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Best Tax Relief Companies in Chicago

We compared 41 brands and chose the top tax relief companies

  • Best overall
    Larson Tax Relief
    4.9(568)
  • Staff expertise
    Five Star Tax Resolution
    4.6(130)
  • Customer service
    Community Tax
    4.2(853)
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By: Matt Zane
+1 more
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Edited by: Cassidy McCants

Best Tax Relief Companies in Chicago

Larson Tax Relief is the best tax relief company in Chicago, based on recent reviews from local clients. Five Star Tax Resolution is a good choice if you want tax specialists with years of experience. Community Tax stands out for offering a smooth customer experience.

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  • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

Our 3 tax relief company picks in Chicago

  1. Best overall: Larson Tax Relief
  2. Best staff expertise: Five Star Tax Resolution
  3. Best customer service: Community Tax

Our research team vetted tax relief companies that are available in Chicago. We chose the best companies in the city by comparing local reviews, staff expertise and money-back guarantees.

Read our full methodology below for all the details. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us, but this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations.

Compare tax relief companies

Our 3 Chicago tax relief company picks

Learn more about our top picks for the best tax relief companies, based on verified reviews from Chicago customers and broader Illinois feedback on ConsumerAffairs.

Best overall

Larson Tax Relief

Larson Tax Relief
4.9
568 reviews
Staff
Enrolled agents
Free consultation
Yes
Money-back guarantee offered
30 days
BBB rating
A+
Read Reviews

Larson Tax Relief has spent nearly 20 years helping people in Illinois find solutions to challenging tax problems. What sets it apart is the consistent feedback from Chicago clients who say the process is straightforward with no hidden fees. Its 15-day money-back guarantee gives added peace of mind, and clients mention that staff members are proactive.

What to consider: To become a client, Larson requires a minimum tax debt of $25,000.

Pros
  • 15-day money-back guarantee
  • No upfront retainer fee
  • Handles complex business tax issues
  • Founded in 2005
Cons
  • Requires a high minimum tax debt
  • 941 payroll tax issues
  • Accounts receivable levies
  • Asset seizures
  • Audits
  • Bank levies and wage garnishments
  • Corporate formation or shutdown
  • Installment agreements
  • State tax relief
  • Tax liens
  • Tax return preparation
  • Trust fund recovery penalty
  • Unfiled tax returns

Chicago reviewers describe Larson as professional, knowledgeable and compassionate. Clients especially praise representatives for resolving difficult IRS issues efficiently and providing reassurance throughout the process. However, some note frustration with slow progress.

“Laron Tax, specifically Maria, made the whole process painless. She was informative and patient when I asked a bunch of questions. Could not have been happier with my service. I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of their services.”
Alex Chicago, IL
“Larson has represented me twice already. They called the school the first time and took the case and helped me all the way through. They really did a fantastic job. … One of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. They were wonderful. They answer calls and questions promptly.”
Angeline Chicago, IL
Best staff expertise

Five Star Tax Resolution

Five Star Tax Resolution
4.6
130 reviews
Staff
Attorneys, enrolled agents, CPAs
Free consultation
Yes
Money-back guarantee offered
No
BBB rating
A+
Read Reviews

Five Star Tax Resolution brings over 30 years of experience to Chicago taxpayers, with an approach rooted in legal expertise. Clients in Illinois can expect to work with credentialed professionals, from attorneys to CPAs to enrolled agents. Reviews indicate that the firm’s communication is consistent, and the process is clearly outlined from the beginning.

What to consider: Five Star Tax Resolution does not publish its fees online. You have to schedule a consultation with a tax attorney to get a quote.

Pros
  • Consultation with a licensed tax attorney
  • Performance-based guarantee
  • Specialized services for truck drivers with back taxes
Cons
  • High fees for some basic services
  • Asset seizures
  • Audit support and representation
  • Back taxes and unfiled returns
  • Business and truck driver tax help
  • Currently not collectible (CNC) status
  • Installment agreements
  • Offer in compromise (OIC)
  • Penalty abatement
  • Tax levies and wage garnishment release
  • Tax liens
  • Tax preparation

Clients say Five Star provides professional, stress-free help by handling IRS communications and securing manageable payment plans. However, a few reviewers in the Chicago area report poor communication.

“They talked directly to the IRS and took the pressure off me completely. I didn’t have to stress or deal with intimidating calls, they handled everything smoothly and kept me informed. A total relief.”
Evelyn Chicago, IL
“Best part? They followed through long after the contract was signed. I never felt abandoned or confused. Their team checked in, answered questions, and made sure everything stayed on track. Real commitment you don’t see often these days.”
Abigail Chicago, IL
“I was drowning in tax debt and felt like there was no way out. I finally reached out for help, and they walked me through every step. They dealt with the IRS for me and got my payments lowered to something I could actually afford. I feel so relieved!”
Ralph Chicago, IL
Best customer service

Community Tax

Community Tax
4.2
853 reviews
Staff
Attorneys, enrolled agent, CPAs
Free consultation
Yes
Money-back guarantee offered
100% money-back guarantee
BBB rating
A+
Read Reviews

Community Tax has built a reputation in Chicago for guiding clients through stressful tax situations with attentive support. Clients say questions get answered quickly, and staff walk them through each step. Its team provides services in both English and Spanish, and the company’s fee structure for the investigation phase is transparent. 

