For Businesses
Write a Review
  3. Finance
  4. Taxes
  5. Best Tax Relief

Best Tax Relief Companies in Lansing, MI

We compared 35 brands and chose the top tax relief companies

  • Best overall
    Larson Tax Relief
    4.2(535)
  • Staff expertise
    Community Tax
    4.0(845)
  • Satisfaction guarantee
    Anthem Tax Services
    4.5(311)
Author picture
By: Matt Zane
+1 more
Author picture
Edited by: Cassidy McCants

Best Tax Relief Companies in Lansing, MI

Larson Tax Relief comes out on top as the best tax relief option in Lansing, based on feedback from area clients. For those looking for specialists with years of experience, Community Tax is a strong pick. If you want the assurance of a satisfaction guarantee, Anthem Tax Services is worth considering.

Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
  • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
  • 4,807,229 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
  • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
  • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
  • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

Our 3 tax relief company picks in Lansing

  1. Best overall: Larson Tax Relief
  2. Best staff expertise: Community Tax
  3. Best satisfaction guarantee: Anthem Tax Services

Our research team analyzed tax relief companies serving Lansing. We made our selections by weighing verified reviews from local customers, evaluating staff backgrounds and policies on money-back guarantees.

Read our full methodology below for the complete process. Some picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us, but this has no impact on our rankings or recommendations.

Compare tax relief companies

Our 3 Lansing tax relief company picks

Find out more about our recommended tax relief companies, based on firsthand reviews from Lansing clients and broader Michigan feedback on ConsumerAffairs.

Best overall

Larson Tax Relief

Larson Tax Relief
4.2
535 reviews
Staff
Enrolled agents
Free consultation
Yes
Money-back guarantee offered
15-day money-back guarantee
Learn More Read Reviews

With nearly two decades of experience and outstanding customer reviews, Larson Tax Relief is a top choice in Michigan. The company offers a range of tax relief services backed by a 15-day money-back guarantee. The overwhelming majority of reviews are 5 stars, praising the knowledgeable and friendly staff and an impressive track record of results.

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

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

Customers in Michigan consistently praise Larson for its communicative and compassionate staff and for its ability to resolve complex tax issues while protecting assets.

“If it wasn’t for the work of Maria and Kelsey I don’t think my business would have survived much longer. Thanks again for all of your help and support the last few months!”
Emily Lansing, MI
“Very prompt, professional, and courteous service. Great communication, I always was kept up to date with what was going on. Rui is absolutely fantastic to work with, he has a great attitude and he will find a way to resolve the situation. Highly recommend Larson and Rui!”
Michele Oxford, MI
“From start to finish, was kept informed. All staff were friendly and comfortable to work with. I’m pleased with the results and all my questions were answered promptly. I definitely would recommend Larson to all that have had my same experience. Thank you Larson.”
Gregory Whitmore Lake, MI
Best staff expertise

Community Tax

Community Tax
4.0
845 reviews
Staff
Attorneys, enrolled agent, CPAs
Free consultation
Yes
Money-back guarantee offered
100% money-back guarantee
Read Reviews

The team at Community Tax brings a diverse range of credentials to clients in Michigan, including licensed tax practitioners, CPAs and IRS enrolled agents. This diverse in-house expertise allows the company to offer a comprehensive suite of services that goes beyond tax resolution to include ongoing tax preparation, accounting and bookkeeping.

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

Reviewers in the Lansing area generally view Community Tax as effective, capable and compassionate and appreciate the results they’ve seen with the company. Some reviewers report inconsistent communication.

“They did a very good job on my tax bill and saved me a lot of money. Was worth going with them. Would highly recommend their service. Demetria did a very good job at navigating you through the process and again saved me a ton of money and headache.”
Ed Lansing, MI
“Erika are a good worker. Every time I had a question it got answer. This company really cared about my situation and stood by their word.”
Michelle Detroit, MI
“I did tax debt relief and working with Community Tax was great. I’d recommend them to somebody else if they had the same problem.”
Michael Battle Creek, MI
Best satisfaction guarantee

Anthem Tax Services

Anthem Tax Services
4.5
311 reviews
Staff
Attorneys, enrolled agent, CPAs
Free consultation
Yes
Money-back guarantee offered
Money-back guarantee
Read Reviews

Anthem Tax Services provides one of the most robust satisfaction guarantees in the industry for clients in Michigan. The company's promise is performance-based, stating that if it doesn’t save you money or rework your payments, you get your money back. We like that the company’s success is directly tied to achieving a positive financial outcome for the client.

What to consider: While Anthem Tax Services offers a money-back guarantee, the initial deposit and any payments for tax preparation services are excluded.

