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  5. Best Tax Relief

Best Tax Relief Companies in Los Angeles

Larson Tax Relief, Priority Tax Relief and Five Star Tax Resolution are our top picks

  • Best overall
    Larson Tax Relief
    4.9(570)
  • Satisfaction guarantee
    Priority Tax Relief
    4.7(107)
  • Staff expertise
    Five Star Tax Resolution
    4.4(131)
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By: Matt Zane
+2 more
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Edited by: Cassidy McCants
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Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

Best Tax Relief Companies in Los Angeles

Larson Tax Relief is the best tax relief company in Los Angeles, based on recent reviews from local clients. Priority Tax Relief is a good choice if you want a 10-day satisfaction guarantee. Five Star Tax Resolution stands out for its knowledgeable staff with a broad range of tax experience.

Los Angeles tax debt can involve the IRS, the California Franchise Tax Board and the Los Angeles Office of Finance — it thus helps to consider firms with experience handling all three. We’ll show you how to choose a provider, how tax relief works, what it may cost and which red flags to avoid.

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Our 3 tax relief company picks in Los Angeles

  1. Best overall: Larson Tax Relief
  2. Best satisfaction guarantee: Priority Tax Relief
  3. Best staff expertise: Five Star Tax Resolution

Our research team vetted tax relief companies that are available in Los Angeles. 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 Los Angeles tax relief companies

Learn More About Tax Relief

Our 3 Los Angeles tax relief company picks

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

Best overall
Larson Tax Relief logo

Larson Tax Relief

4.9
570 reviews
Larson Tax Relief logo
Staff
Enrolled agents
Free consultation
Yes
Guarantee
30-day money-back guarantee
Get Started Read Reviews
Why we picked Larson Tax Relief

Larson Tax Relief is our top choice for Los Angeles clients because it deals with cases involving the IRS, California Franchise Tax Board and the LA Office of Finance. The company’s 20 years in business means it has deep experience with the state’s three-agency structure. Plus, its 30-day money-back guarantee gives extra protection for anyone nervous about upfront costs.

What to consider: Larson requires its clients to have a minimum tax debt of $15,000.

Pros
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Free consultation
  • Handles complex business tax issues
  • Founded in 2005
Cons
  • Requires a minimum tax debt of $15,000
Services
  • 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
What Los Angeles reviewers say
Los Angeles customers praise Larson for its professionalism, clear communication, responsiveness and success in resolving complex tax issues, including payment plans and payroll tax problems.
I cannot rave enough about working with Michael and Nathan at Larson. If you owe a lot of money for taxes, the last thing you should do (in my opinion) is take on the IRS by yourself! … Hire Larson and let the professionals do what they do best!!!”
Gil Los Angeles, CA
Maria ** is a lifesaver! … She explained everything clearly and offered helpful suggestions along the way. It truly feels like having a partner and a friend through a very stressful process of dealing with tax communication. So grateful for her help and would highly recommend her.”
M Fontana, CA
Maria is professional, knowledgeable, and truly supportive during a very stressful time. … She helped me navigate unpaid payroll tax issues that felt overwhelming at first. Her expertise, clear communication, and steady approach made a complicated situation manageable. I’m very thankful.”
Lynn Yucca Valley, CA
Best satisfaction guarantee
Priority Tax Relief logo

Priority Tax Relief

4.7
107 reviews
Priority Tax Relief logo
Staff
Attorneys, enrolled agents, CPAs
Free consultation
Yes
Guarantee
10-day satisfaction guarantee
Get Started Read Reviews
Why we picked Priority Tax Relief

Priority Tax Relief offers a 10-day satisfaction guarantee. We also appreciate that it works with clients who have lower amounts of tax debt, making help accessible for more people. The process is streamlined, and you know exactly what to expect up front.

What to consider: One California reviewer noted earlier communication issues before saying the company regained their confidence.

Pros
  • Low tax debt requirement
  • Accredited since 2007
  • Offers a 10-day satisfaction guarantee
Cons
  • Cancellation triggers a high hourly rate
Services
  • Amended tax returns
  • Back payroll and sales taxes
  • Bank levy release
  • Bookkeeping
  • Currently not collectible (CNC) status
  • Entity formation
  • Innocent spouse relief
  • Installment agreements
  • Offer in compromise (OIC)
  • Penalty abatement
  • Revenue officer representation
  • Tax planning
  • Wage garnishment assistance

What local reviewers say
Reviewers in California describe Priority Tax Relief as professional, compassionate and highly effective at achieving successful tax resolutions, though one reviewer noted an earlier communication issue before the company regained their confidence.
From the very beginning, their timeliness, professionalism, and compassion stood out. Corey took the time to explain every detail of the process, breaking down the ins and outs of my tax debt situation in a way that was easy to understand.”
Tina Dana Point, CA
Kind, caring, knowledgeable, and helpful from start to finish. Asked all relevant questions and gave excellent guidance. Evaluated the situation carefully. Was very respectful and made sure to take the best approach for my individual situation.”
Linda Sacramento, CA
I just wanted to recognize Marceese from the Case Prep Department at Priority Tax Relief. He was a lot of help throughout the process professional, responsive, and took the time to answer my questions. I really appreciate the support and the positive experience he provided.”
Vance Los Angeles, CA
Best staff expertise
Five Star Tax Resolution logo

Five Star Tax Resolution

4.4
131 reviews
Five Star Tax Resolution logo
Staff
Attorneys, enrolled agents, CPAs
Free consultation
Yes
Guarantee
No
Read Reviews
Why we picked Five Star Tax Resolution

Five Star Tax Resolution has been handling tax cases for more than 30 years, with attorneys and a CPA on staff. Reviewers applaud Five Star’s team for explaining complex tax law and keeping clients up to date on their cases.