What to consider: Community Tax's current money-back guarantee policy is unclear.

Pros
  • Transparent investigation phase fees
  • Offers services in Spanish
  • Convenient mobile app
Cons
  • Resolution process can be lengthy
  • Investigation fee is nonrefundable
  • Accounting, bookkeeping and payroll services
  • Amended tax returns
  • Community Tax Assurance Program (subscription)
  • Currently not collectible (CNC) status
  • Installment agreements
  • Offer in compromise (OIC)
  • Penalty abatement
  • Tax preparation
  • Tax resolution
  • Wage garnishment relief

Local reviews highlight Community Tax’s professional, knowledgeable and effective ways of resolving long-standing IRS issues and easing financial stress. However, a common thread in complaints involves frequent staff turnover.

“Community Tax followed up with me on everything. I didn’t have to give them a call. They were great. One of the main agents was Chris and he constantly kept me informed.”
Daniel Chicago, IL
“Working with Community Tax took a big burden off of me as far as the IRS. They just let me know what was happening step-by-step which made the process a lot easier. Their consultant, Chris, was extremely attentive and extremely knowledgeable. He walked me through a couple of things. He was great. Everything in my experience with them was to my liking.”
Edward Chicago, IL
“Thanks to the hard work and commitment from people like Daniel ** at Community Tax, I can rest and sleep a lot easier knowing my tax problems are no longer an issue.”
Mark Chicago, IL

Tax Relief in Chicago, IL Buyers Guide

Jump into our guides and start learning

In this guide

Top Picks

See who reviewers like

Larson Tax Relief logo
Five Star Tax Resolution logo
Community Tax logo
See our top picks

Simplify your search

Compare tax relief providers that match your needs.

Unpaid taxes in Chicago or Illinois trigger collection from the Illinois Department of Revenue, an agency with a collection period of up to 20 years. A tax relief company can help you stop collections and negotiate manageable terms. We’ve broken down your options and the steps to find legitimate help in Illinois.

Key insights

Verify that your chosen firm has specific experience with the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR).

Jump to insight

First, your professional will work to stop aggressive IDOR collection actions, then they will work to get you compliant with unfiled returns before negotiating a payment plan or “offer in compromise” settlement.

Jump to insight

Fees can be higher than the national average due to IDOR’s aggressive tactics. Expect a baseline of $3,000, with complex state and federal cases reaching $8,000 or more.

Jump to insight

How to choose a tax relief company in Chicago

To select the right tax relief provider in Chicago, start by confirming the firm’s credentials, request quotes from at least three different providers and examine reviews from local clients for signs of trouble. Focus on the following essentials:

1. Verify credentials and check for complaints

Before you hire anyone, ask for proof of licensing and credentials. You can use the IRS site to look up enrolled agents, and you can confirm CPAs with the IL Dept. of Financial & Professional Regulation. If a firm refuses to provide documentation, move on.

Checking online reviews from Illinois customers is critical. The most common complaints about tax relief companies we see on ConsumerAffairs include:

  • Poor communication and unresponsive representatives: Many clients mention that staff do not return phone calls or emails, making it hard to get updates or answers about their case. Noah from Waukegan described that same issue to us. He said, “Paid 3k and have to chase down follow ups and updates, now going on 3 weeks without response.”
  • Multiple representative changes: Customers often say their case is handed off to several different managers, which means having to repeatedly explain their history and resubmit paperwork.
  • High fees with minimal results: Some people report paying thousands of dollars only to have companies set up basic payment plans — solutions they believe they could have arranged themselves.
  • Aggressive upfront sales tactics followed by service delays: Numerous reviews point to a big difference between attentive sales calls before money is paid and a sudden lack of responsiveness after you become a client.
  • Requesting the same documents repeatedly: It’s common for customers to be asked for the same documents over and over, even after providing them, which leads to frustration and delays.

2. Compare fees from at least three companies

Get written, detailed estimates from at least three providers and make sure you understand what services are included. Expect most tax relief companies to use flat-fee pricing, which is easier to compare than percentage-based models. Be cautious if you see extra charges for basics like requesting IRS transcripts or a simple phone call — those should be baked in.

3. Ask about the consultation process

The first consultation should always be free and give you clear guidance on your options. If the company rushes you, pressures you to sign quickly or avoids answering your questions, that’s a warning sign to look elsewhere.

4. Understand what they can actually guarantee

No one can promise a specific dollar amount of savings before they’ve reviewed your situation in detail. Trustworthy firms will explain their process and communication plan, but won’t make big promises about the outcome before doing their homework.

» COMPARE: Best tax relief companies

What is tax relief?

Tax relief involves negotiating a solution for unpaid tax debt with either the IRS or the Illinois Department of Revenue. This could involve negotiating a payment plan, seeking to reduce your total bill or stopping collections like wage garnishments.

