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Best Tax Relief Companies

We compared 38 brands and chose the top tax relief companies

  • Best overall
    Larson Tax Relief
    4.8(531)
  • Customer service
    Fortress Tax Relief
    5.0(252)
  • Satisfaction guarantee
    Priority Tax Relief
    4.9(55)
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By: Ashley Eneriz
+1 more
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Edited by: Cassidy McCants

Best Tax Relief Companies

Our top choice for the best tax relief company is Larson Tax Relief. BC Tax was our pick for satisfaction guarantee and Priority Tax Relief scored the top spot for customer service. We carefully narrowed down our top choices by evaluating each company based on costs, tax debt requirements, availability and customer reviews. This approach ensured that we highlighted companies offering the best value, broad accessibility and a track record of positive customer experiences.

Our top 3 picks for tax relief companies

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

We narrowed down the best tax relief companies for you by comparing costs, tax debt requirements, availability and customer reviews. All of the companies featured offer free consultations, so reaching out for a clearer idea about pricing could help you choose the right company for your situation.

All information accurate as of time of publication.
Best overall

Larson Tax Relief

Larson Tax Relief
4.8
531 reviews
Availability
Nationwide
Staff
Enrolled agents
Free consultation
Yes
Money-back guarantee offered
15-day money-back guarantee
Learn More Read Reviews

We picked Larson Tax Relief as the best overall tax relief company for several reasons. The company has been around for nearly 20 years and offers a range of tax relief services backed by a 15-day money-back guarantee. Customer reviews are outstanding, with no reviews rating the company under three stars. The overwhelming majority of reviews are five stars.

Larson Tax Relief’s staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and the track record of results is truly impressive. In fact, the company even publishes redacted results that demonstrate its expertise, something we don’t typically see.

Pros

  • Family-owned and operated company
  • 15-day money-back guarantee on services
  • Outstanding reviews across the board
  • Can help with a wide variety of tax situations

Cons

  • No published prices — need to call for a consultation
“... I am over the moon at what my final resolution came out to be. I can't say enough about how this company has saved my financial situation as well as my family. I am now a client for life.”
Patrick Lockport, IL
“Larson Tax Relief has been a tremendous help in dealing with our taxes ... I would not go anywhere else for assistance.”
Shelley Lees Summit, MO
Although Larson Tax Relief seems like an excellent company and even offers a 15-day money-back guarantee, it’s important to remember that they likely can’t guarantee a specific result. That said, customers seem to be almost universally happy with the outcome of Larson Tax Relief’s work.
Best customer service

Fortress Tax Relief

Fortress Tax Relief
5.0
252 reviews
Availability
50 states
Staff
Attorneys
Free consultation
Yes
Money-back guarantee offered
24-hour money-back guarantee
Learn More Read Reviews

We selected Fortress Tax Relief for best customer service thanks to glowing customer reviews citing the friendly, professional and highly knowledgeable staff. Licensed tax attorneys handle each case, so you can be sure you’ve got as much know-how and experience as possible working in your favor — particularly important with complex tax cases.

Fortress Tax Relief also scores very highly with reviewers, who praise the responsiveness of the team and the results they got. The company handles a range of tax situations, from appeals and innocent spouse relief to offers in compromise (where you pay less than you owe).

Pros

  • Licensed tax attorneys handle each case
  • High satisfaction scores
  • Outstanding customer service

Cons

  • The money-back guarantee is only good for 24 hours
“... They stay on top of things and are always an email or phone call away to answer any questions or concerns we might have!! Highly recommend them!!”
Luke Arlington, TX
“Amazing service!!! … They answer all your questions and are honest about what they can do for you. I would highly recommend fortress tax relief.”
Juan Hawthorne, CA
The main consideration with Fortress Tax Relief is the money-back guarantee — it’s only good for 24 hours after your initial meeting with your tax attorneys. Compared to some other companies, that’s not much time to decide whether you’ll stick with Fortress. That said, the company has excellent reviews all around, which may help ease the decision-making process.
Best satisfaction guarantee

