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Best Tax Relief Companies in Pittsburgh

We compared 40 brands and chose the top tax relief companies

  • Best overall
    Larson Tax Relief
    4.9(569)
  • Staff expertise
    Community Tax
    4.3(853)
  • Customer service
    Fortress Tax Relief
    5.0(258)
Author picture
By: Tom Rains

Best Tax Relief Companies in Pittsburgh

Larson Tax Relief is the best tax relief company in Pittsburgh, based on recent reviews from local clients. Community Tax is a good choice if you want specialists with years of experience. Fortress Tax Relief stands out for its well-reviewed customer support.

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Our 3 tax relief company picks in Pittsburgh

  1. Best overall: Larson Tax Relief
  2. Best staff expertise: Community Tax
  3. Best customer service: Fortress Tax Relief

Our research team analyzed the tax relief providers serving Pittsburgh. We selected the most qualified companies by weighing verified local reviews, the experience of their staff and the strength of their 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 Pittsburgh tax relief company picks

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

Best overall

Larson Tax Relief

Larson Tax Relief
4.9
569 reviews
Staff
Enrolled agents
Free consultation
Yes
Guarantee
30 days
BBB rating
A+
Get Started Read Reviews

Larson Tax Relief has a long track record of helping Pittsburgh residents navigate the city’s uniquely challenging tax system. Clients appreciate the company’s 15-day money-back guarantee and its willingness to handle cases involving state and local agencies, in addition to IRS issues.

What to consider: Larson Tax Relief sets a minimum tax debt requirement 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

Pennsylvania reviewers praise Larson for its professionalism, expertise and communication in helping them navigate IRS issues. Many reviewers mention staff members by name, stating that Larson exceeded expectations and alleviated financial stress.

“My husband and I have been trying to settle our tax liens with our accountant for years… I cannot say enough good things about the people at Larson Tax Relief. They took away the dread that we felt every day for years until we put our fate in their hands and they did not let us down!”
Nina Collegeville, PA
“I owed hundreds of thousands of dollars to the IRS. … Not only did we find a resolution to minimize the debt to only a couple percent of the original amount but Larson has made it as easy as possible. I can’t recommend them enough for all the work that they have done for me and my family.”
Caleb Northampton, PA
“Larson took excellent care of our tax issues. They took care of everything quickly and professionally. You will be impressed, amazed and grateful that you hired Larson.”
Dawn Cheltenham, PA
Best customer service

Fortress Tax Relief

Fortress Tax Relief
5.0
258 reviews
Staff
Attorneys
Free consultation
Yes
Guarantee
24-hour money-back guarantee
BBB rating
A+
Read Reviews

At Fortress Tax Relief, every case is handled by a tax attorney. For Pittsburgh cases that might involve the IRS as well as state and local tax agencies, this level of expertise can be crucial. Clients appreciate the team’s responsiveness and ability to unpack complex problems to help them easily navigate difficult situations.

What to consider: Fortress Tax Relief's money-back guarantee is only valid for 24 hours after your initial meeting with an attorney.

Pros
  • Licensed tax attorneys handle all cases
  • Specializes in high-debt cases
  • Unique solutions for unusual tax problems
  • Operating since 2003
Cons
  • High minimum debt requirement of $20,000
  • High price for complex cases
  • Appeals
  • Business and individual tax relief
  • Creative tax resolutions
  • Currently not collectible (CNC) status
  • Innocent spouse tax relief
  • Installment agreements
  • Offer in compromise (OIC)
  • Penalty abatement
  • Trust Fund Recovery Penalties (TFRP)

Pennsylvania reviewers say Fortress Tax Relief is highly responsive, knowledgeable and empathetic. Staff communicate clearly and achieve strong outcomes, such as stopping IRS collection actions and securing affordable payment plans.

