The Best Tax Relief Companies

Monday, July 14th

2025 Tax Relief Company Reviews

CuraDebt

• Can help with both state and federal tax problems
• Available everywhere except IL, KS, KY, OR, TN, UT and WV
• Free consultation
• Minimum tax debt of $5,000 to participate
• Guaranteed lowest fees
• No monthly fees
• In business since 2000
• "A+” rated by the BBB
• Member of AFCC and IAPDA

If you can get past the slightly cheesy look of the website, CuraDebt will be your favorite option for tax relief. This company has been an expert in helping 180,000+ everyday people with all kinds of debt since 2000. From medical bills to high-interest credit cards, CuraDebt can tackle it all.

Lots of strategies for handling tax problems

And yes, CuraDebt can help with all kinds of tax issues. Take a look at the long list of problems that they can address:

• Unpaid Taxes
• Business Taxes
• Personal Taxes
• Trust Fund Penalties
• Tax Penalties
• Wage Garnishments
• Business Tax Liens
• Personal Tax Liens
• Audits
• FBAR Issues
• IRA Rollover Issues
• Partial Payment Plan
• Offer In Compromise
• Fresh Start Program
• Innocent Spouse Relief

Free consultation, serves residents of 43 states

It's pretty easy to get a free consultation. You can either call the toll-free number that's oh-so-prominently displayed throughout the website, or click where it says "Free Savings Estimate” and enter your name, email, phone, tax debt amount, and your state. More than likely, you'll be told that you qualify and that you can reach out to a counselor (via phone) or wait for a rep to contact you. Just be aware that CuraDebt's services aren't offered to residents of IL, KS, KY, OR, TN, UT, or WV.

Straightforward process

So, what's the process like? Your CuraDebt team will do an investigation to get a handle on your current tax situation. From there, they'll prepare any returns you may need to file one or amended ones if you need corrections. Finally, they design a tax relief plan and implement it.

Pay only when you get results

And costs? The way you'll pay for tax relief services is different here. They don't charge a monthly fee at CuraDebt; instead, you pay fees as they deliver services. That's usually a percentage of the tax debt that you're enrolling with them, but your specific costs will naturally depend on the complexity of your case. And, while CuraDebt doesn't spell out its fees on its website, they do guarantee that theirs will be lower than any rival you may find (on our list or elsewhere). All you have to do is submit a quote from a comparable tax relief service and they'll match or beat it.

Still has a fantastic reputation

CuraDebt still has an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau, with just six complaints filed there in the last year. Impressive! We also found numerous 5-star reviews on various third-party platforms, all singing the praises of specific CuraDebt representatives, the process itself, and the way that this service has helped them to get on firm financial footing once more.

Case studies are compelling

But, don't take our word for it. Our favorite place on the CuraDebt website over the years has been the Results page, specifically the Tax Relief Issues and Solutions section. You can see the nitty-gritty details about certain clients' cases, from the situation to the investigation and finally the savings. For example, one client who worked as an independent contractor and who hadn't made estimated payments to the IRS was able to use CuraDebt to file amended returns, reduce the amount that he owed by almost $17,000, and set up monthly payments to address the remaining balance. Another CuraDebt client was able to get over $87,000 of tax debt put into "currently not collectible” status with the IRS and not have to make any payments. Whatever your own tax liability situation is, the case studies in the Results section of this website should give you hope.

#1 choice for tax relief

For yet another year, CuraDebt earns our highest ranking and strongest recommendation among tax relief services. You've got nothing to lose by seeing what their team can do for you: after all, you only pay fees when they get results. No matter how dire your tax liability situation may seem, there's a light at the end of the tunnel (and it's not an oncoming train) when you get CuraDebt on your side.

Community Tax

• Offers both state and federal tax relief plans
• Free consultation
• Team of more than 50 experts, from attorneys and enrolled agents to CPAs and more
• Has helped over 110,000 clients
• Doesn't require $10K in tax liability to get started
• "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB
• In business since 2010

Over 110,000 clients have benefitted from the tax relief services of Community Tax since the company's founding in 2010. Their team of more than 50 experts - ranging from attorneys and enrolled agents to CPAs and beyond - has seen it all, so whatever your tax problem is, they're ready to handle it with skill and compassion.

