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Best Tax Relief Companies in Phoenix

We compared 36 brands and chose the top tax relief companies

  • Best overall
    Five Star Tax Resolution
    4.9(125)
  • Satisfaction guarantee
    Larson Tax Relief
    4.3(535)
  • Staff expertise
    Community Tax
    4.0(845)
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By: Matt Zane
+1 more
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Edited by: Cassidy McCants

Best Tax Relief Companies in Phoenix

Five Star Tax Resolution is the best tax relief company in Phoenix, based on recent reviews from local clients. Larson Tax Relief is a good choice if you want a strong satisfaction guarantee. Community Tax stands out for its experienced professionals with proven track records.

Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
  • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
  • 4,811,847 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 Phoenix

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

Our research team vetted tax relief companies that are available in Phoenix. 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 Phoenix tax relief company picks

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

Best overall

Five Star Tax Resolution

Five Star Tax Resolution
4.9
125 reviews
Staff
Attorneys, enrolled agent, CPAs
Free consultation
Yes
Money-back guarantee offered
30-day money-back guarantee
Read Reviews

We chose Five Star Tax Resolution for Phoenix residents because, from the very first call, you speak directly with a licensed tax attorney, not a salesperson. Plus, its performance-based money-back guarantee is stronger than most, and the initial attorney consultation ensures you understand what’s actually possible before you spend anything.

What to consider: Five Star doesn’t publish its rates online, so the only way to get a quote is to schedule a consultation.

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 Phoenix describe the company as supportive, professional, honest and effective at achieving real solutions.

“I liked that they never tried to scare me or push me into decisions. They explained what was possible and what wasn’t. That honesty built my trust in them. I felt comfortable knowing they’d only recommend what was realistic for my situation.”
Cressida Phoenix, AZ
“I was dealing with an overwhelming tax situation and had no idea where to start. Their team walked me through everything step by step, making sure I understood my options. They handled all the IRS negotiations, and I finally have a manageable payment plan.”
Alissa Phoenix, AZ
“My wages were about to be garnished, and I panicked. I called for help, and within days, they worked out a solution with the IRS. They stopped the garnishment before it even started, and I didn’t have to lose part of my paycheck!“
Andre Los Angeles, CA
Best satisfaction guarantee

Larson Tax Relief

Larson Tax Relief
4.3
535 reviews
Staff
Enrolled agents
Free consultation
Yes
Money-back guarantee offered
15-day money-back guarantee
Learn More Read Reviews

Larson Tax Relief earned its spot because it gives you a 15-day satisfaction guarantee with no strings attached — you can back out for any reason after the first payment and get your money back. That’s rare in the industry, so if you’re nervous about committing, this refund policy lowers your risk and gives you much-needed peace of mind.

What to consider: Larson Tax Relief requires clients to have a tax debt of at least $25,000, barring those with smaller but still significant debt.

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

Local clients praise Larson for its professionalism, responsiveness and ability to resolve complex IRS issues with compassion and clear communication.

“At no point in time did this company leave me hanging. Leave me with unanswered questions. At no point did they ever not return my phone calls, did they not return my emails, were ever hard to get a hold of and always Have had my best interest as their main objective.”
Brad Cottonwood, AZ
“They actually care about making sure their clients are well informed about their situation and the options they have to handle said situation.”
Jamie Tempe, AZ
“You can tell from the first conversation that they are a company that truly cares about you as a person and cares about your situation. They took their time, they were friendly and got the job done in just a little over a month. What a relief it was for us to know we were in such good hands.”
Chad Goodyear, AZ
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

Community Tax brings together a team that includes CPAs, IRS enrolled agents and tax attorneys. That means whether you’re dealing with a payment plan, need Spanish-speaking support or ongoing bookkeeping help, you can get it all in one place. For those with complicated or long-standing tax issues, having multiple specialists available is a big advantage.

What to consider: Community Tax's current money-back guarantee policy is unclear, so you should ask about your refund options before signing up.

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

Phoenix reviewers describe the Community Tax team as professional, clear communicators, and able to secure workable IRS resolutions. However, some clients cite issues with unexpected fees.

