ComplaintsforTax Relief Advocates

• Initial Complaint

  10/16/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Dishonest business practices and all documented in email. I first made contact with *** in 1/2024 for assistance with filing taxes and negotiating down what I owed. The sales *** I spoke with was stellar at selling. He sold me on prompt service, 60% reduction in what I owed, affordability and that Id have a team of people helping to expedite filing & it would be done in about 7-9 months. I was prompt at getting everything back to TRS within the month & all my documentation ahead of time for my 2023 taxes. It was very concerning to me when I received email after email from different people asking the same questions for 3 months to follow. I answered every email promptly, terrified that my 2023 taxes were not filed on time. By July 2024, my 2023 taxes were still NOT filed. Shortly after I received a call from a *** asking the SAME QUESTIONS I answered in 4 emails to about 4 other people. I was upset and explained to him that this was the worst experience of my life. It is now 10/2024. I have not heard anything in over a month, despite my weekly emails. I am 2 weeks shy of being homeless because I was denied a mortgage because the only thing I couldnt produce was the tax resolution. Since 9/2024 no one has gotten back with me when I explained my current circumstance. TRS you should be ashamed of yourselves. My story is no different from the many complaints I have read. You grossly over promise. Maybe consider more efficiency or just honestly. Reading these comments I was sold a bill of goods that you KNEW you could not deliver on, you are clearly aware that you are not delivering on your sales pitch. I was denied the right to make the best decision for my life based on dishonesty.

  

  Business response

  10/22/2024

  Dear *********,
  
  Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns with us. Your feedback is important, and we want to assure you that we take your situation seriously. We are committed to demonstrating our dedication to your satisfaction throughout this process.
  
  To address your concerns, we have confirmed that you have spoken with a member of our team and received the next steps toward fully resolving your case.
  
  We value your trust and want to restore your faith in our services. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to make this right.
  
  Best regards,
  Client Relations Team
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  10/09/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Back in July 2023 I called Tax processing solutions. They promised me a big discount on the money I owe the *** I owe them $15,000. I paid Tax processing solutions $3000 and now theyre giving me three options to pay off the ***, which the balance has never changed its still the $15,000 plus the 3000 that I gave Tax process and solutions

  

  Business response

  10/16/2024

  Hello ****,
  
  Thank you for your patience. Weve thoroughly reviewed your file and confirm that a member of our team has discussed your unique financial circumstances with you. Based on your situation, weve identified and presented the best resolution option for your case.
  
  An appropriate solution has been reached to address your concerns, and were ready to move forward. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out. Were here to help!
  
  Best regards,
  Client Relations Team

• Initial Complaint

  10/08/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  My husband and I retained Tax Relief Advocates for services 12/07/2023. We had to pay $595 before any "investigative work" could begin. What we were expecting from *** was that they could negotiate a more reasonable balance on our tax amount due to the *** for 2017, 2018 and 2022. The balance we owe is under $5,000. The *** for *** said they could help us and that we needed them to do our taxes to make sure we had enough money withheld. Our taxes were then prepared by ************************ for $250. We then had a *** from *** take over our case. Then they set up a payment plan for us for $81 a month, (another $600). We then got hit with a $178 user fee because TPS as a 3rd party used the *** to set up the plan. *** *** said it was to be $69(???). The whole process took from Dec '23 until Sept '24 (why so long??? That put more interest on our balance). Instead of relief, we got more grief. The amount we spent on TRA to "help" us could have been used on paying off some of the balance we owe the ***. We had already tried repeatedly to set up a pay't plan on our own, but because of going to bankruptcy court for a loan modification & then Covid there were problems applying. All TRA/*** did was "investigative work" to make sure we owed the *** money, file our taxes and set up a payment plan through the *** ($600). We spent $1445 to TRA/TPS, not counting the $178 *** user fee and interest that accrued on the unpaid balance. The BBB rates TRA as an A business and that is possible. We just think our case was not handled properly in our best interest. ***'s Cover page reads: Our goal is to bring you relief and take care of as much of the issue as possible giving you the freedom to live your life. You will also benefit by our 100% money back guarantee. We guarantee we will save you more than our service agreement fees and if we cannot we will reimburse your service agreement charge in full. Let us bring you RELIEF. Senior Tax Preparer/Cofounder

  

  Business response

  10/16/2024

  Dear Candace,
  
  Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. Our goal is always to provide relief and support, and we strive to be transparent about our fees and the steps involved. We apologize if this wasn’t made clear.
  
  We have thoroughly reviewed your case and believe our team has addressed your concerns appropriately. We appreciate your cooperation throughout this process.
  
  If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at qualityassurance@tra.com.
  