What to consider: Five Star doesn’t publish its costs online, so you have to schedule a consultation with a tax attorney to get a quote.

Pros
  • Consultation with a licensed tax attorney
  • Specialized services for truck drivers with back taxes
Cons
  • Requires a minimum tax debt of $10,000
Services
  • Asset seizures
  • Audit support and representation
  • Back taxes and unfiled returns
  • Currently not collectible (CNC) status
  • Installment agreements
  • Offer in compromise (OIC)
  • Penalty abatement
  • Tax levies and wage garnishment release
  • Tax liens
  • Tax preparation
What Los Angeles reviewers say
Five Star clients in LA commend the company for its professionalism, empathy and expertise in providing personalized solutions and debt relief, especially when explaining options and helping with unfiled taxes.
I was on the verge of losing hope when I found them. They listened to my concerns and handled my case with care. Not only did they help lower what I owed, but they also gave me the tools to stay on track in the future.”
Celia Los Angeles, CA
I reached out to Five Star for tax relief and was impressed with how down to earth they were. No pressure, just good advice. They got me an Offer in Compromise, which has been a huge relief.”
Frances Los Angeles, CA
I was completely overwhelmed with unfiled taxes. They explained the process, guided me through each step, and helped with the paperwork. Their respectful help gave me the push I needed to finally face it.”
Christian Palo Alto, CA

» READ MORE: Best tax relief companies in California

Best tax relief companies in nearby cities

Tax Relief in Los Angeles, CA Buyers Guide

Jump into our guides and start learning

In this guide

Top Picks

See who reviewers like

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

Simplify your search.

Get help navigating your tax relief options.

Owing taxes in Los Angeles can mean facing three aggressive agencies: the IRS, the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) and the LA Office of Finance. This guide explains your options for navigating this complex and difficult task.

Key insights

Los Angeles is a three-tax jurisdiction (IRS, FTB, LA Office of Finance), and you want a firm with experience working with all three.

Jump to insight

A qualified pro will negotiate with the appropriate agencies to resolve any city, state and federal level tax debt.

Jump to insight

Los Angeles is one of the most expensive areas for tax relief. Look for firms that charge a flat fee to avoid runaway costs.

Jump to insight

How to choose a tax relief company in Los Angeles

To find the right tax relief company in Los Angeles, verify credentials, compare fees from at least three firms and check local reviews for red flags. Here’s what matters most:

1. Verify credentials and check for complaints

Before hiring anyone to help with your tax problems, make sure to see proof of licensing. You can look up enrolled agents on the IRS website and check for CPA status with the California Board of Accountancy. If a firm says it has CPAs on staff, use the Board’s License Lookup to confirm whether the CPA or accounting firm is licensed in California.

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

  • Poor communication and unresponsive representatives: Many clients say their messages aren’t returned, or that it takes weeks to get an answer from their assigned rep.
  • Multiple representative changes: Customers often find themselves dealing with new case managers repeatedly, which means re-explaining their story and, at times, having documents lost in the shuffle.
  • High fees with minimal results: Some people report spending thousands only to end up with little or no improvement — often just a basic payment plan they could have set up themselves.
  • Aggressive upfront sales tactics followed by service delays: Some companies are very attentive before you pay, but then are hard to reach or slow to deliver after collecting fees.

    Los Angeles resident Min was extremely frustrated with their experience and the lack of communication, especially after a contract was signed. “Once they had my money, they became nearly impossible to reach. No updates. No progress.”

  • Requesting the same documents repeatedly: Clients sometimes have to send the same paperwork over and over, with companies claiming not to have received it, even though proof of delivery exists.

    Kim in Pasadena said she experienced “several instances of requests for documents, which I supplied,” then had to deal with “several different people requesting documents” before “they start all over asking for more documents.”

2. Compare fees from at least three companies

Ask for written estimates from at least three tax relief firms and carefully compare what each one includes. In Los Angeles, expect to pay between $2,500 and $7,500, depending on how complex your tax issue is.

Flat-fee pricing is much easier to understand than a percentage of savings or hourly rates. If a company wants to charge for basics like a copy of your IRS transcript or for simple phone calls, that’s a warning sign.

Get quotes from pros experienced with IRS, FTB and LA city tax.

