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Tax Resolution Reviews & Complaints Summary

2 Comments Posted by on January 20, 2012

Reviews for Tax Relief Companies.   

Here is a summary of reviews of tax resolution companies who will either call you if the IRS or state files a tax lien against you personally or your business, or may advertise through the internet, TV, radio, or other media.  I’ve been very focused on getting this done before we got to far into tax season.  If you have questions about this post, please reference:  BP80.  All irs back tax help comments are in blue.

If you know you need to take action, read my post about whether or not you should hire someone (You should not automatically.) titled “Owe IRS back taxes? When, who, and how do I hire IRS back tax help?” before you do anything else.  

As usual, If you like the tone of these reviews, I would like to refer you to someone who meets irs back tax help hiring criteria.  Please contact irs back tax help.  Before you email me, please click on and read “About irs back tax help.”

A Tax Resolution Company that Markets via Telemarketing

  • These companies employ other marketing methods to reach out to people in need of IRS back tax help as well, but they also employ outbound call centers to call when an IRS Notice of Federal Tax Lien, IRS Form 668(y) is filed.  If the people who call are professional, polite, non-pressuring, and do not used fear-based contacts, follow the 3 steps below to learn about them.

A Tax Resolution Company that Markets via TV, Internet, Radio & Other Media

  • These companies use media to reach out to people with IRS tax debt troubles.  When you call into these companies, or complete a “contact me” me form on the internet, you will be connected with their people designated to sell their services.  I use this blog to market my services.  Contact me if you’d like a referral.  The same rules apply for these types of companies.  If the people who call are professional, polite, non-pressuring, and do not used fear-based methods, follow the 3 steps below to learn about them.

Lead Companies that Use all the Marketing Methods Listed Above

  • There are TV commercials that are very specific about the threats of IRS collection, highlighting enforced collection action like bank account or home seizures, but will have no company name designated in the ad, just an 800 number to call “if you owe more than $10,000 to the IRS”.  There are websites built that serve the same function.  Usually they are only one page with a “contact me” form that has the same phrasing.  Scare tactics and “if you owe more than $10,000 to the IRS”.  These are lead generation companies that sell your information to the Tax Resolution Companies.  The terms of their contact dictate that the leads must be greater than $10,000.  If the people you contact are very focused on how much you owe, that is a red flag. 
  • Another version of the lead generation tactic:  You will receive mail, after a tax lien is filed.  The envelope and the enclosure look fairly official, and it says something along the lines of “An IRS Tax Lien was recently filed against you in the amount of….”  Then there is usually a boxed or highlighted portion that says “you may be able to settle your IRS tax debt for…”  and it is usually small fraction of the outstanding IRS taxes owed.  There is an 800 contact number, which then plugs your right back into the marketing systems described above. 
  • In other posts I’ve talked about the tremendous pressure that TV, Pay Per Click (the ads you click on in google), and Radio create with companies.  They are paying top dollar for the advertising, so acquiring new clients regardless of outcome is important to keep their business model upright. 
  • This is why I choose only to use this blog, so people can contact me when they are ready to tackle their IRS back taxes, whether it be 941 payroll tax (trust fund), 1040 income tax, or other taxes. 

3 STEP Process if you Need IRS Back Tax Help

STEP 1:  Before you talk to a tax resolution specialist:

In the first call, whether you contacted the tax resolution company or they contacted you, tell them you want some general information about the company and the name of the person who will be representing you for your IRS tax problem before you talk to them and then you will return their call.  They should be happy to provide you with this information via email, fax, or snail mail, whatever you prefer.  If they refuse, or try to ignore your request, and become pushy, threatening, or obnoxious, that is a red flag.  Once you have the name of the person who will represent you, visit the state’s Supreme Court Attorney Search and make sure the attorney is in good standing.  If there are no issues, proceed to STEP 2. 

If you have an IRS emergency caused by an IRS bank levy or seizure, and you know they have to do something now.  (Short read, I promise.)  