“I contacted Community Tax and from day one, I felt a lot better. I felt a big sense of relief. Everybody’s been wonderful, helpful and good people. Community Tax is worth looking into.”
Ronald Phoenix, AZ
“They were just real helpful with everything else. They made me feel right at home — nice and comfortable. It was good customer service. They did a good job for the most part and if a friend of mine had the same problem I would recommend them to Community Tax.”
Raymond Phoenix, AZ
“I had a good experience with Community Tax and I’ve successfully completed the program. They called me right back and talked to me about everything. Everybody I worked with was always really good.”
Deborah Phoenix, AZ

Tax Relief in Phoenix, AZ Buyers Guide

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In this guide

Top Picks

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Five Star Tax Resolution logo
Larson Tax Relief logo
Community Tax logo
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Owing taxes in Phoenix involves both the IRS and the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR). The state agency collects both state income tax and Phoenix city sales tax, creating a single powerful state collector. Our guide explains your options for handling ADOR and the IRS.

Key insights

Choose a licensed professional with a strong track record negotiating with the ADOR and the IRS. Unlike Tucson, Phoenix's city tax is collected by the state, simplifying the process.

Jump to insight

Your firm will negotiate with both the IRS and ADOR and work to get you compliant and arrange a workable payment plan.

Jump to insight

A dual-agency (federal and state) case in Phoenix generally costs between $3,000 and $7,000. A flat fee is the best option to cover all negotiations with both agencies.

Jump to insight

Common tax problems in Phoenix

Phoenix residents face both the IRS and the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR). The ADOR handles both state income tax and Phoenix city sales tax. This consolidation makes ADOR a very powerful collector with the authority to garnish wages and levy bank accounts for both.

The attorneys at Mesa-based Defense Tax Partners say the state’s complex tax system makes it hard to stay compliant. Furthermore, small business owners and independent contractors in Maricopa County can face increased scrutiny. “Missed filings, underpayments, or payroll tax issues can trigger enforcement actions even if the mistake was unintentional.”

Red flags: How to spot illegitimate tax relief companies

The tax relief industry attracts both reputable professionals and opportunistic scams. Protect yourself by recognizing these warning signs.

Arizona state tax liens are valid for ten 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 Phoenix. The most common complaints about tax relief companies we see on ConsumerAffairs include:

  • Poor communication and unresponsive representatives: Some clients say it’s difficult to reach their point of contact after paying, with calls and emails going unanswered for weeks.
  • Multiple representative changes: People mention being bounced between several staffers, meaning they have to re-tell their story and paperwork sometimes goes missing.

    Phoenix resident Mark kept getting passed from one representative to another. “I kept repeating myself because I can never talk to the same person. I call back and I had to say the same exact things over and over. It was terrible and very frustrating.”

  • High fees with minimal results: Many report paying thousands only to have the company set up a payment plan they could have arranged themselves, with no reduction in what they owe.
  • Aggressive upfront sales tactics followed by service delays: Clients share that the sales team is attentive until payment is made, after which updates become infrequent and case progress slows.

How to choose a tax relief company in Phoenix

Hiring a tax relief company in Phoenix means more than trusting a flashy ad. Start by checking the credentials of anyone who will represent you, compare written quotes from several firms and prioritize those offering a free consultation — not high-pressure sales. Here’s a simple process to follow:

1. Verify credentials and check for complaints

Before you sign anything, ask for proof of licensing. Only certain professionals can represent you before the IRS: Enrolled Agents (EAs), Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and tax attorneys.

Verify credentials:

If a company refuses to provide these, that’s a red flag.

Review complaints: Read reviews from Arizona residents, especially recent ones. Watch for patterns — like poor communication or representatives changing often — that suggest trouble after you pay.

2. Compare written quotes from multiple firms

Request written estimates from at least three companies. Most Phoenix tax relief cases cost $2,500 to $7,500, depending on complexity.

Fee structures:

  • Flat fees are the norm and give you cost certainty
  • Hourly charges ($200 to $400 per hour) are usually for court cases only
  • If a company uses percentage-based pricing, be cautious

Watch for hidden charges: Make sure your quote includes everything — avoid extra fees for IRS transcripts or document filings.

3. Understand the consultation & process

A legitimate tax relief company will offer a free initial consult to discuss your tax needs and clarify your options. During this meeting, expect the company to:

  • Ask about your income, assets and tax history in detail
  • Outline which tax relief strategies might apply
  • Describe how the process works and how long it could take
  • Share how you’ll be kept informed
  • Offer references or examples from similar Phoenix clients

If you’re rushed or pressured to sign before you’re ready, walk away.