Pros
  • Strong money-back guarantee
  • Accreditation from the NAEA
  • Wide array of tax resolution services
Cons
  • Guarantee excludes deposit and tax preparation fees
  • Requires a minimum tax debt of $10,000
  • Bookkeeping
  • currently not collectible (CNC) status
  • Filing a FOIA request
  • Installment agreements
  • offer in compromise (OIC)
  • Penalty abatement
  • State tax help
  • Tax levy protection
  • Tax preparation (individual and corporate)
  • Unfiled returns
  • Wage garnishment assistance

Michigan customers report that Anthem is knowledgeable, professional and highly effective at resolving tax issues.

“Anthem Tax Service provided professional, courteous, and knowledgeable service. I was on boarded and guided by Lisa ** and the total experience, from start, to prep, to filing, was excellent. All involved were team players and did a great job.”
Dk Detroit, MI
“Anthem Tax did a fantastic job with my tax debt. They handled everything professionally, and now I’m debt-free. The team was efficient, communicative, and made the entire process stress-free. Highly recommend Anthem Tax for anyone facing tax issues.”
Denise Detroit, MI
“The agents were knowledgeable and friendly, transforming a stressful situation into a manageable one. Their expertise and support were invaluable throughout the process. I highly recommend them to anyone dealing with tax problems.”
Rhonda Detroit, MI

Tax Relief in Lansing, MI Buyers Guide

Jump into our guides and start learning

In this guide

Top Picks

See who reviewers like

Larson Tax Relief logo
Community Tax logo
Anthem Tax Services logo
See our top picks

Simplify your search

Compare tax relief providers that match your needs.

A three-level tax system complicates debt for Lansing residents, who may owe the IRS, the state of Michigan and the City of Lansing Income Tax Office. Each agency collects its debt independently. This guide will help you find a professional who can handle this complex three-agency problem.

Key insights

You need a firm that can handle a three-part problem: IRS, state and the Lansing city income tax.

Jump to insight

Your pro will coordinate three separate negotiations. The goal is to get all agencies to agree to a payment plan you can afford.

Jump to insight

This three-agency complexity means higher fees. Expect to pay a flat fee between $4,000 and $10,000 for a full resolution.

Jump to insight

Red flags: How to spot illegitimate tax relief companies

The tax relief space has reputable professionals, but also tax relief scams targeting vulnerable taxpayers. It’s important to know what to watch out for.

MI state tax liens are valid for six years.

Avoid companies that:

  • Won't provide proof of professional licensing and credentials
  • Claim they can settle your debt for "pennies on the dollar" without reviewing your specific situation
  • Guarantee a specific settlement amount or debt reduction before analyzing your case
  • Refuse to clearly explain how the process works in simple terms
  • Pressure you to pay thousands upfront before any work begins

Check online reviews from customers in Lansing. The most common complaints about tax relief companies we see on ConsumerAffairs include:

  • Poor communication and unresponsive representatives: Many people find it difficult to get callbacks, reach their assigned agent or receive timely updates about their case status.
  • Multiple representative changes: Some customers are transferred between several case managers, which means re-explaining the issue repeatedly and sometimes causes paperwork to get lost in the shuffle.

    Kimberly from Holly had a bad experience with this: “It seems like every week, I was changing representatives because I couldn't get people to call me back or respond to emails or follow back up on.”

  • High fees with minimal results: A number of clients pay thousands thinking they’ll get relief, but only end up with basic payment arrangements they could have set up themselves.
  • Aggressive upfront sales tactics followed by service delays: Responsive sales teams sometimes disappear after payment, leading to slow service and little follow-through.

How to choose a tax relief company in Lansing

When picking a tax relief company in Lansing, start by checking the credentials of each firm. Compare written estimates from at least three providers and stick to companies that offer a free, no-pressure consultation. Focus on firms with licensed professionals who give you honest, straightforward information about your options — not empty guarantees.

Here’s a simple process to follow:

1. Verify credentials and check for complaints

Before hiring anyone, request proof of professional licensing. Licensed professionals who can represent you before the IRS include Enrolled Agents (EAs), Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and tax attorneys.

Verify credentials:

If a firm refuses to provide credentials, that's a dealbreaker.

Review complaints: Search for online reviews from customers in Michigan. Read recent reviews carefully for patterns. Red flags include unresponsive communication, repeated representation changes and payment collected before work begins.

2. Compare written quotes from multiple firms

Get written fee quotes from at least three companies. Tax relief typically costs $2,500 to $7,500, depending on complexity. In Lansing, it may be a bit higher — in the range of $4,000 to $10,000 — due to the added complexity in the city.

Fee structures:

  • Most firms charge flat fees, which provide price certainty
  • Hourly rates ($200 to $400 per hour) are less common and usually for litigation
  • Avoid percentage-based pricing — it should raise immediate concerns

Watch for hidden charges: Your quote should clearly include all services. Avoid firms that add separate fees for IRS transcripts, power of attorney filings or phone calls — these should be part of your package.