Priority Tax Relief

Priority Tax Relief
4.9
55 reviews
Availability
Nationwide
Staff
Attorneys, enrolled agents, CPAs
Free consultation
Yes
Money-back guarantee offered
Three-day satisfaction guarantee; 50% refund from third through 10th day
Learn More Read Reviews

We selected Priority Tax Relief for the best satisfaction guarantee thanks to its 100% money-back guarantee. After you sign an agreement, you have three days to decide if you’re satisfied with the results. If not, the company will issue a full refund. Although the time frame for the decision is shorter than competitors, it’s the simplest and most comprehensive guarantee we’ve seen.

Priority Tax Relief is also noteworthy for its clear process. The company breaks things down into three steps so that customers always know where they’re at on their tax relief journey. Finally, the dedicated client support line is nice for those sudden questions that can pop up during complex tax relief scenarios.

Pros

  • Clear process with ongoing support
  • Money-back guarantee within the first three days
  • Dedicated client support line

Cons

  • No pricing info available online
“... The entire team made me feel comfortable and truly cared for during what was a very stressful time. I wholeheartedly recommend Priority Tax Relief.”
Tina Dana Point, CA
“My experience is amazing especially working with customer service. They were extremely helpful. … I would would highly recommend to anybody who wants tax relief.”
Jake Cheney, WA
Like most tax relief providers, you’ll need to go through a consultation process to get an idea of pricing. That said, many customers found the company’s communication and service to be excellent, so we don’t think this is too big an issue.
Best staff expertise

Five Star Tax Resolution

Five Star Tax Resolution
4.7
97 reviews
Availability
50 states
Staff
Attorneys, enrolled agent, CPAs
Free consultation
Real-time chat sessions
Money-back guarantee offered
30-day money-back guarantee
Read Reviews

We selected Five Star Tax Resolution for staff expertise. The company boasts over 30 years of experience in tax law, and reviewers praise the clear communication, expert knowledge and effective processes used by the company.

Five Star Tax Resolution is also notable for employing a variety of tax professionals, from attorneys to CPAs to IRS Enrolled Agents. This ensures the right person is available for each case. And, like many tax relief companies, Five Star Tax Resolution offers a money-back guarantee.

Pros

  • Variety of tax professionals on staff
  • Over 30 years of experience in tax law
  • Available in all 50 states

Cons

  • Consultation required for pricing
“They handled everything from start to finish and kept me in the loop the whole time. … Professional, reliable, and genuinely helpful throughout the process!”
Charlotte Orange, CA
“... They took the time to go over my options and found a way to reduce my overall balance. I can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. Highly recommend their help!”
Matthias Orange, CA
Five Star Tax Resolution offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on its services. However, the refund only applies to payments made towards the investigation phase of the company’s process. This makes the guarantee a bit less comprehensive than other tax relief companies.

Tax Relief Buyers Guide

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In this guide

Top Picks

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Tax relief buyers guide

Owing the state or the IRS can be overwhelming, but you don't have to tackle the nuances of the tax code alone. In this guide, you’ll learn how tax relief services work, which tax relief options are available to you and how a tax relief company can help you negotiate with the IRS and potentially reduce your overall tax liability.

Key insights

How much the IRS or state agency will settle for depends on how much you owe and how much the IRS deems you can afford.

Jump to insight

Due to the uniqueness of each person’s tax debt situation, many companies do not publish service fees online. Tax relief companies might charge as little as $250 for penalty abatement or upward of $10,000 for an OIC case.

Jump to insight

Most tax relief companies or attorneys offer the following services to help you reduce or manage your tax debt. Some offer additional services that can help you stay compliant with future taxes.

Jump to insight

What is tax relief and how does it work?