3. Ask about the consultation process

A legitimate company will give you a free first consultation to review your tax situation and lay out some realistic options. If the meeting is rushed, you’re pressured to sign immediately or you get vague answers, consider moving on.

4. Understand what they can actually guarantee

No company can guarantee a specific outcome before it reviews your case in detail. Trustworthy tax relief firms will lay out their process and communication expectations, but won’t promise a set dollar savings before talking to the IRS.

» COMPARE: Our picks for the best tax relief firms

What is tax relief?

Tax relief is the process of reducing or settling back tax debts by negotiating with the IRS or state agency. This may involve setting up a payment plan, reducing your total amount due or stopping collection actions. Taxpayers in LA can face three aggressive agencies: the IRS, the California FTB and the LA Office of Finance.

If your California issue involves a proposed assessment, you have formal protest rights with the Franchise Tax Board. You can request a hearing as part of that protest, and if the FTB denies it, you can appeal to the state Office of Tax Appeals. If normal channels are not resolving the problem, the FTB’s Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate is another official resource.

» OPTIONS: What to do if you get an IRS letter in the mail

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

The tax relief process

Your tax relief company starts by collecting your tax documents and determining your realistic payment ability. Then, a licensed professional will negotiate directly with the IRS or the California Franchise Tax Board for you. Once a resolution is reached, you’ll move into the payment or compliance phase.

The process of tax relief usually takes a few months to complete. If your case is straightforward (like a basic payment plan), it might wrap up in 30 to 60 days. More complicated situations — especially those involving multiple years or business debts — take longer, particularly if you need to provide more documentation.

Common Los Angeles tax problems

Los Angeles residents face three collectors: the IRS, the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) and the LA Office of Finance for business taxes. Dealing with multiple agencies can be complicated, especially given the FTB’s reputation for aggressive collection actions.

According to California tax attorney David Brilliant, the FTB is considered one of the most difficult agencies to work with, “as it’s responsible for securing billions in state revenue annually. … It is one of the most well-funded and aggressive tax agencies in the country.”

» LEARN: Guide to filing back taxes

Tax relief costs

The total cost for tax relief services is $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.

Before paying a company to arrange a California payment plan, check whether you can apply directly through MyFTB.

Review your agreement for hidden charges like transcript fees or basic communications — everything should be spelled out in the contract. Some taxpayers may be able to request the plan online themselves. The FTB charges a $34 setup fee for personal installment agreements and a $50 setup fee for business installment agreements.

Cost by service type

Tax relief warning signs: Red flags to avoid

Tax relief is a space with both reputable firms and scam operations. Watch out for the following red flags to avoid getting burned:

Walk away if you see any of these red flags:

  • Promises to settle for "pennies on the dollar"
  • Guarantees of specific results
  • Pressure to pay thousands upfront before any work starts
  • Refusal to explain the process in plain language

Property tax relief programs in California

Homeowners in California may lower their property tax bill through the following programs.

ProgramEligibilityBenefit
Homeowners' ExemptionOwner-occupied primary residenceReduces the assessed value by $7,000
Disabled Veterans' ExemptionVeteran rated 100% disabled or unemployableExempts about $180,671 of assessed value, or about $271,009 for veterans with household income at or below $81,131

FAQ

Can tax relief affect my credit score?

Tax liens are not included on credit reports, but there are indirect ways tax debt can affect your credit score. For instance, if the IRS levies your bank account and you miss other bill payments as a result, your credit can be affected.

Can the IRS garnish my wages?

Yes, the IRS has the authority to garnish your wages without a court order. It will notify your employer to withhold a percentage of each paycheck. You’ll get several notices before this happens, so you have the chance to establish a payment plan first. If you get a levy notice, act quickly.

How is Los Angeles tax debt different from federal taxes?

LA tax debt is complex, often involving three agencies: federal debt (IRS), state income tax (CA Franchise Tax Board) and city business tax (LA Office of Finance). Each has its own rules and collection powers.

Does Los Angeles offer hardship relief or payment plans?
Yes, the IRS and FTB offer installment agreements and 'offer in compromise'. The LA Office of Finance says that, in cases of financial hardship, businesses may be eligible at the Office's discretion for installment agreements of up to 12 months.
Does California tax retirement or Social Security income?
California does not tax Social Security benefits at any income level. It does fully tax other retirement income such as pensions, IRAs and 401(k) withdrawals, with rates running 1% to 13.3%.

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 Los Angeles, then evaluated which performed best for local residents.

We prioritized reviews from Los Angeles and California 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 article include:

  1. Brillant Law Firm, "California Franchise Tax Attorney 101 – Navigating the FTB Maze." Accessed Sept. 22, 2026.
  2. California Franchise Tax Board, "MyFTB account." Accessed Sept. 22, 2026.
  3. California Board of Accountancy, "California Board of Accountancy." Accessed Sept. 22, 2026.
  4. Los Angeles Office of Finance, "Home | Los Angeles Office of Finance." Accessed Sept. 22, 2026.
  5. State of California Franchise Tax Board, "Franchise Tax Board Homepage." Accessed Sept. 22, 2026.

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