Best Tax Relief Companies of 2026

Priority Tax Relief, Larson Tax Relief, Tax Network USA and Five Star Tax Resolution are our top picks

  • Best overall
    Priority Tax Relief
    4.3(93)
  • Satisfaction guarantee
    Larson Tax Relief
    4.8(557)
  • Staff expertise
    Tax Network USA
    4.3(182)
+1 more

Best Tax Relief Companies of 2026

Owing tax debt is stressful, and not knowing what to do about it feels overwhelming. The right tax relief service can deal with the IRS on your behalf and help you get back on track. But not all companies deliver real results. With the wrong company, you could end up wasting your time and money.

Based on factors like recent reviews and types of tax professionals on staff, Priority Tax Relief is our pick for the best tax relief company overall. Larson Tax Relief has a better satisfaction guarantee. Tax Network USA has a solid bench of experienced in-house professionals, and Five Star Tax Resolution stands out for its consistently strong customer service.

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Our top 4 picks for tax relief companies

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

We carefully compared tax relief companies by evaluating costs, tax debt requirements, availability and recent verified customer reviews. This approach helped us highlight companies offering the best value, broad accessibility and a track record of positive customer experiences. Read our full methodology for more details on how we chose the best.

Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us, but this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations. Our publishing policy ensures that the journalistic content and user reviews on ConsumerAffairs remain independent of commercial influences.

Compare our top 4 tax relief companies

NOTE: Tax relief companies can’t guarantee any specific result. That said, many clients seem happy with the outcome of working with these companies.
Best overall

Priority Tax Relief

Priority Tax Relief
Availability
Nationwide
Staff
Attorneys, enrolled agents, CPAs
Free consultation
Yes
Money-back guarantee offered
3 to 10 days

Priority Tax Relief is the best overall thanks to its knowledgeable tax experts on staff, satisfaction guarantee and great reviews. We also like its clear process. The company breaks things into three steps so that clients always know where they are on their tax relief journey.

You can get a full refund within three days of enrolling and a 50% refund from the third through 10th day. Although the time frame for this decision is shorter than Larson Tax Relief, it’s still better than many other companies.

Many customers are satisfied with the service they received, praising the helpfulness and professionalism of specific agents. However, some have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of communication, unmet promises and high fees. These are common complaints in the tax relief industry overall.

Priority specializes in services that stop wage garnishments and release bank levies:

  • Currently Not Collectible (CNC)
  • Innocent spouse relief
  • Offer in Compromise (OIC)
  • Installment agreement
  • Penalty abatement

Since Priority Tax Relief doesn’t list prices online, it’s best to contact the company for a personalized estimate. Anecdotally, Rebecca in New Jersey told us she paid $6,700 for tax relief services.

Pros
  • Variety of tax relief services
  • Lots of experience
  • Helpful staff
Cons
  • Limited price transparency
  • Some communication issues
Best satisfaction guarantee

Larson Tax Relief

Larson Tax Relief
Availability
Nationwide
Staff
Enrolled agents
Free consultation
Yes
Money-back guarantee offered
30 days

Larson Tax Relief has been around for nearly 20 years and offers a range of tax relief services, including emergency and long-term tax relief. It has an impressive track record of results. In fact, the company even publishes redacted results that demonstrate its expertise, something we don’t typically see.

You can try it for 30 days, and if you don’t like how it goes, you can walk away and get your money back.

The staff is often described as knowledgeable and friendly. Overall, clients highly recommend Larson for its outstanding service and results in handling tax matters.

Larson offers services to solve problems such as:

  • Back income taxes owed to IRS or state
  • Unfiled tax returns (missing tax returns)
  • Wage garnishments 
  • Frozen bank accounts
  • Tax liens
  • Bank levies
  • High penalties and interest
  • Audits

Larson Tax Relief does not publish its prices online. Call the company for a consultation to get a price. Anecdotally, Michael in California spent about $9,000 for tax relief services. On the high end, Nancy in Texas said she paid more than $20,000 for tax representation.

Pros
  • Money-back guarantee on services
  • Overall positive reviews
  • Family-owned and operated company
Cons
  • Limited price transparency
  • Strict refund window
Best for staff expertise

Tax Network USA

Tax Network USA
Availability
Nationwide
Staff
Attorneys, enrolled agent, CPAs
Free consultation
Yes
Money-back guarantee offered
No

Tax Network USA has a large team that includes tax attorneys, CPAs and former IRS personnel. This range of expertise can be helpful for people dealing with complex tax situations.

It can be a good fit if your case involves multiple issues — such as high tax debt, unfiled returns or business-related taxes — where more advanced support is needed beyond basic negotiation.

Many have praised Tax Network USA for its professionalism, helpfulness and clear communication. However, some have expressed frustration over high fees, lack of results and poor customer service.

Tax Network USA offers services including:

  • Offer in Compromise
  • Installment agreement
  • Tax preparation
  • Penalty abatement
  • Bank levy
  • Wage garnishment
  • Audit representation

Reviewers on our site report paying anywhere from $2,000 to $13,000 for Tax Network USA’s services.