3-step process starts with a free consultation

You'll find all of Community Tax's relief services on the "Tax Resolution” area of the site. You'll begin with a free consultation with one of their tax professionals, who will analyze your current financial situation and discuss some possible resolutions with you. If you decide to work with Community Tax, they'll begin an investigation with the IRS and/or your state's taxing authority to get a full report and make the inquiries needed to resolve your case quickly. Finally, the resolution phase will start: your team will make an in-depth proposal to the IRS and/or your state, in the hopes of not only resolving your current tax challenges but also keeping you free from tax liabilities going forward.

A full range of tax relief strategies

There's a long list of strategies that could be part of your tax relief plan with Community Tax. Those include but aren't limited to:

• Traditional installment agreement
• Conditional expense installment agreement
• Partial pay installment agreement
• Streamlined installment agreement
• Stair step agreement
• Currently Not Collectible status
• Penalty abatement
• Offers in Compromise

Fees disclosed once your plan is created

What will it cost? Just like most of the tax relief services we evaluated, Community Tax doesn't disclose any fees until you have a consultation. That makes sense, given the 100% customized plans they offer to each client.

Lots of 5-star ratings

Community Tax has a strong positive reputation, starting with the Better Business Bureau's "A+” rating and accreditation. We're impressed by the fact that while 70 people filed complaints about the company with the BBB in the last three years, over 200 took the time to come to the BBB to leave 4- and 5-star reviews. Jumping to the company's reputation on Trustpilot, over 80% of the ratings there were also a perfect 5 stars. While some people felt frustrated with the tax relief plan that Community Tax offered (as well as with the corresponding fees), the majority of clients say that working with this company has lowered their stress, addressed their IRS and state tax problems, and kept them informed as to the status of all components of their tax relief strategy.

Check out the testimonials

And although we don't usually put much stock in the testimonials that tax relief companies post to their websites (because they're so heavily curated), we did find it interesting to read through the ones shown by Community Tax - mostly because it showed the amount of tax liability that was resolved in each case and which strategy was used to do so. What we saw ranged from an $8,000 liability that was deemed "Currently Not Collectible” to a streamlined installment agreement used to address a $40,000 liability. That also lets us know that you probably don't have to meet a minimum requirement of $10K in tax debt to be a client here, unlike some of Community Tax's rivals.

Reliable tax relief that's worth considering

Community Tax is a trustworthy, effective option for tax relief. Whether you need help with state or federal tax liabilities, you can trust that this company can put every possible resolution to work for your benefit. We recommend that you get in touch with Community Tax today and see how they can help you get out ahead of your tax situation ASAP.

Jackson Hewitt

• Offers tax relief plans for both federal and state taxes
• Available in all states except MN and NH
• Free consultation
• Free 35-point IRS investigation
• 24-hour Progress Promise
• "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB
• In business for over 40 years

You may already be familiar with Jackson Hewitt as a tax prep company, but did you know they offer tax relief solutions as well? When you work with Jackson Hewitt, you've got the advantage of more than 40 years of experience in your court, plus the option to meet in person at one of their many branch locations.

Focuses on resolving tax debt

We found it interesting that Jackson Hewitt prefers to refer to its services as "tax resolution” rather than "tax relief”. Why? They say it straight out in their FAQ: "The reality is that very few people are able to reduce their tax bill to zero.” But, their team is ready to advocate for you at both a state and federal level, to get you qualified for as many reductions in taxes owed and credits as you possibly can.

35-point IRS check at no cost

Your journey starts with a free consultation. Click on the "Start for FREE” button and indicate what you need help with (like an IRS audit notice or unpaid penalties and interest), along with your contact information. A Jackson Hewitt tax pro will reach out during regular business hours (M-F 8A-9P ET). They'll go over your situation and do a 35-point IRS check of your full tax history, all at no cost to you. Jackson Hewitt offers the 24-hour Progress Promise that the IRS check will happen within one business day. From there, JH will create a personalized "go forward plan”; you only pay if you decide to hire them as your tax resolution representative.

You'll have your own Client Advocate

When you work with Jackson Hewitt for tax resolution, you'll be assigned a Client Advocate as your point of contact. That CA will be your liaison with the rest of the team assigned to your case, which typically includes licensed tax professionals like CPAs, enrolled agents, and attorneys, plus tax preparers and others.