“I was at the point of collection action from a very aggressive IRS Revenue Officer who was more concerned with putting my company out of business. I was greatly relieved after Fortress filed an appeal showing that I was in compliance with current taxes and it was accepted. Very highly recommended!”
Complete Healthcare Upper Darby, PA
“I was at my wits’ end because I owed thousands of dollars in back taxes to the IRS. .... Initially, I tried another tax place but the guy I talked to laughed at me ... after that I called Fortress. .... I would recommend them to anyone who feels like they are in over their heads when it comes to the IRS.”
Christie Bethlehem, PA
“The team at Fortress was extremely responsive and helpful with my unique situation. The outcome more than made up for the fee for their services. There was no doubt that their vast experience and knowledge of how things work made the difference. I highly recommend.”
Adam Dingmans Ferry, PA

Tax Relief in Pittsburgh, PA 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
Fortress Tax Relief logo
See our top picks

Simplify your search

Compare tax relief providers that match your needs.

Pittsburgh residents must navigate a three-agency tax system that can make debt more complicated. Taxpayers might owe money to the IRS, the state of Pennsylvania and the city's private local tax collector, Jordan Tax Service. This guide will help you find a specialist who can handle all three agencies.

Key insights

Hire a specialist who understands Pennsylvania's unique three-pronged tax system: federal (IRS), state (PA DOR) and local (collected by a private firm, Jordan Tax Service).

Jump to insight

A pro will first negotiate with the IRS and PA DOR. Then, they will use those approved payment plans to negotiate with Jordan Tax Service.

Jump to insight

Resolving debt with three agencies, including a private collector for local taxes, is complex. Expect fees to range from $4,000 to $10,000.

Jump to insight

How to choose a tax relief company in Pittsburgh

Selecting a tax relief firm in Pittsburgh requires more than just picking a national brand. Because of the city’s layered tax system, you need someone with real experience handling federal, state and local cases. Here are the most important steps to take to make your decision:

1. Verify credentials and check for complaints

Before you hire anyone, ask for proof of licensing. You can check for IRS enrolled agents and use the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy to verify CPA licenses. If a company hesitates to provide documentation, that is a major warning sign.

Be sure to read online reviews from Pennsylvania residents. The most common complaints about tax relief companies we see on ConsumerAffairs include:

  • Poor communication and unresponsive representatives: Many people say that after signing up, it becomes nearly impossible to get updates. Calls and emails go unanswered, and important questions get ignored for weeks at a time.

    Gregory from Douglassville dealt with this firsthand: “My experience in communicating with their reps was poor because they didn't get back to me and I feel like I didn't get anything for my money … The service was non-existent.”

  • Multiple representative changes: Clients get shuffled between staff members, each needing the full story again. This leads to confusion, frustration and lost paperwork.
  • High fees with minimal results: Some customers spend thousands only to find out the company merely set up a payment plan with no real reduction in the amount owed.
  • Aggressive upfront sales tactics followed by service delays: Clients often describe a pushy sales process before payment, with the speed and quality of support decreasing post-payment.
  • Requesting the same documents repeatedly: Customers are frequently asked to resend paperwork multiple times, which slows down the process and adds stress.

2. Compare fees from at least three companies

Request written quotes from several providers. Tax relief usually costs between $2,500 and $7,500, depending on the details of your case.

Most companies in this industry use flat-rate pricing, which makes it easier to see what you’ll pay from the start. Avoid firms that tack on extra charges for pulling IRS transcripts or making phone calls — these basic services should be included in a firm’s flat rate.

Hire a pro experienced with IRS, PA state and Jordan Tax Service.

3. Ask about the consultation process

A reputable company will offer a free first consultation where someone listens to your story and walks you through potential next steps. If you feel rushed, pressured to sign or you can’t get clear answers, talk to another company.

4. Understand what they can actually guarantee

No reputable company will promise you a particular outcome before reviewing your tax records. Honest firms will explain the steps they’ll take and how you’ll be kept in the loop if you move forward. Beware of anyone who guarantees a settlement up front.

» COMPARE: Best tax relief firms

What is tax relief?