  Sincerely,
  Client Relations Team

  Customer response

  10/17/2024

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID 22395585, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  Candace Claypool
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  10/07/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In August of 2024 I obtained tax relief advocates to assist in trying to lower tax debt. A retainer fee was required which was split into two payments of $297.50 one taken 8/30 the other 9/7/24 - I did not receive any feedback on the status of the case until reaching out on 9/25 to request an update. I was contacted by an agent who informed me that I had multiple mistakes on my tax returns which would result in almost a double amount to report to IRS and also requiring a double amount to continue using the service than previously agreed upon. A service that originally required $800 now turned to $2300. I was told I could request a refund for the deposit after having a chance to make a decision on whether or not to continue service. I have attempted multiple contacts to request that refund by means of telephone, text and email- only one agent responded to my email and told me that I did not have an account with them and would not be entitled to a refund. All other forms of communication have been ignored - I have copies of the original agreement signed/ copies of text messages from the agent and both payments were direct debits from my checking account. If not resolved timely I will assume this was a scam and move forward with taking legal action and reporting this business for fraud.

  

  Business response

  10/14/2024

  Hello Erica,
  
  Thank you for your patience as we reviewed your file. We can confirm that you have had the opportunity to discuss your concerns directly with our team, and we appreciate your engagement in resolving this matter.
  
  We are pleased to inform you that your refund request has been approved and completed. Please allow 3-5 business days for processing, as it may take some time for the funds to appear in your account.
  
  If you encounter any delays or have further questions, we highly recommend reaching out to your bank for assistance, as they can provide the most accurate information regarding your transaction.
  
  We appreciate your understanding and are here to help if you need anything else.
  
  Best regards,
  Client Relations Team

• Initial Complaint

  10/07/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I originally contacted Tax Relief Advocates (TRA) in 11/2021 for assistance with my 2021 tax bill. At the time, I provided a payment of $500 to begin with processing of the file. In Dec/2021, I was contacted and advised TRA would be able to settle the entire 2020 tax bill and needed an additional $595 to start the process. Since Dec/2021, I have been in communication with TRA on numerous occasions requesting for an update on my case, and never received a concrete update. In May/2022 I was advised that no work had been done on my case since Dec/2021. I am requesting TRA fully refund me the $1095 that was paid for work that was misrepresented and never even worked on. In September 2, 2022 I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (#********). However, the matter was not fully resolved and TRA negated to provide me with the refund of $1095 stating all they would offer as a refund was $250. Which given that the money provided to them was under what appears to be false pretenses as they never completed the job they guaranteed would be completed for the payment provided. In addition, due to their lack of compliance with the scope of work they were provided payment for. I have also had additional penalties added to the balance with the ****

  

  Business response

  10/11/2024

  Hello Liliana,
  
  Thank you for your feedback; we truly value your input. We’ve reviewed your file and want to assure you that our team has reached out to offer assistance.
  
  To move forward, please schedule an appointment using the link provided in the email we sent you. You should have also received a detailed voicemail regarding this matter.
  
  We look forward to hearing from you soon so we can help resolve your concerns.
  
  Best regards,
  Client Relations Team

• Initial Complaint

  10/01/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This alleged tax relief company strung us along for a year and a half just to tell us that no reduction in payment amounts would happen. I was told when I signed up that I was guaranteed a reduction in how much I owed. Now a year and a half later they tell me that I owe about ******* more than when I signed up with them. Now they are saying I have to accept a payment plan with the *** that I can not afford. These people took our money and completely left us out to dry. I could have just worked out a payment plan for the full amount myself! And wouldnt be in an even deeper hole than when I signed up for their non service. Im disgusted

  

  Business response

  10/04/2024

  Hello *****,
  
  Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. To provide you with the best assistance, we would like to speak with you directly to help resolve this matter. A member of our team has attempted to contact you via telephone and email without success, and you should have received specific contact details via voicemail and email. 
  
  Please reach out to us at your earliest convenience so we can assist you further. If you prefer, you can also contact us at *******************************.
  
  Sincerely,  
  Client Relations Team

• Initial Complaint

  09/27/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My estranged husband kept financial information from me. My tax consultant informed me that the *** had turned a $15,000 tax debt that I was not aware of. My husband and are have been separated since 2021. I was finally able to reach out to *** and they have refused to send me all paperwork with this $15,000 irs debt they are supposedly working on. TRA are keeping me in the dark, refusing to help me.

  

  Business response

  10/04/2024

  Hello *********,
  
  We want to ensure you receive the support you need. Your case has been escalated to our team for a thorough review, and we are committed to addressing your concerns. A member of our team attempted to contact you and left a detailed voicemail and email with specific contact information.
  
  Please reach out to us at your earliest convenience so we can assist you further. Your peace of mind is our priority, and we are here to help you navigate this process. If you prefer, you can also contact us at *******************************.
  