Only two states are not on the list

Although we still had to dig into the link for Product Information and Offer Disclosures to find out where Jackson Hewitt offers its tax resolution/relief services, we were happy to see that there are now fewer exclusions than at the time of our previous review. As long as you don't live in Minnesota or New Hampshire, you'll be eligible for JH's help. Also, if you live in Illinois and have state tax issues, you should be aware that Jackson Hewitt doesn't provide the offer in compromise service there.

Still pretty quiet about fees until you have a consultation

What does it cost? Great question. Jackson Hewitt still doesn't offer any inkling as to what they charge, so you'll have to wait until your consultation to find out what your fees will be. In the past, we had sleuthed out a ballpark of $500-$5,000 in fees mentioned by Jackson Hewitt clients, but this time around we couldn't even find that. We would like it if JH would be a bit more forthcoming, even with a generic range of fees that clients have paid in the past for various tax relief strategies here.

"A+” rated and accredited by the BBB

Jackson Hewitt maintains an "A+” rating and accreditation with the Better Business Bureau, and we were pleasantly surprised to see that there were only 75 complaints filed with the BBB in the last one-year period. For what it's worth, all of the complaints we saw there were regarding tax returns, not anything to do with the company's tax relief services. We couldn't find any feedback specifically from tax resolution clients, but we're confident in Jackson Hewitt's overall reputation.

One of the best tax relief services out there

We've upgraded Jackson Hewitt's score as a tax relief option. For some clients, having the backing of such a trusted name in taxes can add a lot of peace of mind, especially when there are local branches everywhere (including inside many Walmart locations). It's also a great sign that Jackson Hewitt has fewer excluded states on its list now, making its services available to even more clients. Although we'd still like to see some disclosures on fees, there's no reason not to go online and sign up for your free consultation: Jackson Hewitt is a reliable option for tax relief.

Direct Tax Relief

• Can work with both the IRS and state tax agencies on your behalf
• Serves both individuals and businesses
• Free initial consultation
• "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB
• Member of ASTPS
• 95% success rate
• In business since 2008

Since 2008, Direct Tax Relief has helped thousands of individuals and business owners to tackle tough tax issues (say that three times fast!). With a 95% success rate and a personalized approach to working with clients, DTR is an excellent choice if you've got tax problems at either the state or federal level.

Lots of ways to get tax relief for you

Your team at Direct Tax Relief will work with you to tailor an approach to your current situation when you reach out for a free consultation. Some of the solutions in the "toolbox” at DTR include the following:

• Offer in Compromise
• Payroll Tax Resolution
• Penalty Abatement
• Preparation of Unfiled Tax Returns
• Installment Agreement
• Audit Representation
• Bank Levy Release
• Wage Garnishment Release
• Tax Lien Release
• Innocent Spouse Relief
• Lien Subordination
• Currently Not Collectible Status
• Trust Fund Recovery Penalty Resolution
• Collection Statute Expiration Date Resolution
• Foreign Bank Account Reporting

Transparent staff list

One really unique feature of working with Direct Tax Relief is that you're not just a nameless, generic client to them - and their team is equally transparent with you. Just take a look at the Staff page and see the names, faces, and backgrounds of everyone who works at Direct Tax Relief. Those are also the names you'll see come up in glowing praise from clients, so don't be afraid to get to know the team before you make your phone call or fill out the online form to get started.

Fees disclosed with your plan

And fees? We wish we could tell you, but like most tax relief options, this company keeps those details close to the vest until they present you with your personalized strategy. We spotted some mentions of fees in the thousands of dollars when looking through client comments, but there's no way of knowing if those figures are accurate or what services those fees encompassed.

Terrific reputation

Not only has Direct Tax Relief maintained an "A+” rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau since 2009, the company has also received just one complaint in the last three years. In any industry, that's an exceptional reputation. Client feedback is also solid. While we found a few people who didn't feel they got the value they were expecting out of the fees they paid, most say that their DTR team worked hard on their behalf, their contact people (which sometimes included the owner himself) were supportive and compassionate, and that above all their tax relief plan got them back on track.

Small company that delivers big results

Direct Tax Relief easily maintains its status as a good company for handling tax problems. We have no doubt that they'll go to bat for you with the IRS or your state's tax agency, keeping you well-informed along the way and providing personalized attention. With just a bit more feedback from clients (and maybe a hint at what prospective customers could expect in fees), there's not much that would stop Direct Tax Relief from reaching the top of our list.