Tax relief is any reduction or removal of liability in taxes owed by an individual taxpayer or business entity. Tax relief companies employ tax experts, including tax attorneys, certified public accountants (CPAs) and enrolled agents, who serve as intermediaries between their clients and the government. These tax experts work with the IRS or your local tax authority to find ways to resolve your tax debt.

It can take months or years to achieve tax relief. Patience and professional assistance are key.

When you work with a tax relief company, its professionals negotiate a tax relief program for you. Some IRS tax relief programs remove improper tax liabilities. For example, innocent spouse relief shields one spouse from the tax, interest and penalties that result from the other spouse's erroneous tax return.

What to do when you owe back taxes

When you owe more taxes than you can afford or don’t pay the full amount, you will owe back taxes. If you owe the IRS or local taxing authorities, you must make arrangements to repay or reduce the debt. You can’t reschedule the debt, but you can set up a payment plan.

“Most of the time, the IRS sends letters to taxpayers due to proposed reductions to their tax refunds or additional amounts owed,” said Kevin Matthews, an accounting professor at the George Mason University School of Business.

“Not addressing these notices can be risky, as the IRS usually will make the reduced credit or additional expense stick, leaving the client with a bill that they shouldn’t have to pay. Furthermore, they can levy money if the amount is not paid, and/or the IRS can also put a garnishment on payments or wages received to get their taxes paid.”

How much does tax relief cost?

Tax relief companies might charge as little as $250 for penalty abatement or upward of $10,000 for an OIC case. Generally, the price of tax resolution services varies based on the complexity of the case.

After a free initial consultation, tax relief agents usually charge a $400 to $600 setup fee. Tax relief companies vary on how they bill clients after this, however. Tax resolution fees can be based on billable time, your debt level or a flat fee.

Types of tax debt relief services

Most tax relief companies or attorneys offer the following services to help you reduce or manage your tax debt. Other services, like releasing wage garnishments, stop the IRS from seizing your wages or assets to pay back taxes.

Offers in compromise

An offer in compromise (OIC) is an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS that settles your tax liabilities for less than the full amount owed. Depending on your circumstances, an OIC may be the smartest way to handle your tax debts. An offer in compromise shrinks your tax liability based on what the IRS determines you can realistically pay.

To qualify for an OIC, you must meet the eligibility requirements set by the IRS and complete its online application. To determine what percentage of your tax bill you can pay, the IRS has you take a means test to assess your income, physical assets and expenses.

In some cases, the IRS will not settle or accept an OIC, and the taxpayer will be responsible for their full tax debt.

Installment agreement

An installment agreement is a monthly payment plan set up with the IRS where you pay your tax debt over a certain period of time. Unlike an OIC, you will pay the total amount of tax owed plus any penalties and interest that have accrued.

Penalty abatement

Tax penalty abatement waives IRS penalties for valid reasons. You might qualify if you:

  • Were penalty-free for three years before receiving the penalty you’re attempting to have waived.
  • Filed an extension request or if you paid or plan to pay the amount due.
  • Paid off the penalty before requesting the penalty abatement.
Currently not collectible

CNC status, also called a hardship extension, can be used to stop an IRS tax lien, levy, seizure or termination of an installment agreement. The IRS declares a taxpayer currently not collectible only if the taxpayer has no way to pay their debt while still paying basic living expenses. Once you receive CNC status, the IRS reviews your case annually to determine whether your financial situation has changed. Any tax refunds you qualify for may be kept by the IRS and applied to your outstanding tax debts.