The Illinois Department of Revenue is notoriously aggressive, with a twenty-year statute of limitations. It uses private collectors, files liens in a public state registry, and can garnish wages up to 15% of gross pay.

Common reasons to seek tax relief

  • Wage garnishments, bank levies or property liens
  • Unfiled returns from past years
  • Business payroll tax debt
  • Penalties larger than the original tax owed
  • Major life disruptions that made paying taxes impossible
A promise to settle tax debt for “pennies on the dollar” is a classic scam.

The tax relief process

A tax relief professional will start by gathering all your tax documents and figuring out what you can reasonably pay. Only licensed pros can contact the IRS or the Illinois Department of Revenue on your behalf. Once a solution is approved, you’ll move to the payment stage.

The tax relief process can take several months from start to finish. Straightforward cases like setting up a payment plan may take 30 to 60 days. More complex cases, especially those with several years of unfiled returns or business tax debt, usually require more time, particularly if the IRS needs more information.

Common Chicago tax problems

Chicago residents may be surprised by the Illinois Department of Revenue’s (IDOR) authority. The state has a 20-year statute of limitations for tax collection and can garnish wages, levy bank accounts, place liens or refer unpaid accounts to private collection agencies if taxes remain unpaid.

» LEARN: Filing back taxes

Tax relief costs

Most tax relief cases cost around $2,500 to $7,500. Flat fees are standard, providing a clear price upfront. Hourly rates ($200 to $400 per hour) are less common and usually for complex litigation. Percentage-based pricing is rare and should raise a red flag.

Use the MyTax Illinois portal to request an installment plan online.

Be on the lookout for extra charges, such as transcript fees, power of attorney filing fees or additional meeting fees. These should be included in your total cost. Always request a complete quote in writing before making any commitment.

The IDOR does not charge a setup fee for its installment plans. However, private collection agencies used by the state will add their own fees, often a percentage of the debt, to your total balance.

Cost by service type

Types of tax debt relief services

Depending on what you owe and your circumstances, you have several tax relief options:

  • Installment agreements are the go-to choice for most people. You pay off your tax debt in monthly payments. You can often set up an agreement yourself online if you owe less than $50,000.

    You can request a state payment plan through the ‘MyTax Illinois’ portal. However, this option is typically only available after your account is already in the collections process.

  • Offers in compromise allow you to settle your debt for less, but keep in mind, approval rates are low — the IRS generally accepts about one in four.
  • Currently not collectible status lets you pause collections if you’re genuinely unable to pay, but interest and penalties continue to accrue.
  • Penalty abatement removes penalties if you have a good reason, like severe illness or a family emergency.
  • Innocent spouse relief is for those whose spouse’s actions caused the tax issue without their knowledge.
  • Lien and levy release can help lift legal claims on your assets or stop wage and bank account seizures if you can prove immediate financial hardship.

An Illinois tax lien is a powerful public record that is enforceable for 20 years — twice as long as a federal lien. This gives the state extreme leverage to seize assets.

» OPTIONS: How an offer in compromise works

FAQ

Can the IRS garnish my wages?

Yes, the IRS can take a portion of your paycheck through wage garnishment without going to court. Your employer will get a notice, and you’ll receive several warnings first, giving you a chance to set up a payment plan. If you ignore a final notice, garnishment can begin quickly and is harder to reverse once it starts.

What happens if I can't afford to pay my tax debt?

If you can’t pay, you might be eligible for currently not collectible status, which puts collections on hold (though interest and penalties will keep accruing). There’s also the partial payment installment agreement, where you pay what you can and the rest could be forgiven when the collection period ends. Some tax debt may be written off if you qualify.

Where do I pay Chicago taxes or set up a payment plan?

You can pay your state taxes or set up a payment plan online using the 'MyTax Illinois' portal. You are generally only eligible to request a payment plan after your account has been moved to collections.

Can you negotiate directly with the city of Chicago about tax debt?

Yes, you can negotiate directly with the IDOR. Once your account is in collections, you can log in to your 'MyTax Illinois' account to request an installment plan. You can also submit Form CPP-1 (Payment Installment Plan Request).

Methodology

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a data-backed process informed by expert editorial judgment and verified customer reviews. We started with tax relief companies available in Chicago, then evaluated which performed best for local residents.

We prioritized reviews from Chicago and Illinois customers, supplemented by national data. Our evaluation included:

  • Staff satisfaction ratings
  • Customer service satisfaction ratings
  • Staff expertise and credentials
  • Money-back guarantees and satisfaction policies
Guide sources

ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this guide include:

  1. Illinois Department of Revenue, “MyTax Illinois.” Accessed Nov. 11, 2025.
  2. Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, “About IDFPR.” Accessed Nov. 11, 2025.
  3. Illinois Department of Revenue, “Illinois Department of Revenue.” Accessed Nov. 11, 2025.
  4. Illinois Department of Revenue, “MyTax Illinois Facts.” Accessed Nov. 11, 2025.

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