ECG Tax Pros

• Can represent clients in all 50 states on IRS cases
• Free consultation
• Flat fee for services
• 3 types of IRS tax relief strategies offered
• "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB
• In business since 2008

Previously evaluated as Enterprise Consultants Group, the recently-rebranded ECG Tax Pros offers services to both individuals and small business owners. Their team consists of hundreds of licensed tax professionals nationwide, from enrolled IRS agents to CPAs and tax attorneys. In the 15+ years they've been around, ECG Tax Pros have consulted on over $18 billion in tax debt.

Unbiased recommendations

One of the outstanding characteristics of this company is that they make sure you're a good candidate for their services before they take you on as a client. We've seen comments from multiple people who were grateful that ECG Tax Pros pointed them in the right direction - even when that direction took them to a different service. Your free consultation will go over your situation, so that they can recommend the right plan for your unique needs.

Can negotiate with the IRS for you

But, let's take a look at the services offered by ECG Tax Pros that are specific to tax relief. First up is tax resolution. If you're already receiving notices from the IRS and/or your wages are being garnished, this could be the right option. They'll negotiate the lowest payment amount they can with the IRS, and also fight to get you a favorable schedule for those payments. This is probably the bread-and-butter tax relief service offered here; while your fees will depend on the details of your case, we've seen comments from clients that mentioned amounts ranging from $3,000-$8,000. The good part is that it'll be disclosed upfront, no tricks involved.

Tax liens can be removed

The next service on offer with ECG Tax Pros is tax lien removal. If the IRS has attached a lien to your home, your vehicle, or any other property, the experts here will fill out the appropriate forms and negotiate on your behalf to get the lien released, withdrawn, or subordinated.

Experts in getting levies lifted

The final tax relief option is levy release. You'll feel this pretty deeply if it applies to you - it could freeze your bank account, reduce your SSP benefits, and so on. Work with an ECG Tax Pros representative to make sure you don't give out too much information and lose the opportunity to reduce your debt while getting the levy lifted.

Great reputation with the BBB

Under its new moniker, ECG Tax Pros has an "A+” rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, with just 3 complaints filed with the BBB in the most recent one-year period. Better yet, almost 60 people took the time to leave a compliment for ECG Tax Pros on the BBB website, averaging 4.78 out of 5 stars. We love seeing that people praise the service long-term; it's one thing to get clients in the door but another to keep them happy, and ECG Tax Pros seems to be doing both. Multiple people were grateful that the company presented them with all of the alternatives, not just the ones that would make money for the business. And, it was encouraging to see a number of compliments for the experts at ECG Tax Pros who were able to provide answers on tricky questions that other professionals weren't able to resolve.

Some mixed feedback from clients

However, in at least one place, we found a couple of reviews that said that although they were heavily pressured to leave favorable remarks, they felt that they got nothing for what they spent. One person said she paid $7,500 to ECG Tax Pros and only got a temporary deferment before her calls, emails, and texts started going unanswered. Overall, across everywhere we looked, we'd say that 75% of people are happy with their experience with ECG Tax Pros (whether they sign up for tax relief or just get the free consultation). You do the math on the other 25%.

Above average, with some room for improvement

We've bumped ECG Tax Pros up a bit in our ratings this time around. We no longer can find any references to help they might offer with state-specific tax relief, and we still wish they'd come out with at least some ballpark figures about what they charge. It's also not our favorite thing to see negative reviews from as many as 25% of its clients. On the other hand, we're still really confident that if you call for a consultation, you'll get a straightforward answer and have a clear picture of what you should do next - whether or not that includes ECG Tax Pros.

Tax Relief Inc

• Specializes solely in tax relief strategies
• Serves clients with both federal and state tax issues
• Works with clients nationwide
• Free initial consultation
• "A+” rated by the BBB
• In business since 1987

Tax Relief Inc. has been "bringing closure to taxpayers since 1987”. Joe Shadle is at the helm of the company, with work experience that includes time in the financial services industry in NY, NJ, and FL, plus helping clients get disaster relief loans after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. Although the company has a staff of experts with more than 40 years of combined experience, Mr. Shadle himself handles many of the tax relief cases that come in - you'll find him specifically mentioned in grateful clients' reviews.