3. Understand the consultation & process

A legitimate tax relief company offers a free initial consultation to review your situation and explain realistic options. During this consultation, they should:

  • Ask detailed questions about your income, assets and tax history
  • Explain which relief options fit your situation
  • Describe their exact process and timeline
  • Discuss how they'll communicate with you
  • Provide references or case studies from similar clients

If you're rushed, pressured to sign immediately or given vague answers, look elsewhere.

4. Understand what can actually be guaranteed

No honest company will promise a specific settlement amount before the IRS reviews your case. Red flags include guarantees like "we'll get your debt reduced by 60%" or "you'll only pay $X total."

Be skeptical of any company guaranteeing a specific outcome.

Legitimate firms will explain:

  • What they'll do (gather documents, negotiate, handle IRS communication)
  • How they'll communicate with you
  • Realistic timelines for your type of case
  • What outcomes are possible but not promised

» OPTIONS: How does an offer in compromise work?

The tax relief process

Mistakes. Tax relief can be slow, and patience typically yields better results.

  • Simple cases (basic payment plans, no back returns, minimal penalties): 30 to 60 days from start to resolution.
  • Moderate cases (one or two years of back taxes, some penalties): Three to six months. The IRS needs time to verify your filing status, calculate amounts owed and process your request.
  • Complex cases (multiple years of unfiled returns, business debt, substantial penalties): Six to 12 months or longer. The Michigan Department of Treasury may also be involved, requiring dual-agency coordination. Additional IRS document requests can extend timelines.

The tax relief process:

  1. Your firm gathers your tax documents and financial information, then calculates what you can realistically afford to pay.
  2. They contact the IRS or the Michigan Department of Treasury on your behalf — only licensed professionals can do this directly.
  3. Once a resolution is agreed upon, you enter the payment phase.

Interest and penalties continue to accrue until your debt is fully paid, even during negotiations. This is why speed matters, but rushing into a bad deal matters more.

Tax relief costs

The cost of tax relief services varies dramatically based on your situation's complexity. Most cases range from $2,500 to $7,500. Three-agency cases in Lansing can cost a bit more. In general, simpler issues like penalty abatement might cost just a few hundred dollars, while multiyear cases with business debt or litigation can exceed $25,000. 

The table below shows typical costs by complexity level, helping you understand what to expect before you hire.

Cost by complexity level

How to cap your costs:

  • Always get a written flat-fee agreement before hiring
  • Avoid hourly rates for standard relief cases
  • Ask what's included and what costs extra

The City of Lansing does not charge a setup fee for its installment agreements. The state of Michigan also offers plans without a setup fee, though interest continues to accrue.

Before you hire: Consider these tax relief alternatives

Not every tax situation requires professional help. Consider these options first:

  • Negotiate directly with the IRS: The IRS online payment tool is straightforward for simple cases under $50,000. You can set up payment plans yourself without middleman fees.
  • Low-income taxpayer clinics: If you qualify by income, free or low-cost help is available through IRS-approved clinics in your area.
  • Hire independently: A CPA or tax attorney hired directly avoids middleman markups that tax relief firms add.
  • Handle it yourself: If you owe under $10,000, have a steady income and only need a payment plan, DIY may work. This saves thousands in fees but requires initiative and organization.

» OPTIONS: What to do if you receive a letter from the IRS

FAQ

How do you qualify for tax relief?

Each type of tax relief has distinct qualifications. To get a payment plan, you'll need to show you can’t pay the full amount but can manage monthly payments. For an offer in compromise, you must prove your assets, income and expenses mean you can’t pay off the debt in the time the IRS has to collect. 

The IRS will look closely at your finances to see what you can realistically pay. This plays a role in what options are available to you.

What are the alternatives to tax relief companies?

You can work directly with the IRS using its online payment tools for simple cases. If your income qualifies, IRS-sponsored clinics offer free help. You might also hire a CPA or tax attorney on your own. If your debt is small and you just need a payment plan, doing it yourself could save you a lot of money.

How is Lansing tax debt different from federal taxes?

Lansing tax debt is a three-level issue: federal (IRS), state (MI Dept. of Treasury) and a city income tax. Each agency has its own rules, collection powers and relief programs.

Does Lansing offer hardship relief or payment plans?

Yes, both the IRS and MI Treasury offer payment plans and 'offer in compromise' settlements. The City of Lansing also offers payment plans for those who cannot pay their city tax debt in full.

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 Lansing, then evaluated which performed best for local residents.

We prioritized reviews from Lansing and Michigan 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. Michigan Department of Treasury, "Michigan Department of Treasury - Taxes." Accessed Nov. 24, 2025.
  2. Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Professional Licensing, "Accountancy." Accessed Nov. 24, 2025.

Not sure how to choose?

Get buying tips about Tax Relief in Lansing, MI delivered to your inbox.

    By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Unsubscribe at any time.

    Thanks for subscribing.

    You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.

    Read Lansing tax relief company reviews

    Showing 10 of 35

    Want your company to be on this guide?

    Yes, continue
    Comparing

    ×
    Trending in Tax Relief