls Direct, Santa Barbara, CA, April 2012
Stumbled upon their site via Google Adwords: http://maximumtaxresolution.com Maybe their a lead generator? Maybe they're real company. Not sure. Their BBB record says they are "Calls Direct" so probably a lead generator.: BBB record
99. Iconic Tax Solutions, Houston, TX May 2012
Looks like ex-employees of Taxmasters - started a tax resolution firm. The name I see associated with this company is Scott Curley. However -- I am not sure if this the same person who is associated with a California tax relief company -- that is now closed -- Summit -- see my deceased list. Can anyone enlighten me? Their BBB record: BBB record Their website: http://www.iconictaxsolutions.com/
100. Community Tax Team, Dallas, TX I don't see any tax professionals listed on this site. I couldn't find a BBB record for them. Nothing truly of substance appears on their site. Good luck folks. http://www.communitytaxteam.com/ 866-693-8293
101. Taxpayer Resolution Services, Florida? 2012
Looks like they have a great name if S.E.O. is the name of game. Don't they have a toll free # in Florida? I would wager they don't exist in 3 years. Website: http://www.taxpayerresolution.com/contact-us No Better Business Bureau record that I could find.
102. Resolute Tax Services, Mt. Pleasant, SC February 2012
JK Harris - now in the graveyard (see below) hasn't spawned too many babies in it's demise. However this might just be one of them. Good luck and kudos to starting a BBB record - that's a good start: BBB record
Website: http://resolutetaxservices.com/
103. Insight Law Firm, Seattle, WA, July 2012
Welcome neighbor to the tax representation game. I like the website: http://www.insightlawfirm.com . I like the BBB record BBB record If staff is reading this, give me a call at 1 8665257302 - Jay. Nonetheless, when a licensed tax professional is prominent on a website - in this case -- an attorney - it is usually a good thing - for the person with the tax issue.
104. National Tax, National Tax Debt , Los Angeles, California, 2011, TAX LIEN MAILER.
National Tax Debt or "Tax Group" as their office sometimes answers the phone is a new company that has made a substantial investment in mailings to people with tax liens. My research is that this company was started by a gentleman named Patrick Oakes. My understanding is that he was the previous owner of Traveler's Tax - another company that relied on tax lien mailings for its marketing. That company expired in the mid 2000's and is in the Graveyard of Tax Relief Companies
Their website is here: http://www.nationaltaxdebt.com/about-us/ They say that they have CPA's, EA's and Attorneys on staff in the big building picture on their site. But I wish they'd list some names of them?
They have multiple # is 1-888-780-9892 or 1-800-657-0840 or 1-800-656-1732 or 1-800-409-7968 or 1-866-362-5842. I have called this company a few times to see who they were and almost universally - I was spoken to very rudely and on one occasion hung-up on. Here's their BBB record: BCA record/BBB record
I can't verify this - but I think these guys also market themselves as IRS Tax Doctors http://www.irstaxdoctors.com/ -- but I could very well be wrong.
For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
Here's the language in a couple of their mailers:
EXAMPLE ONE:
Tax Processing Center
Tax Lien Division
FINAL NOTICE
1-800-656-1732
The address they indicate is
Tax Processing Center
4133 Avenida de la Plata
Oceanside, CA 92056
They also have a mailer that says
Notice of Tax Lien Investigation
Tax Lien Verification Unit
Phone 866-362-5842
EXAMPLE TWO:
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
Tax Lien Notification. Please Read Carefully.
Phone 800-713-5783
and another:
Form 009-S Tax Lien Reduction Notification
Info for the Federal Affordability Stability Plan
Phone 800-913-7965
I am not aware of this form # - form 009-S - bogus. And the Federal Affordability Stability plan - WTF is that? You can also read MORE about the Tax Lien Mailing Phenomenon -- HERE.
105. 800 TAX or Clear Choice Tax Solutions, Costa Mesa, CA, April 2012
Marketing pretty heavily on the internet -- they certainly have nice websites: http://800tax.com/ and http://www.resolveyourtax.com/ and a brand new BBB record: BBB record For what it's worth: Southern California tax relief companies have an abysmal survival record -- only one company out of 20 is still alive that were started in 2006 or earlier! Old Tax Relief Firms Survival Rate - Very Poor For their customer's sake, let's hope these guys buck these odds.
106. Community Tax Team -- Dallas, TX, 2012
This company seems to be building a website. There is no BBB record yet. It is not clear where they are located. But they are advertising on Google Adwords so something is happening: http://communitytaxteam.com
107. Integris Financial Group, July 2012
Looks like one of the owners was arrested for third degree Grand Felony theft? Mugshot - Francis M. Bell I can't find a website or a BBB record. But this was passed along to me from another company.
108. National Tax Relief Center of America or National Tax Service of America, 2012
Who are these guys? I don't know. Do they have a BBB record? No. Here's a pretty slick website: http://taxservices411.com/ I tried to call their # on the site: 855-411-8297 and went to voicemail.
