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Best Tax Relief Companies in Los Angeles

We compared 42 brands and chose the top tax relief companies

  • Best overall
    Larson Tax Relief
    4.9(569)
  • Satisfaction guarantee
    Priority Tax Relief
    4.4(93)
  • Staff expertise
    Five Star Tax Resolution
    4.6(130)
Author picture
By: Tom Rains

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 strong money-back guarantee. Five Star Tax Resolution stands out for its knowledgeable staff with a broad range of tax experience.

Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
  • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
  • 4,895,222 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
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  • 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 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 tax relief companies

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

Larson Tax Relief
4.9
569 reviews
Staff
Enrolled agents
Free consultation
Yes
Money-back guarantee offered
30 days
Get Started Read Reviews

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 Los Angeles Office of Finance. The company’s 20 years in business means it has deep experience with the state’s three-agency structure. Plus, its 15-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 $25,000, limiting availability for some with lower debts.

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

Los Angeles customers praise Larson for its professionalism, clear communication and success in resolving complex tax issues.

“Their consulting, execution, and follow through is unmatched. Tax issues and options were clearly communicated and resolved. I’ve received assistance that was far beyond my expectations.”
Duane Los Angeles, CA
“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
“Larson Financial truly helped me out of what could have been a very scary situation with the IRS. I must give a special thank you to Nicole**. She’s always available to answer all questions.”
Francisco Los Angeles, CA
Best satisfaction guarantee

Priority Tax Relief

Priority Tax Relief
4.4
93 reviews
Staff
Attorneys, enrolled agents, CPAs
Free consultation
Yes
Money-back guarantee offered
3 to 10 days
Get Started Read Reviews

Priority Tax Relief stands out for its no-questions-asked refund if you change your mind within three business days. That’s rare in the tax relief space. 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: Cancellation after the guarantee period can result in high hourly rates for services already rendered.

Pros
  • Low tax debt requirement
  • Offers a 100% money-back guarantee
  • Accreditation since 2007
Cons
  • Cancellation triggers a high hourly rate
  • 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

Reviewers in California describe Priority Tax Relief as professional, compassionate and highly effective at achieving successful tax resolutions.

“I want to thank Garrett ** who kicked start this process and I want to thank the team who finished the footwork and gave their all. Thanks team. I do feel as weight have been lifted off of me mentally. What else can I say. You did the work and thanks.”
Izear Los Angeles, CA
“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
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
Read Reviews

Five Star Tax Resolution has been handling tax cases for more than 30 years, employing a broad mix of professionals, including attorneys, enrolled agents and CPAs. That means your case is always handled by someone with the right expertise for the job. 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
  • 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

Five Star clients in LA commend the company for its professionalism, empathy and expertise in providing personalized solutions and debt relief.

“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 highly recommend this service to anyone struggling with tax debt. Their expertise, professionalism, and dedication made a world of difference in my case. They walked me through every step, found the best solution for my situation, and delivered real results!”
Vanessa 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

» 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
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Compare tax relief providers that match your needs.

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 provider is hesitant to share credentials, that's a sign to look elsewhere.

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.

    LA 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.

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.

» 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

Set up state tax plans online via MyFTB.

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.

Review your agreement for hidden charges like transcript fees or basic communications — everything should be spelled out in the contract. The FTB charges a small setup fee for installment agreements.

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

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 offers installment agreements for up to twelve months for those with financial hardship.

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 guide include:

  1. Brillant Law Firm, "California Franchise Tax Attorney 101 – Navigating the FTB Maze." Accessed Nov. 13, 2025.
  2. California Franchise Tax Board, "MyFTB account." Accessed Nov. 13, 2025.
  3. California Board of Accountancy, "California Board of Accountancy." Accessed Nov. 13, 2025.
  4. Los Angeles Office of Finance, "Home | Los Angeles Office of Finance." Accessed Nov. 13, 2025.
  5. State of California Franchise Tax Board, "Franchise Tax Board Homepage." Accessed Nov. 13, 2025.

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