Tax relief is the process of reducing or managing unpaid tax debt by working with the IRS or the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Solutions may include negotiating payment terms, lowering the amount owed or stopping collection actions like levies and garnishments.

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

Once you choose a company, the first step is gathering your tax history and figuring out what you can realistically pay. Only a licensed professional can contact the IRS or the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue for you. After your case is reviewed, the company negotiates on your behalf, and you’ll either settle your debt or enter a payment plan.

PA Taxpayer Rights Advocate: 717-772-9347.

For most, the process can take several months, especially if you have multiple years of unfiled returns or complicated business debts. Some basic cases, like arranging a payment plan, can be wrapped up in a month or two. More complex situations often take longer to resolve.

Common Pittsburgh tax problems

Pittsburgh’s three-headed tax system leaves many taxpayers confused — especially when it comes to notices from Jordan Tax Service regarding the local tax. According to WESA’s reporting, “Some even say they didn’t pay their local taxes for years because, when they got mail from Jordan, they thought it was a scam.”

» LEARN: How to file back taxes

Tax relief costs

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

Be careful to check for hidden add-on fees, such as charges for transcripts, power of attorney filings or extra meetings. These should be included in your main quote. Always get a detailed contract before making any payment.

Pennsylvania does not charge a setup fee for a state payment plan. Jordan Tax Service charges "convenience fees" for online credit/debit card and eCheck payments for local taxes. Contact Jordan directly to confirm any additional fees you should be aware of.

Cost by service type

Types of tax debt relief services

Depending on your circumstances, a tax relief company in Pittsburgh may offer several solutions:

  • Installment agreements are the most common route. You pay what you owe over a certain timeframe. You can often set one up online yourself if you owe less than $50,000.

    You can set up a state payment plan online via the 'myPATH' portal. For the local EIT tax, you must call Jordan Tax Service directly to negotiate a payment arrangement.

  • Offers in compromise let you settle for less, but the IRS only accepts about 25% of requests.
  • Currently not collectible status temporarily stops collection if you're facing hardship. However, interest and penalties continue to grow.
  • Penalty abatement removes penalties if you have reasonable cause, like serious illness, a natural disaster or a death in the family.
  • Innocent spouse relief applies if your spouse caused the tax problem without your knowledge.
  • Lien and levy release removes legal claims against your property or stops wage and bank account seizures if you can demonstrate immediate financial hardship.

A Pennsylvania state tax lien is filed with the county Prothonotary and is valid for ten years. Jordan Tax Service can also file liens on behalf of the city to collect delinquent local taxes.

» OPTIONS: How a compromise offer works

FAQ

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

If you’re unable to pay, you can request currently not collectible status, which pauses IRS collection actions (though interest and penalties will still add up). There’s also a partial payment installment agreement, where you pay what you can afford, and the rest may be forgiven if the collection period runs out.

Can tax debt be discharged in bankruptcy?

Certain income tax debts can be wiped out in bankruptcy, but strict rules apply. The debt must be at least three years old, with returns filed at least two years before your bankruptcy and the tax assessed at least 240 days earlier. Payroll taxes and recent income taxes can’t be discharged.

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

Pay your federal taxes at IRS.gov. Pay your state taxes at 'myPATH' (revenue.pa.gov). Pay your local Pittsburgh EIT to Jordan Tax Service (jordantax.com) or by calling 412-345-7966.

Does Pittsburgh offer hardship relief or payment plans?

Yes, the IRS and PA DOR offer payment plans and 'offer in compromise' settlements. You can also negotiate payment arrangements for local tax debt directly with Jordan Tax Service.

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 Pittsburgh, then evaluated which performed best for local residents.

We prioritized reviews from Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania 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. Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, “Department of Revenue.” Accessed Nov. 12, 2025.
  2. Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy, “State Board of Accountancy.” Accessed Nov. 12, 2025.
  3. 90.5 WESA Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting, “How Jordan Tax Service got so big in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.” Accessed Nov. 12, 2025.

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