STEP 2:  Read Google & BBB Reviews for the Tax Resolution Specialist you are Researching

 Here’s what I would do prior to hiring anyone to help with IRS back taxes:

Google the company name in quotations followed by the word complaints.  Example:  “irs back tax help” complaints

  • Scan the first couple of pages for concerns.  This will usually bring up the tax resolution company bbb review as well. 
  • I usually google the address too.  I have come across multiple companies operating at the same address or the same company at multiple addresses. 
  • Read the entire BBB report.  Ignore the letter grade and focus on complaints.
  • When using the Better Business Bureau to research companies, it is probably best to use the BBB as a “de-selector” rather than a reason to hire someone.  The BBB solicits companies to become a member; so it is relatively easy to remain in good standing and keep an “A” letter grade.  The nature of the tax resolution company is better seen by how many complaints they have accumulated over the last 3 years, which is the standard BBB reporting period.  A good rule of thumb is no more than one complaint per year, or three complaints total.  Size and age of a company are irrelevant.  It really boils down to how they treated their clients during the reporting period. 
  •  There are plenty of companies who meet this standard, so don’t settle for less.  If you are having trouble finding companies with 3 complaints or less, I’m happy to help.  I can be reached at irsbacktaxhelp@gmail.com.

If no concerns arise from this research, move on to STEP 3. 

STEP 3:  Re-Contact the Tax Resolution Company and then get a Second Opinion on How o Handle your IRS Tax Debt

Overall, if you are thinking of hiring them, listen to them and then get a second opinion for your tax problems.  Of course, we would like to be that second opinion, but as long as you take the time to do a little homework as listed in the first link above, you’ll probably be fine.  Click “About irs back tax help” to learn about us.  If you would like irs back tax help to be your first or second opinion, I can be reached at irsbacktaxhelp@gmail.com.  

Regards,

irs back tax help

25 Reviews for Tax Resolution Companies      

Tax Resolution Companies that will call you when you owe the IRS back taxes:

Tax Resolution Companies that want you to call to help with your IRS tax debt:  

...Hiring IRS Back Tax Help, ...the IRS Back Tax Collection Process, With a Company Who Called Me, With a Tax Resolution Company I saw on TV or the Internet , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Can Tax Masters really solve my IRS back tax problem? No.

4 Comments Posted by on December 30, 2011

Update:  TaxMasters and Patrick Cox Lose Court Case for not providing Tax Resolution Services promised. 3/31/2012

Update:  TaxMasters, Houston, TX files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy on 3/19/2012.

I’ve seen their ads on TV, can Tax Masters really reduce my tax debt?  They can.  But will they? 

TaxMasters Houston, TX IRS Back Tax Help

This post is a review for Tax Masters.  Tax Masters does not meet irs back tax help criteria. If you have questions about this post, please reference:  BP #61.

  • ~76% of all Offers in Compromise were rejected last year. 
  • ~1% of “in-business” Offers in Compromise were accepted last year. 
  • So be careful if someone is pushing you in this direction.  

If you know you need to take action, read my article “IF” you should hire IRS back tax help.  (You should not automatically.) Titled “Owe IRS back taxes? When, who, and how do I hire IRS back tax help?” before you do anything else.

As usual, If you like the tone of this writing, I would like to compete for your business.  I can be reached at irsbacktaxhelp@gmail.com.  Before you email me, please click on and read “About irs back tax help.”

Marketing Approach:  

If you are treated politely, and the sales person is informative and helpful, that is a good sign.  On the flip side, if they say you need to hire them immediately! no matter what! and now!  I disagree with that notion.  You should not hire back tax help unless there is a good reason.  The real first question if back taxes are owed to the IRS, is not whom to hire, but “IF” you should hire anyone to help if you owe back taxes.  Let’s inject some common sense into the situation.  Read the link above, it will help you decide “IF”.  No one should ask you for a credit card number or checking information the first time you call them. That is a telemarketing call center tactic to force your commitment. 

If you are dealing with the IRS or state about tax liens, final notice of intent to levy, or a tax levy, do not hire the first company you call; especially if they are trying to pressure/intimidate you into doing that immediately!  High pressure sales tactics are used for a reason.  Instead, take a deep breath and take control of this tax problem on your terms.  

It is valid to be concerned about the IRS’ collection actions, and to take action yourself, but a knee jerk reaction could exacerbate tax problems down the road.  When the IRS or other tax authority goes into enforced collection mode, it’s worth taking a measured approach to fix the problem.  Handling a tax problem is something you want do right, once, the first time. 