Pros
  • Easy to get started
  • Offers several tax relief services
  • Available nationwide
Cons
  • Fees may be high
  • No physical locations
Best customer service

Five Star Tax Resolution

Five Star Tax Resolution
Availability
Nationwide
Staff
Attorneys, enrolled agents, CPAs
Free consultation
Yes
Money-back guarantee offered
No

Five Star Tax Resolution has over 30 years of experience in tax law, and reviewers frequently mention its clear communication, knowledgeable staff and structured processes. The company employs a range of tax professionals, including attorneys, CPAs and IRS enrolled agents, which can be beneficial for handling different types of tax issues.

Many have had positive experiences with helpful customer support and successful resolution of tax issues.

Five Star Tax Resolution offers a range of tax relief and tax support services, including:

  • Currently Not Collectible (CNC)
  • Offer in Compromise (OIC)
  • Installment agreements
  • Penalty abatement
  • IRS Fresh Start program options
  • IRS levy and wage garnishment relief
  • Help with unfiled tax returns
  • Business and corporate tax assistance

Prices for Five Star Tax Resolution range anywhere from $250 to $100,000.

Pros
  • Works with businesses and individuals
  • Flat fee for services
  • Over 30 years of experience in tax law
  • Available in all 50 states
Cons
  • Limited price transparency
  • May be difficult to get refunds

Methodology: How we found the best tax relief companies

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team evaluated tax relief providers using a structured scoring model. We assessed performance across three core areas: customer experience, company responsiveness and company qualifications.

1. Customer experience (based on verified reviews): Review data reflects verified feedback submitted to ConsumerAffairs between March 1, 2022, and Feb. 28, 2026. We measured satisfaction with staff and customer service.

2. Company responsiveness: We considered review volume and company response rates over the past six months.

3. Company qualifications: We evaluated company-reported and performance-based metrics, including:

  • Types of tax professionals on staff
  • Satisfaction guarantees

How scoring works

Companies received a score from zero to 10 for each metric:

  • The top-performing company for a given metric received a 10.
  • Other companies were scored relative to that leader.

This standardized approach allows us to compare customer satisfaction, company qualifications and responsiveness on the same scale.

How winners were determined

All companies were evaluated using the same set of metrics, but award categories apply different weightings depending on what each designation highlights.

For example, “Best overall” places greater weight on staff and customer service satisfaction, while “Best for staff expertise” emphasizes the variety of tax professionals on staff.

The company with the highest weighted score in each category earned the corresponding “Our pick for” designation. If a company ranked first in multiple categories, we awarded the designation to the next-highest scoring company in that category to highlight a broader group of top performers.

Tax Relief Buyers Guide

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Top Picks

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Simplify your search

Compare tax relief providers that match your needs.

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

Tax relief vs. DIY IRS resolution

Choosing between hiring a tax relief company and working directly with the IRS depends on the complexity of your tax situation, how much you owe and how comfortable you are navigating tax rules on your own. While professional help can save time and reduce stress, many taxpayers with simpler cases can resolve their debt without outside assistance.

The table below highlights the key pros and cons of each approach to help you decide which option may be the best fit.

Latest tax news

Staying up to date on tax news matters because filing rules, income thresholds and relief programs can change from year to year. Inflation adjustments, new legislation and IRS administrative updates can all affect how much you owe, when you must file and which tax breaks you may qualify for. Knowing what’s changed before you file can help you avoid penalties and spot savings opportunities.

  • Filing deadlines and extensions: The standard federal tax filing deadline remains in mid-April for most taxpayers, with extensions allowing additional time to file, but not additional time to pay. If you request an extension, you must still estimate and pay any taxes owed by the original deadline to avoid interest and penalties.
  • New tax legislation: Changes passed by Congress or implemented by the IRS can affect credits, deductions and compliance rules. For tax year 2025, taxpayers should pay close attention to any updates related to business deductions, clean energy incentives and expiring provisions from prior tax laws.
  • Tax brackets and standard deduction updates: For tax year 2025, income thresholds increased, which may reduce the portion of income subject to higher tax rates for some filers and slightly lower overall tax liability.
  • Social Security recipients: Recent updates may provide relief for certain Social Security recipients, particularly those with lower or moderate incomes. These changes can affect how much of your Social Security benefits are considered taxable and may reduce the total tax burden for qualifying retirees.

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.

Can tax relief companies guarantee results?

No, tax relief company can’t guarantee results. The IRS ultimately decides whether to approve relief programs like offers in compromise, installment agreements or penalty abatement. Be cautious of companies that promise specific outcomes, as this is a common red flag.

Is an offer in compromise worth it?

An offer in compromise can be worth it if you genuinely cannot afford to pay your full tax debt and meet the IRS eligibility requirements. However, not all applicants are approved, and the process can be time-consuming. It’s important to weigh the cost of professional help against the likelihood of acceptance.

Can tax relief companies stop wage garnishment?

Tax relief companies may be able to help stop wage garnishment by negotiating with the IRS, setting up an installment agreement or placing your account into currently not collectible status. While they cannot instantly stop garnishment in every case, taking action quickly can prevent further collection activity.

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    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. Federal Trade Commission, “Trouble Paying Your Taxes?” Accessed March 23, 2026. 
    2. IRS, “Companies who promise to eliminate tax debt sometimes leave taxpayers high and dry.” Accessed March 23, 2026. 
    3. IRS, “Get help with tax debt.” Accessed March 23, 2026.

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