Offices in the Chicago area with nationwide service

While the company is based in the Chicagoland area, Tax Relief Inc. serves clients nationwide who are seeking help with both state and federal tax burdens. You can reach out for a free consultation to determine which of their services would be the right fit for your situation. Those may include an IRS offer in compromise, penalty abatement, innocent or injured spouse relief, tax lien resolution, even help with filing back taxes.

No fees disclosed in advance

We still wish that Tax Relief Inc. would offer something that tells prospective clients what they might pay for their services, even just a general estimate. In one client review we found, she mentioned paying $275/month, but that doesn't tell us which tax relief strategy was in place for her case.

Website could use some updates

There's also not a lot of up-to-date information on the Tax Relief Inc. website. The "most recent” blog posts are from Fall 2020. At least the site copyright was up to date at the time of our visit.

Flawless profile with the BBB

We're happy to say that this tax relief company still has an "A+” rating with the Better Business Bureau, and can still brag about the fact that they've had no complaints registered with the BBB over the last three years.

Not much client feedback to consider

However, there continues to be a remarkably low level of feedback for Tax Relief Inc. We found a handful of reviews on Yelp, no profile on Trustpilot, and almost no commentary from clients anywhere else. We're still left wondering how many people are actually using this company. We're glad that there are some testimonials on the Tax Relief Inc. website, but those are undated and, of course, 100% curated by the company.

Not the best or the worst

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide if you'd like to reach out to Tax Relief Inc. and see what they can do for you. On paper, at least, they're more well-rounded than some of the companies on our list, and we're not worried that it's any kind of fly-by-night business either. But, it doesn't really compete with some of its rivals on our list - ones with ample positive feedback from hundreds (or thousands) of clients and clearly-defined fees for their services. Tax Relief Inc. earns a "not the best or the worst” rating here.

97tax

• Helps you complete and submit paperwork requesting state payment plans (limited locations), IRS installment agreements, and IRS penalty waiver letters
• $129 flat fee (despite being advertised as $97)
• Forms usually sent to you within 1 business day
• "A-” rated and accredited by the BBB
• In business since 2017

97tax refers to itself as a tax preparation company, but you can use several of its services to get tax relief too. Working with clients since 2017, this Florida-based company believes that affordable tax help should be available to anyone who wants it; the name of the company refers to its original structure that included a flat fee of $97 for services.

Not very many tax relief strategies offered

You should be aware upfront that 97tax is much more limited in its options than most of its rivals on our list. In fact, what this service does is help you fill out paperwork, rather than doing any kind of negotiating with the IRS or state tax agencies on your behalf. Some clients have complained that they didn't get very much for their money, but when theoretically you're only paying $97, that's not the biggest hit on your wallet either. (However, we agree that nearly $100 is a bit spendy for forms you could fill out and file for free, so keep that in mind.) At the time of this evaluation, these were the tax relief services offered by 97tax:

• IRS Tax Lien Removal Application
• IRS Payment Plan Application
• Payment Plan Applications for the states of CA, NJ, GA, IL, MI

They fill out the paperwork, you sign and send it

All of those options have essentially the same benefits: you'll work with 97tax to complete the paperwork. They'll mail it to you within 24 hours, along with a prepaid envelope for you to submit it to the appropriate authorities (the IRS, the state's Department of Treasury or Department of Revenue). And yes, the fee for each one is listed as $97. (Pay attention to that detail.)

Simple online form

It's easy to find out if you qualify. Just go to the service you're thinking of using and fill out the online form. For example, on the IRS Payment Plan page, you'll enter your name, phone number, email, and how much you owe the IRS. Next, you'll be shown the amount of the monthly payment that 97tax calculates you qualify to make, and you can make adjustments as you like.

Not $97 anymore

However, that's where we spotted the discrepancy between the $97 we were shown throughout the website as the fee for 97tax's services, and the $129 one-time fee listed in the checkout. That left us with a bad taste in our mouth. That page was also worded in a way that made it sound like, by enlisting 97tax's help, monthly payments to the IRS would be set up (maybe from the same credit card, even). But, from what we understand, you'll have to wait until the IRS accepts your application and then send in your payments separately.

Still has a good rep with the BBB

On a positive note, 97tax has brought up its reputation with the Better Business Bureau since our last evaluation, from a still-decent "B+” to a slightly higher "A-”. There were only 7 complaints filed against 97tax there in the last 12-month period, and the company has maintained its BBB accreditation the whole time.