109. NTC Financial, LLC or National Tax Consultants, West Palm Beach, FL, November 2012
New player in the tax resolution game: BBB record Their website is here: ntcfinancial.com . They quoted a fee of $3500 to help a taxpayer who owed $22,000 to the IRS whose case was in Automated Collection Systems. I offered the same service for $900.00.
2013
110. DWK Tax Group, Tarzana, CA
Just stumbled upon this website: Website I haven't been able to find a listing at the BBB or on the new Business Consumer Alliance website on these folks:
D. Curiousities -- Clever, marketing related sites - directly or indirectly related to the tax representation industry.
109. Rocket Tax Relief, 2010. RocketRelief.com is an interesting website which seems to aspire to list-making of tax resolution companies like someone else I know :) I have spoken with the owner: an ex-New Yorker: he is trying to start a new referral service of sorts with the website. Interesting idea. In 2013 - I poked around on the website and it didn't look much had happened on it since 2010. Here's their template for reviews of other companies: http://taxreliefgeeks.com/ They also have a website at settlemytax.com
110. Consumer Tax Reports, 2012 or Tax Defense Network, Jacksonville, Florida
Tax Defense Network of Florida decided to imitate the format of the Tax Problem Resolution Blog with their own form of company review site: consumertaxreports.org
Aesthetically, I love it. Legally, I have problems with it. This site is anonymous. Tax Defense Network (TDN) should come out in the open and lay claim to this site. It is illegal to post questionable reviews of your competition anonymously: Anonymous Video and Blog Posters Beware I also, of course, know very well that their review of my company and other companies is inaccurate. They also have inaccurate data like Total Years of Experience. Of course, Tax Defense Network has hundreds of years of experience cumulatively (!). But so do we and many of the other legitimate companies on the site. They don't take the time to make sure the stats are accurate Nonetheless, TDN needs to tread carefully -- at least come out in the open and say it's yours?! My name is all over this blog. I am NOT anonymous...hence my criticism passes the legal smell-test.
110b. The Tax Relief Company or http://thetaxreliefcompany.com/, 2013
Yet another imitator of the blog like Consumer Tax Reports above. This site seems to have been created by Optima Tax Relief above - a company who started in 2012. Come on guys - you got to show people that you are making the site. I do. See my name and my company name over to the right?
111. IRSmaster.com , 2012
Apparently this company advertises a special software program for people with tax problems for the low price of $299.00. Their website is irsmaster.com They have a pdf called: "The 5 Big Tax Industry Scams and How to Avoid Them" The only irony of that pdf is that the owner of this new company: James Catipay was involved with two failed tax resolution companies: Innovative Tax Relief and Advantage Tax Resolution. And trust me: they didn't fail for noble reasons. Another co-owner Peter Tejera was accused of tax evasion. Who knows: maybe irsmaster is their attempt to make things right?
Lead Generators- What Does This Mean? Lead Generators are Marketers for Tax Resolution/Representation Companies -- they Generate Leads or New Clients via TV, Radio and/or Internet. They are NOT "actual" tax representation companies.
32. Back Taxes Help or backtaxeshelp.com, Stamford, CT, April, 2009. Company's BBB record says they are internet marketing company (?): BBB record Their website: http://www.backtaxeshelp.com/About_us.html
34. Tax Negotiation Center, Citrus Heights, CA, October 12, 2009. Sends out robot calls to people who need tax help. http://www.taxnegotiationcenter.com/ These guys might be lead generators and NOT an actual company, but I am not exactly sure. BBB record: BBB record
37. Clear Tax Relief , 2009-- Address: unknown. This website is a "lead generator" that routes "leads" to prospective tax resolution companies. We aren't one of the companies getting the leads. http://www.cleartaxrelief.com/aboutus.html
74. Tax Solutions Network, 2011, Woodland Hills, CA This might be a lead generator for tax resolution companies or an actual firm? Their website: http://www.taxsolutionsnetwork.com/about-us They don't have a BBB record, yet
90. Tax Advisor America, ? 2012
Phone # 877 435 7577 is temporarily unavailable. Could be a lead generator? http://www.taxadvisoramerica.com/ NO BBB record as of January 2013.
107. Taxation Law Firms or taxationlawfirms.com, ? 2012
I think this is a lead generation site for attorneys in the tax representation field? It's not too bad of a site: http://www.taxationlawfirms.com/
111. Taxreliefnews.com
Looks like a lead generator for tax resolution calls. Robo-calls come to you saying "do you owe more than $10,000 to the IRS?" Pretty scary calls, to be honest with you.
112. Mytaxreliefoptions.com , 2011.
Clever lead generator website I found on Google Ad Words : Website again: http://mytaxreliefoptions.com
114. IRS Tax Survivor, irstaxsurvivor.com 2012
Saw an ad on TV last nite with the Survivor winner Richard Hatch advertising Irstaxsurvivor.com -- a lead generation service for tax companies. He served four years in jail for tax evasion. Can't blame him for trying to cash in on his infamy. But this is NOT an actual staff of tax professionals -- they send leads to tax resolution companies -- I am not sure what companies get the "leads."
