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Best Tax Relief Companies in Sacramento

We compared 42 brands and chose the top tax relief companies

  • Best overall
    Priority Tax Relief
    4.4(92)
  • Staff expertise
    Community Tax
    4.3(853)
  • Satisfaction guarantee
    Larson Tax Relief
    4.9(567)
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By: Matt Zane
+1 more
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Edited by: Cassidy McCants

Best Tax Relief Companies in Sacramento

Priority Tax Relief is the best tax relief company in Sacramento, based on recent reviews from local clients. Community Tax is a good choice if you want knowledgeable staff well-versed in tax law, and Larson Tax Relief stands out for its satisfaction guarantee.

Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
  • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
  • 4,887,169 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 Sacramento

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

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

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

Best overall

Priority Tax Relief

Priority Tax Relief
4.4
92 reviews
Staff
Attorneys, enrolled agents, CPAs
Free consultation
Yes
Guarantee
3 to 10 days
Learn More Read Reviews

Priority Tax Relief has a proven track record in California, with a team that includes tax attorneys, enrolled agents and CPAs. This mix of expertise allows the company to tackle a wide variety of state and federal tax issues, including situations with the California Franchise Tax Board. Priority Tax Relief is also open to working with clients who have lower tax debt amounts.

What to consider:
The money-back guarantee at Priority Tax Relief is only valid for three business days after signing up.

Pros
  • Low tax debt requirement
  • Offers a 100% money-back guarantee
  • Accreditation since 2007
Cons
  • Guarantee period is only three business days
  • 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

California customers consistently praise Priority Tax Relief for its compassionate, knowledgeable and professional support, highlighting clear communication, personalized guidance and meaningful relief from stressful IRS debt issues.

“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 cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional service I received from Priority Tax Relief and Corey **. From the very beginning, their timeliness, professionalism, and compassion stood out. … I was able to sleep at night, knowing that my case was in capable hands.”
Tina Dana Point, CA
Best staff expertise

Community Tax

Community Tax
4.3
853 reviews
Staff
Attorneys, enrolled agent, CPAs
Free consultation
Yes
Guarantee
100% money-back guarantee
Read Reviews

Community Tax stands out in Sacramento for its team structure — every client gets access to a mix of tax professionals, including CPAs, enrolled agents and licensed tax attorneys. The company’s broad service menu suggests it can handle nearly any tax issue from start to finish, which is especially useful if your tax situation is intertwined with other financial matters.

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

Clients in the Sacramento area describe Community Tax as professional, communicative and helpful in resolving long-standing IRS issues, and reviews highlight the team’s knowledgeable guidance and consistent updates. However, some reviewers note high costs and slow processes.

“Community Tax assisted me with my IRS Account. The agents were very courteous, professional and proficient. They were also very timely with correspondence and also kept me up to date on the progress of our issues. I would recommend them to anyone who needs assistance with IRS issues.”
Joseph Sacramento, CA
“I heard about Community Tax on the radio, then I called them and asked a couple questions. I liked what I heard so I went with them. Now, everything has been taken care of with the IRS so I’m happy. I would recommend them.”
Efren Sacramento, CA
Best satisfaction guarantee

Larson Tax Relief

Larson Tax Relief
4.9
567 reviews
Staff
Enrolled agents
Free consultation
Yes
Guarantee
30 days
Learn More Read Reviews

Larson Tax Relief is unique in Sacramento because it gives you 15 days from your first payment to decide if you want to continue — and if not, you get your money back. That’s much longer than most competitors offer and lowers the risk of trying the service. This policy is especially helpful if you have a larger tax debt or a complex situation and want time to evaluate.

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

Reviews overwhelmingly praise Larson for its professionalism, clear communication and strong results. California clients often describe significant tax savings, reduced stress and a sense of relief. Though some reviewers report a lack of action.

“Larson Tax Relief has been an absolute Godsend for me. I was able to settle years of back taxes. 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
“Larson Financial was stellar in helping us with tax debt. Michael ** was on our case. He was honest, patient, helpful, kind, and most importantly got us the best plan possible. Michael was attentive, reliable and communicative. We are very appreciative and thankful. We feel a huge sense of relief.”
Karen Studio City, CA
“Larson Tax Relief have worked on my issues with the IRS and State. They have been so proactive and so helpful with my needs. They were able to resolve my issues for a very low cost. This is the company you want to utilize for any tax problems you may have.”
Gaylord Los Angeles, CA

» READ MORE: Best tax relief companies in California

Best tax relief companies in nearby cities

Tax Relief in Sacramento, CA Buyers Guide

Jump into our guides and start learning

In this guide

Top Picks

See who reviewers like

Priority Tax Relief logo
Community Tax logo
Larson Tax Relief logo
See our top picks

Simplify your search

Compare tax relief providers that match your needs.

Facing tax collectors in Sacramento often means dealing with two major agencies: the IRS and the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB). The FTB has a long, generally 20-year period to collect state tax debts. We’re here to help you connect with a qualified professional who can navigate both federal and California tax authorities effectively.

Key insights

Focus on finding a pro with deep experience battling the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB).

Jump to insight

A California tax pro will first file a Power of Attorney with the FTB and IRS. They will work to stop any state-level wage garnishments before negotiating a final payment plan or settlement.

Jump to insight

A dual-agency (IRS and FTB) case in Sacramento typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000. A flat-fee agreement is crucial.