Not a lot to offer

We're left feeling a little underwhelmed by what 97tax has to offer. They don't even try to provide some of the heavy-hitting services you'll see available through some of the higher-ranked companies in our review, and they've bumped their price up without updating every part of the 97tax website. This could be an okay option if you just want someone to fill out the paperwork for you to sign. But, most people looking for tax relief are going to need a lot more hand-holding and negotiating than what 97tax provides. Despite their half-letter grade improvement from the BBB, we've dropped 97tax in our rating.

Optima Tax Relief

• Approved by the IRS to serve clients in all 50 states
• Can resolve both state and federal tax debts
• Free consultation
• Over $3 billion in resolved tax liabilities
• 15-day guarantee
• Fees typically range from $500 to $3,000+
• "A” rated and accredited by the BBB

Optima Tax Relief has resolved over $3 billion in tax liabilities for clients nationwide. Their team of licensed professionals can help you resolve both state and federal tax situations.

Fees likely start at $500

What does it cost to use Optima Tax Relief? The initial consultation is free, and like most tax relief providers, their fees aren't disclosed until you've got a plan designed to meet your specific situation. But, our research indicates that you should expect fees for the investigation phase of anywhere from $500-$3,500, and then additional fees for whatever tax relief strategies you hire Optima to employ on your behalf.

Full range of tax relief strategies

What are those strategies that might be used in your case? Optima Tax Relief can do it all; their range of services includes:

• IRS representation
• Tax preparation, including past-due returns
• Ending levies and wage garnishments
• Installment agreements
• Establishing "currently not collectible” status
• Removal of tax liens
• Offers in Compromise
• Blocking asset seizures
• Innocent spouse relief
• Collection appeals
• Administrative appeals

Take a look at the info for the staff

And, if you're curious about who might be working with you on your case, Optima Tax Relief gives you a great look into their staff's credentials. Just go to the About page and "meet” everyone from the CEO to the tax attorneys and enrolled agents who might be tasked with delivering your strategy and facing off with the IRS on your behalf.

Generous money-back guarantee in the first 15 days

We were happy to see that Optima offers a 15-day money-back guarantee: that's pretty unusual among tax relief companies. The terms state that you have to be within the first 15 (calendar) days of signing your client services agreement, and the refund only applies towards fees paid for the investigation phase, but it's still more than you'll find in most places.

Not available everywhere

That fine print is also where we found the disclaimer that Optima Tax Relief's services "are not available in all states”. We didn't see a list of excluded locations, though, so you may not find out until you call or fill out the form to schedule your consultation.

Clients are happy at first...

Despite the fact that Optima Tax Relief still has an "A” rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, we've seen the reputation of this company plummet since our last evaluation. You might not notice it at first: for example, on Trustpilot, the overall average is still a respectable 4.2 stars out of 5. But, as we looked into what the 4- and 5-star reviews actually said, it was clear that they mostly came from those who had just barely started out with Optima Tax Relief. It's easy to make a good first impression by answering questions kindly and knowledgeably.

...but are often disappointed later

On the other hand, when you consider the 1-star reviews on Trustpilot, the 750+ complaints filed with the BBB in the last three years, and the mediocre 3.22-star average of the reviews left with the BBB, Optima doesn't shine quite so brightly. The complaints and negative reviews often read like this: "I paid a $500 deposit but they didn't start working on my case until the 15-day, nonrefundable timeframe had passed” or "I haven't seen any results on my case in two years, and I can't get anyone at Optima to return my calls”. That's not very encouraging, is it?

Not a tax relief company we currently recommend

All of this has led to a big drop in our rating for Optima Tax Relief. We're disappointed to see so many people saying that Optima starts out really strong but then leaves people with unresolved tax issues (or in a worse situation than when they started). You have lots of options for getting help with your tax debt, and at least for now we'd recommend that you look higher on our list and take a pass on Optima Tax Relief.

Tax Defense Partners

• Free consultation
• Enrolled agents can serve all federal, state, and US territorial tax jurisdictions
• Available to help individuals, corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and small businesses
• Must have at least $10,000 "in controversy” to qualify
• Flat-fee structure
• In business since 1998

Based in California but licensed to offer tax relief across all 50 states and US territories, Tax Defense Partners has been helping clients since 1998. Because their licensed tax professionals focus exclusively on middle-to-high-income taxpayers, it should come as no surprise that TDP requires a minimum of $10,000 of tax debt (or an amount "in controversy”) to use their services.