115. Tax Renegotiation Center, 2012?
I don't owe taxes. But I just got a phone call on my cellphone from this company: perhaps they are a lead generator for other companies? Nonetheless: this link came up on a Google search about them: Tax Renegotiation Center - Fraud?
117. Business Tax News - ROBOCALL,
Company sends out robocalls leaving the phone 1-888-814-4411 asking if you are being levied or you have unfiled tax returns.
118. Tax 10000 Network or Tax10000.com 2012
This company which advertises on cable TV appears to be a lead generator for other companies. But I could be wrong. They have phone #'s 1-800-549-2544 or 1-800-671-8366. I hope they route the calls to good legitimate companies. But I wouldn't count on it. I could NOT find a Better Business Bureau listing for them.
120. Tax Debt Relief Center or Tax Freedom Insitute?
Heard an internet radio ad -- listening to Pandora -- I don't think they are tax firm-- just a lead generator -- the phone # to call is 1-800-989-1782.
119. Tax Resolvers
They have a lead generation site http://www.thetaxresolvers.com/ and appear to advertise on Radio. Community Tax Relief of Chicago (on stalwart list) is the recipient of leads from them.
121. IRS Tax Leads or http://irstaxleads.com/, Sacramento, CA
It's rare for the tax blog to endorse a lead generator. But our company has worked directly with IRS Tax Leads and we can attest that they are a very efficient and professionally-run company. We have been very pleased with the reasonably priced tax help leads they have forwarded to us If you are in the tax representation business and are looking for a way to get new clients -- you might want to give them a call at 1-877-318-7997 or check out their site: http://irstaxleads.com/
122. The Good Tax Company -- 2013
Looks like Tax Defense Network, Tax Tiger and Blue Tax joined forces to create new business by building a lead generation site: http://www.thegoodtaxcompany.com Looks like pretty effective marketing to me. Why didn't they invite our company to join? :)
When any of these new companies die they go to a place I call the Graveyard of Tax Resolution Companies.
Do really want to take a chance with a tax representation company with 4 years or less of existence? Why don't you call the experts at a company with 24 years of experience? 1-888-282-4697 or visit www.watax.com
15 comments:
The Juceam Group, aka OMG tax, is owned and operated by the Deutch family from the shut down Roni Deutch Law Firm.
Great writeup Jay, it looks like you have a very trustworthy tax resolution service.
taxhelpattorney.com is located in Ellijay GA
Hi! Just wondering if you have ever heard of Certified Tax Group and if they are a scam?
Hi Mary Ann - they are listed up above #22 - started business in 2008.
Jay, Check out Resolute Tax Services in Tempe. www.mytaxrep.com. The RTS in SC copied the name s a lot of JK Harris employees were very interested in the one in Tempe. I would love to talk to let you know more about our company. It was started in 2009.
HI Brandon -- feel free to email me about your company at jfreeborne@watax.com and I will get you on the blog.
Does anyone know anything about Tax Monkey? I wanted to know who owned it or which group is it a part of? I'm thinking of using them and want to get more information.
HI Anna - thanks for reading the blog. I am just skeptical of "tax" companies that have very little time in the business - who rely on gimmick marketing like a "monkey." Keep shopping :)
Can you comment on tax Result and their guarantee money back?
Hi Roger: Well Tax Results of Michigan has a C minus rating with less than 3 years of business. Make your own judgement from that.
I've been looking at the national tax relief center of america. It looks like they also registered as national tax services of america (taxservices411.com).
National tax services cold called my parents stating they could get my parents tax bill to zero for a nominal fee.
Only two of the employees to contact have linked in accounts and interesting enough for the employee contact list (http://taxservices411.com/learning-center/contact-information/taxservices411-phone-book#) the only two you can contact via form are the first two whom also have the linked in accounts. Seems very interesting to me...
Hey thanks for the words about my firm and website!
IRSmedic.com has actually been around since 2006. Still going strong and getting better. We have 5 attorneys, an ex-IRS auditor, 2 accountants and 5 support staff now.
The thing that we are doing different is that we warranty our work. This is a big thing. Getting an IRS resolution is just part of it. The IRS ROUTINELY fails to code cases correctly, fails to put all periods into a collection alternative --- even when they say they did!
Obviously, if you are a client who paid for resolution, you want resolution. And it isn't really going to matter whose fault it is.
That's why if the IRS mucks something up, we take care of it, no additional fee. And sometimes it has taken us years (serious) to finally get the IRS to reverse something stupid it should not have done.
My staff is a lot less stressed with this policy and our clients are happier too.
Again, thanks for the words and helping people figure out who is real.
Hi. Can you comment on Optima Tax Relief. WhatWhot they told me vs the Alan Think commercial are to totally different things. Can I trust a company that can't immediately tell me what my tax outcome could possibly be? Thewy're askfor a lotta money up front. Then...?
RE: Optima Tax -- I think this is a company with good intentions. However, I am inclined, knowing the complexity of some tax resolution cases to endorse businesses that have been doing this for 10 years or more. My company and others on the stalwart list might be safer bets.
From what I gather, The Juceam Group, aka OMG tax, is not owned and operated by the Deutch family. I may be wrong.
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