Jump to insight

How to choose a tax relief company in Sacramento

To choose the right tax relief company in Sacramento, start by checking credentials, getting quotes from multiple firms and reading reviews written by other Californians. Here’s what matters most:

1. Verify credentials and check for complaints

Ask every company for proof of licensing before you hire. You can confirm enrolled agents on the IRS website and verify CPAs with the California Board of Accountancy. If a company will not provide credentials, consider that a red flag. Look for feedback from California clients, especially in the Sacramento area.

The most common complaints about tax relief companies we see on ConsumerAffairs include:

  • Poor communication and unresponsive representatives: Many customers share stories about calls and emails going unanswered for weeks, making it hard to get the help they need or to know the status of their case.

    Wilma from Sacramento described to us the exact opposite of what you should expect from your chosen tax relief company: “I called to speak with someone and ask the questions and it would go to the voicemail, which might take a week, 2 weeks, or even more for them to get back to me.”

  • Multiple representative changes: Some clients end up telling their story over and over because their case is passed from one representative to another, which often results in paperwork getting lost and delays in progress.
  • High fees with minimal results: Clients often express frustration after paying high fees yet seeing little or no reduction in their tax debt, with some companies only setting up basic payment plans that clients could easily set up themselves.
  • Aggressive upfront sales tactics followed by service delays: Some companies are quick to collect payment but become difficult to reach and slow to respond once you've paid, leaving clients feeling neglected.
  • Requesting the same documents repeatedly: Customers frequently have to resubmit the same paperwork multiple times, with companies sometimes claiming items were never received, even when proof of sending exists.

2. Compare fees from at least three companies

Get detailed, written price quotes from three different firms. Sacramento tax relief typically ranges from $2,500 to $7,500, depending on your situation. Most companies charge a flat fee, making costs clearer. Watch out for companies that tack on charges for simple services like pulling IRS transcripts or making phone calls. Those should be included.

3. Ask about the consultation process

A reliable company should offer a free first consultation, during which it reviews your case and gives you a realistic overview of your options. If you feel rushed, pressed to sign quickly or get vague answers, move on to another firm.

4. Understand what they can actually guarantee

No legitimate company will promise you a specific outcome before it has reviewed your records and spoken with the IRS or FTB. Ethical companies will be clear about what they can do and how they’ll communicate, but won’t make guarantees about settlements or results upfront.

» COMPARE: Top tax relief firms

What is tax relief?

Tax relief means working out a solution to past-due taxes with the IRS or the California Franchise Tax Board. This can involve negotiating a payment plan, cutting your debt total or stopping collection actions like wage garnishments.

The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) is the primary state collector and is often more aggressive than the IRS. It can issue high-percentage wage garnishments and bank levies, backed by a twenty-year statute of limitations.

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

The company you hire will collect your financial records and figure out what you can realistically pay. A licensed professional will contact the IRS or the California Franchise Tax Board on your behalf. Once a resolution is reached, you’ll move to the payment phase.

From start to finish, the tax relief steps can take a few months. If your case just needs a payment plan, it could be completed in 30 to 60 days. More complicated cases — such as those with multiple unfiled returns or business debt — may take much longer, especially if the IRS requests more documentation.

Common Sacramento tax problems

One of the major collection risks for Sacramento residents is the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB). The FTB can be particularly powerful: it generally has a 20-year window to collect unpaid tax liabilities, and for wage garnishments, it can withhold up to 25% of your pay.

» LEARN: How to file back taxes

Tax relief costs

Most tax relief cases cost $2,500 to $7,500. Flat fees are the norm, so you know what you’ll pay upfront. Hourly rates, usually between $200 and $400, are less common and apply mostly to complicated tax litigation. Avoid companies charging a percentage of your debt. That’s rare and could be a sign of a scam.

Set up state tax plans via 'MyFTB' at ftb.ca.gov.

Watch for hidden fees, such as transcript requests, POA filing fees or extra meeting charges. These should be included in your main quote. Always get a written agreement. The FTB charges a setup fee to establish an installment agreement. This fee is added to your total balance, so you do not have to pay it upfront to get the plan started.

Cost by service type

Tax relief warning signs: Red flags to avoid

The tax relief industry includes both reputable firms and scam operations. Recognizing the warning signs can help you avoid falling for a company that promises more than it delivers. Be wary if you notice any of these:

CA state tax liens (and federal) are valid for ten years.
  • 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

What are the alternatives to tax relief companies?

You can work with the IRS directly using its online payment system for simple cases. Low-income taxpayer clinics may help if you qualify. You could also hire a CPA or tax attorney on your own. If your case is simple, you might handle it yourself and save money.

How long does the IRS have to collect back taxes?

The IRS generally has 10 years from the date your tax was assessed to collect. This timeline can be put on pause by things like bankruptcy, certain appeals or an offer in compromise, which could add extra years.

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

Federal (IRS) payments are made at IRS.gov. State (FTB) payments and installment agreements can be set up online through the 'MyFTB' portal at ftb.ca.gov.

Does Sacramento offer hardship relief or payment plans?

Yes, the FTB offers installment agreements (payment plans) and an 'offer in compromise' program to settle debt for less than you owe, though eligibility is based on 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 Sacramento, then evaluated which performed best for local residents. We prioritized reviews from Sacramento 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. California Board of Accountancy, "California Board of Accountancy." Accessed Nov. 19, 2025.
  2. California Franchise Tax Board, "California Franchise Tax Board." Accessed Nov. 19, 2025.
  3. State of California Franchise Tax Board, "Statute of limitations (SOL) on collection actions." Accessed Nov. 19, 2025.
  4. California Tax Service Center, "California Tax Service Center." Accessed Nov. 19, 2025.
  5. Find Law, "California Code, Revenue and Taxation Code." Accessed Nov. 19, 2025.

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