Additional services
  • Innocent spouse relief: If your current or former spouse has a tax debt that you should not be responsible for, you can request innocent spouse relief. You could qualify for innocent spouse relief if your spouse or former spouse omitted or improperly reported items, including capital gains, on your joint tax return. To apply for innocent spouse relief, you must file Form 8857 no later than two years after the date on which the IRS first attempted to collect the tax from you.
  • IRS Fresh Start program: The IRS Fresh Start program is a streamlined installment plan that makes it easier for individuals and small businesses to pay back taxes while avoiding tax liens, interest, penalties, garnishments or seizure of assets. It began in 2011 for taxpayers who owe less than $50,000 and earn less than $100,000 per year, but the IRS expanded the program to include more flexible terms. You must be current with your tax filings for the present tax year and able to repay your tax debt within five years or less to qualify.
  • Audit defense: Many tax preparation companies provide assistance if your tax return is audited by the IRS or state taxing authority. When you opt for audit defense, the company will represent you in front of the IRS and ensure you don’t get into further trouble.
  • Bookkeeping: Bookkeeping involves recording all financial transactions, including purchases, sales, receipts and payments. A good bookkeeping system helps to track income and expenses, which ensures accurate financial records come tax time.

Pros and cons of tax relief companies

Pros

  • Expertise
  • Saves time
  • Better negotiation

Cons

  • Cost
  • No guaranteed results
  • Tax relief expert not always necessary

Tax relief companies can be useful for those drowning in tax debt. On the other hand, while tax relief companies can help negotiate with the IRS, there's no guarantee that they'll be able to reduce your debt or arrange an affordable payment plan.

The most common complaint was that many individuals paid $3,000 to $10,000 for tax relief and had no results. Or they didn’t realize how easy it would be to negotiate with the IRS by themselves. Another common complaint was how long it took to see results — some individuals said it took up to two years to get a resolution.

How to choose a tax relief company

When choosing a tax relief company, you need to be cautious of scam companies that overpromise, overcharge and underdeliver results. When considering if the firm is a good fit for you, do the following:

  • Check a company’s track record: How long has the company been in business? How many customers has it helped? Is it an accredited company by the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) or the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA)? Read unbiased reviews on several different sites to get a feel of how customers are treated and if their tax debt was resolved in a reasonable amount of time.
  • Get a customized plan: A tax relief company should take the time to sit down with you for a free consultation and give you a customized action plan and estimated timeline. You want to work with individuals who treat your case like it's one of a kind.
  • Know who is working on your case: There are many different titles in the tax profession, but not all are equipped to handle every type of tax debt. For instance, tax attorneys can handle difficult cases that a public accountant might not have experience in. Understand who will be working on your case and what makes them qualified to do so.
  • Look out for scammers: Asking for full payment upfront before any work is done, pressure to make decisions, unsolicited calls or emails, lack of credentials, vague communication and promises of guaranteed results are all red flags. Additionally, knowing upfront about how to cancel services and refund options can help you avoid potential problems later on. Dealing with tax debt is a personal and stressful situation, so having an honest and supportive team is crucial.

» MORE: How to choose a financial advisor

Alternatives to tax relief companies

If you're facing tax debt, it's possible to address it on your own without hiring a tax relief company. The IRS offers direct resources and tools to help individuals resolve their tax issues. Here are some alternatives:

  • Contact the IRS directly: The IRS offers installment agreements, offers in compromise and penalty abatement directly to taxpayers. You can apply for many of these programs online through the IRS website without any professional assistance.
  • Seek help from a nonprofit: Some nonprofit organizations and community-based groups offer free or low-cost tax assistance, especially for low-income individuals or seniors.
  • Consult with a CPA or enrolled agent: If your case is not overly complex, a certified public accountant or enrolled agent can offer advice at a lower cost than a full-service tax relief company.

While going the DIY route requires more time and effort, it can be a cost-effective way to handle simpler tax debt issues.

Tax relief FAQ

Are tax relief companies legit?

Legitimate tax relief companies do exist and they can help taxpayers lower their tax debt or create an affordable payment plan. However, using a tax resolution company does not guarantee results or money-saving benefits. It is important to get a clear understanding of how much a tax resolution company will charge and how long it estimates the process to take before you begin. Be wary of scam companies that promise results that seem too good to be true, charge high upfront fees and have a lack of transparency about their services.