Lots of ways to get tax relief for you

Tax Defense Partners has a lot of ways they can offer tax relief. The list of what TDP can help you with includes, but is not limited to:

• Unfiled tax returns
• Wage garnishment
• Bank levies
• Tax liens
• Payroll tax debt
• Offer in compromise
• Installment agreements
• Foreign bank account reporting
• Audit representation
• Penalty abatement
• Collection statute expiration date
• Full representation
• Innocent spouse relief
• Currently not collectible
• Delinquent taxes
• IRS payment plans

So much is wildly outdated

We weren't even sure that Tax Defense Partners was still in operation: the site copyright was 3 years out of date, blog posts stopped about 4 years ago, and their "most recent” social media posts were also over a year old. When we called the toll-free number on the website, it first went to a generic "thanks for calling” message. Eventually it routed us over to a script for Tax Defense Partners, and then it connected us with a person, but we weren't exactly left feeling confident in whoever it was that answered the phone. If we had been calling for the free consultation they offer to get started with their services, we probably would have hung up and gone to a competitor.

You'll have to call to find out about fees

TDP is also very tight-lipped about what you'll pay to use their tax relief services. While they reassure prospective clients that it's always a flat fee, disclosed upfront and not required to be paid in full at the start of the relationship, they make no mention of what those fees could be. It would be nice if they offered some kind of preview or fee chart, but there's none of that.

Are they really still offering tax relief plans?

To add to the mystery, the Better Business Bureau's rating for Tax Defense Partners was still shown as "this profile is being updated”. For years?! We're not sure why that would be the case - unless, as it seems, there really isn't much tax relief going on here. (Or anything else.) Even reviews on Trustpilot petered out after 2022 - and the most "recent” comment left there said that TDP "stole [their] money and provided nothing in return”, outsourcing the tax court work to a third-party company.

No good reason to call this company

Can you see any reason to work with Tax Defense Partners for tax relief? We can't. You'll have a far superior experience with any of the higher-ranking options on our list. TDP is still one of the lowest-rated services in our evaluation.

Fidelity Tax Relief

• Can represent taxpayers from all 50 states

Fidelity Tax Relief claims to offer all of the usual services you'd expect when looking for help, specifically with debts owed to the IRS and state tax agencies. From stopping wage garnishments to negotiating reductions in tax liability, there are supposedly numerous ways that this company can help.

Big promises, but not sure they deliver

Are you catching all of our hesitation as we describe this tax relief provider? We would like to be able to say good things about Fidelity Tax Relief, like how they have over 40 years of (combined) experience representing clients or that they'll negotiate aggressively on your behalf. Those all sound like great promises, but they're the very same things that other tax relief services offer - and we just don't have any indicator that Fidelity actually delivers anything.

Everything is out of date

For example, if we thought Fidelity Tax Relief wasn't keeping up with its website the last time we evaluated their company, that impression has only gotten worse. This time, the site still didn't have the secure URL that most companies upgraded to all the way back in 2019. Who wants to get the "Your connection is not private” warning when they're trying to find a trustworthy service for, well, anything? It took a lot of clicking around (and even pulling it up on our phone) before we could get to the actual site. And, the site copyright was three years out of date during our visit. That tracks with the company's social media channels as well, which also seem to have died out several years ago.

Reputation is the worst

That's okay, because client feedback indicates that you shouldn't take your chances with this tax relief company anyway. The Better Business Bureau gives Fidelity Tax Relief an "F” grade for failing to respond to complaints. One of those was from a client who said that Fidelity was still taking $500/month from her account to resolve her IRS tax obligations when the phone number was disconnected and her emails bounced. Another said that they were told that Fidelity had been acquired by another company, but after paying $17,000 in fees they still had no resolution to their case.

Don't even bother with this tax relief company

It's almost laughable that this company's tagline is "When Integrity Matters Most”. It looks like there was zero integrity when they took thousands of dollars in fees and offered nothing in return. If you somehow get connected with Fidelity Tax Relief - which will be tricky, given that the toll-free number goes unanswered these days - we strongly recommend that you run quickly in the opposite direction.