Before you call TaxMasters:

Before listening to a sales “pitch” perform some due diligence as I have below.  It is the best and safest way to make a decision.  If TaxMasters’ sales people are not willing to wait for you to do the research, tell them you want some general information about the company and the name the person who will be representing you before you talk to them and then you will return their call.   If they refuse and become pushy, threatening, or obnoxious, that is a red flag.  

What happens when a Notice of Federal Tax Lien is filed? 

When an IRS tax lien (IRS Form 688 Notice of Federal Tax Lien) or state tax lien is filed with the county recorder, it becomes public record.  Then, a whole different type of company will call to help with the IRS back taxes.  You can learn about the Telemarketing companies here:

https://irsbacktaxhelp.wordpress.com/2011/12/27/tax-resolution-review-recap-whos-good-at-solving-irs-tax-problems/ 

Research & Reviews for TaxMasters

After doing a little homework on Google, TaxMasters has two addresses listed:

  • 1011 Highway 6 S Ste 306, Houston, TX 77077
  • 900 Town And Country Ln  Ste 400, Houston, TX 77024
  • Various phone/fax:  (281) 497-4226, (713) 463-2900, 281-497-5937, 800-581-0456, (877) 668-8082 

TaxMasters’ Better Business Bureau record looks like this:  

  • Business started 2001

  • Time BBB accredited:  Is not.

  • 1047 Complaints since 2/4/2012.  Should be less than 3!  

  • http://www.bbb.org/houston/business-reviews/taxes-consultants-and-representatives/taxmasters-in-houston-tx-60000056/    “However, callers who asked to see written terms and conditions prior to making a payment were informed that a credit card or bank account number is necessary to generate a written TaxMasters service contract.”  Caveat Emptor.
  • A quick note:  When using the Better Business Bureau to research companies, it is probably best to use the BBB as a “de-selector” rather than a reason to hire someone.  The BBB solicits companies to become a member; so it is relatively easy to remain in good standing and keep an “A” letter grade.  The nature of the company is better seen by how many complaints they have accumulated over the last 3 years, which is the standard BBB reporting period.  A good rule of thumb is no more than one complaint per year, or three complaints total.  Size and age of a company are irrelevant.  It really boils down to how they treated their clients during the reporting period.  
  • TaxMasters should have less than three complaints total.  There are plenty of tax resolution companies who meet this standard, so don’t settle for less.  If you’re having trouble finding a tax resolution company with 3 complaints or less, I’m happy to help.  I can be reached at irsbacktaxhelp@gmail.com.

 TaxMasters’ Reviews on Google:

  •  “tax masters reviews” here are the reviews that you get:

http://www.google.com/search?aq=0&oq=taxmasters+r&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=tax+masters+reviews

Overall, if you’re thinking of hiring them, get a second opinion if you owe back taxes.  Of course, I would like to be that second opinion, but as long as you take the time to do a little homework as listed in the first link above, you’ll probably be fine.  Click “About IRS BACK TAX HELP” to learn about us.  The important part of this is to engage and act.  Overdue tax problems only grow when un-addressed. 

In Conclusion

It appears they are very focused on marketing their services.  If you feel like “high-pressure” sales are not for you, email me.  If you would like irs back tax help to be your first or second opinion, I can be reached at irsbacktaxhelp@gmail.com.

We don’t pressure people in an already stressful situation, and I do not telemarket anyone. 

Regards,

irs back tax help

What’s next for IRS Back Tax Help? 

I will create a tax resolution review of each company that advertises on TV/radio/internet/print that seems to be heavily focused on marketing.  These reviews will be titled “Can… …really solve my IRS back tax problem?” for all of the companies I’m aware of that want to “fix your overdue tax problem.” 

Tax Masters

JK Harris

Tax Incorporated

Titan Tax Relief

Progressive Tax Group

Blue Tax

Power Tax Relief

411 Tax Relief

Tax Care Professionals

Nationwide Tax Relief

Advantage Tax Resolution

Associated Tax Relief

Innovative Tax Relief

Freedom Tax Relief

If you want to know about a tax resolution company not on the list, shoot me an email and I will create a review for you. 

...Hiring IRS Back Tax Help, With a Tax Resolution Company I saw on TV or the Internet , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,