Who qualifies for tax relief?

If you fall behind on tax payments and are unable to pay your taxes in full, you may qualify for tax relief. Tax relief companies often require minimum tax debts before they help with back tax issues — $10,000 is the standard minimum debt requirement. It’s best to call several tax relief companies and speak to representatives to learn more about whether you qualify for back tax debt relief.

Can a tax debt be forgiven?

Taxpayers can have their IRS tax debts partially forgiven under some circumstances. The IRS forgives an outstanding tax liability only when it can’t collect more than your present financial circumstances reasonably allow you to pay. Put another way: The IRS can’t force you to pay back taxes if it creates a financial crisis for you. Keep in mind that IRS tax debt forgiveness programs typically do not erase tax debts, but they do reduce their burden.

You can get your tax debt partially forgiven through an offer in compromise or another IRS tax debt forgiveness program, such as Fresh Start.

Can tax relief affect my credit score?

Yes, tax relief can affect your credit score. While the IRS is legally not allowed to report your tax debt to consumer credit bureaus, the information could be discovered depending on how your relief is structured, making it difficult to open a new line of credit. If this is a concern, ask your tax relief company for advice.

Are there any alternatives to tax relief companies?

Before you call a tax relief service, make sure you fully understand where you stand with the IRS, especially if this is your first year of receiving a letter.

For minor tax debt cases, you might be able to tackle the problem on your own. Here are some alternatives to try before using a tax relief program.

  • Set up an online payment plan with the IRS: You can apply for a short-term or long-term payment plan through the IRS if you cannot pay your whole tax bill upfront. For those who owe under $50,000 in tax debt, the IRS can approve you for a payment plan of over 180 days to help.
  • Take out a loan: If possible, it can be less expensive in the long run to pay your tax bill in full by taking out a personal loan or a home equity loan. This avoids the extra costs of penalties and interest charged by the IRS.
  • Amend your tax return: If you believe there's an error on your tax return that has led to an inflated tax bill, you can file an amended return. If the IRS accepts the changes, it could reduce your tax liability.

» MORE: Best tax software and services

What is the IRS Fresh Start Program?

The IRS Fresh Start Program is an initiative designed to help struggling taxpayers pay off their tax debt more easily. The program provides expanded access to installment agreements, increased tax lien thresholds and more flexible OIC eligibility requirements. This program aims to make it simpler for taxpayers to manage their debt and avoid severe penalties.

How much does the IRS or state agency usually settle for?

How much the IRS or state agency will settle for depends on how much you owe and how much the IRS deems you can afford. In some cases, the IRS will not settle or accept an OIC, and the taxpayer will be responsible for their full tax debt.

Disclaimer

Information in this guide is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only; it is not legal, health, investment or tax advice. ConsumerAffairs.com makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from its use.

Methodology

To make top tax relief company picks, the ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a weighted scoring system that took into account both reviews from ConsumerAffairs users and specific company features we researched. We conducted sentence-by-sentence sentiment analysis of hundreds of reviews on our site from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2025, to identify the aspects people care about most — and which companies reviewers are happiest with. For tax relief companies, these included:

  • Staff
  • Customer service

We then selected the most important features consumers should consider before choosing a company and researched the following at each company:

  • Types of staff professionals (e.g., attorneys, enrolled agents)
  • Satisfaction guarantee

The company with the highest score in each category’s uniquely weighted formula was given the “Our pick for” designation. In some cases where a single company received the top score across multiple categories, the company with the next-highest score was named the winner.

Not sure how to choose?

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    Guide sources

    ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

    1. Federal Trade Commission, “Trouble Paying Your Taxes?” Accessed Dec. 12, 2024.
    2. IRS, “Companies who promise to eliminate tax debt sometimes leave taxpayers high and dry.” Accessed Dec. 12, 2024.
    3. IRS, “Get help with tax debt.” Accessed Dec. 12, 2024.

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