4. Understand what can actually be guaranteed

No trustworthy firm will promise a specific result without the IRS reviewing your case first. Steer clear of any company that says “we’ll cut your bill by 60%” or gives you a guaranteed dollar amount.

Legitimate firms will explain:

  • What steps they’ll handle (collecting documents, negotiating, talking to the IRS)
  • Their communication plan
  • Expected time frames for your case type
  • What might be achievable but not guaranteed

» OPTIONS: Will an offer in compromise work for you?

The tax relief process

Knowing what to expect can keep you from falling for empty promises. Tax relief is not a quick process, and most cases take months, not weeks.

  • Simple cases (straightforward payment plans, no back returns, minor penalties): 30 to 60 days from start to finish.
  • Moderate cases (one or two back years, several penalties): Three to six months, as the IRS verifies your filings and reviews your information.
  • Complex cases (multiple back years, business tax issues, large penalties): Six to 12 months or more, especially if the ADOR is also involved and further documents are needed

The tax relief process:

  1. Your company gathers your tax documents and financial details, then figures out what you could realistically pay.
  2. It contacts the IRS or the ADOR for you — only licensed professionals can do this on your behalf.
  3. Once an agreement is reached, you begin making payments.

Interest and penalties keep adding up until your debt is fully paid, even while you’re negotiating. Acting fast matters, but rushing into a bad agreement can cost you more.

» LEARN: How to file back taxes

Tax relief costs

The cost of tax relief can swing widely based on your case. While basic penalty abatement may be only a few hundred dollars, most Phoenix cases — especially those with both IRS and state debt — land between $2,500 and $7,500. Complicated cases with business tax, audits or legal trouble can be much higher.

The chart below highlights what you might expect at each complexity level.

Cost by complexity level

How to cap your costs:

Set up state tax plans on ADOR’s website.
  • Always demand a flat-fee written agreement
  • Avoid hourly billing for standard tax relief services
  • Clarify what’s included and what’s extra upfront

The ADOR does not charge a setup fee for its payment plans, but interest accrues on the unpaid balance. The IRS charges a setup fee for its long-term payment plans.

Before you hire: Consider these tax relief alternatives

Not every tax situation requires a professional. Think through these alternatives before hiring a firm:

  • Work directly with the IRS: If your case is simple and under $50,000, use the IRS’s online payment plan tool and skip the middleman.
  • Low-income taxpayer clinics: Free or reduced-cost assistance is available locally if you meet income requirements.
  • Hire a CPA or tax attorney on your own: Going direct can avoid markup fees.
  • Do it yourself: If your debt is below $10,000 and you just need a payment plan, you can often resolve things yourself and save money.

» OPTIONS: What to do when you get a letter from the IRS

FAQ

How do you qualify for tax relief?

The requirements depend on the relief program. If you want a payment plan, you’ll need to show you can’t pay in full but can afford monthly installments. For an offer in compromise, you must prove that your assets and income aren’t enough to pay the debt in time. The IRS looks at your “reasonable collection potential” to decide.

Are tax relief companies legit?

Yes, plenty of tax relief companies are reputable, with actual credentials and results. But there are scams too. Check for licensing, read reviews and be wary of guaranteed results or pushy sales. Trustworthy companies are open about their process.

How is Phoenix tax debt different from federal taxes?

Phoenix tax debt is typically with two agencies: federal debt (IRS) and state income tax (Arizona Department of Revenue). Phoenix city taxes (like sales tax) are collected by the state, simplifying local debt.

What happens if I ignore Phoenix tax debt?

Ignoring Arizona tax debt allows ADOR to file a state tax lien, which can damage your credit. The state can then garnish your wages, levy your bank accounts and seize property.

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 Phoenix, then evaluated which performed best for local residents.

We prioritized reviews from Phoenix and Arizona 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. Arizona Department of Revenue, "Home." Accessed Nov. 17, 2025.
  2. Arizona State Board of Accountancy, "Arizona Board of Accountancy." Accessed Nov. 17, 2025.
  3. Defense Tax Partners, "Phoenix Tax Relief." Accessed Nov. 17, 2025.
  4. Internal Revenue Service, "Verify the status of an enrolled agent." Accessed Nov. 17, 2025.

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