  Sincerely,  
  Client Relations Team

• Initial Complaint

  09/25/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I contacted TRA in July 2024 to help me with my 2018 to 2023 taxes. I have never owed taxes before so I did not file these years - believing I only had to file if I owed taxes. Obviously, this was bad information so I contacted them to help me. I heard of them on the Dr. ***** show on Sirius XM so I believed them to be reputable. **** rushed me thru the signing process and I allowed it unknowingly - he was very good at his job of roping me in - while talking about how much of a Christian he and the owner was :( Unfortunately, he got me and I signed a very detailed and lengthy document before reading it for myself. However I noticed later my portion pertaining to the finances was very general. I have been asking for an itemized document of what I paid for and they have ignored my request to date. They continue to send me the general copy that is also found in my "contract". (attached) **** told they would charge x amount of dollars to complete each tax year. The amount I paid was way over that amount and now that they refuse to respond also makes me think I was definitely overcharged. This was also confirmed by others in the financial and/or tax field. in good faith, I paid on my credit card to receive a 10% discount. My bank called them several times on my behalf to help me get my request granted but per my bank, no one ever spoke to them because they (TRA) hung up the phone after they heard it was a call from my bank. My request is very simple and logical. If their "contract" is so very detailed to cover them, why isn't my financial section also detailed and itemized. Now they are ignoring and dodging the request. I would like the breakdown of what I paid for and if I was overcharged, I want the difference. After this occurs, I may be willing to move on to get my taxes filed by them. As I have told them in writing (email), if this fair request cannot be answered, I want a full refund. In reading TRA BBB complaints, I find I am not alone.

  

  Business response

  10/02/2024

  Dear *****,
  
  Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns. We genuinely appreciate your feedback and take all client inquiries seriously.
  
  Our goal is to provide clear communication and transparent services, and we apologize for any frustrations you may have experienced.
  
  After thoroughly reviewing your file, we can confirm that our team has communicated with you regarding your requests. We have provided the relevant details via email, including the costs for the preparation of your W-2 tax returns, tax planning, and the resolution plan for your Offer in Compromise (OIC). Additionally, the cost for the completed federal tax investigation has also been shared.
  
  At this time, we do not have an additional itemized document beyond what is outlined in your contract.
  
  We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this matter, and we remain committed to finding a satisfactory resolution.
  
  If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at *******************************.
  
  Best regards,
  Client Relations Team
  

  Customer response

  10/02/2024

  I replied to your email in more detail.  A shorter version follows:

  (1) All companies normally have a pricing chart to show or provide to customers to verify legitimate costs or else the dollar amounts typed in an email looks subjective. Adding your name to the email does not justify anything to a customer.

  (2) I mentioned in my email that I have never heard of an Offer of Compromise.  Your reply totally ignored that portion of my email - again proving your thoroughness only pertains to your Company.  It would have been better if you had actually read my email and explained Offer of Compromise, even more since it is the largest amount of the money I paid you - $3,500.

  (3) It is amazing to me that we are still talking about this minor request. It should have been explained so very long ago.  I am wondering why TRA is having such a difficult time itemizing my cost?  I asked initially in July and it is now October.

  (4) In reflection, it seems like I trusted you and did my part to be a good customer but you did not reciprocate the professionalism. Unfortunately, the downhill started from Day 1 but it did not become clear to me until after the fact, as detailed about in so many previous emails.

  (5) I am so very weary from this simple request dragging on and on.  My taxes should have been completed by now and all of us should have moved on.

  (6) I request a full refund to my credit card of all of the monies I paid to your Company. Please do something in "good faith" towards me as I have done towards you over time.
  

   

   

   

  

  Business response

  10/09/2024

  Hello *****,
  
  Wed like to clarify that our team has reviewed our pricing with you and confirmed that we do not have an external itemized document available.
  
  We respect your decision to discontinue services and are pleased to inform you that your refund request has been approved. We have also received your mutual release agreement. Our billing department will process the refund as outlined in the agreement, and you can expect it within 3-5 business days. If you experience any delays, we recommend contacting your bank, as we cannot control processing times.
  
  We will now proceed with closing your case. Please know that our lines of communication remain open, and youre welcome to reach out if you have any questions in the future.
  
  Best regards,
  Client Relations Team

• Initial Complaint

  09/23/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I reached out to Tax Relief Advocates on 6/3/2024. I spoke with a ***resentative who said I needed to pay $795 to have the services expedited. After making the payment, and getting the paperwork all filled out, they informed me on 6/10/24 that my resolution plan was ready. It was at that point I was told that it would cost another $6500 to complete the process. We took out a loan through one of their partners and we thought we would be all set. The *** sent us a letter in June warning us that we needed to make payment arrangements on the debt we owed (which is significant). I went through TRA because I didn't have the money pay it. I quit my job to take care of my sick elderly mother and wiped out all my savings in the process of caring for her. I contacted my **** who directed me to another **** who was working with the tax p***arer to file my amended return. This new *** told me that there was only one item left before I would receive the amended return for approval and then submission to the ***. He assured me that we had nothing to worry about. We would submit the amended return soon.Another month went by and I get a second warning in July from the ***. I followed TRA instructions and uploaded all the letters sent to me. I was reassured again by the *** that the amended return was almost ready. He also said the letters sent by the *** were standard and until I received the official notice of intent to levy I had nothing to worry about. Well, we're now in September and I just got my official notice letter. I've also been charged interest and a failure to pay penalty. I'm not happy to say the least. Why charge me $795 for "expedited service" when nothing has been expedited. It is difficult to get any real answers or progress updates from TRA. I'm stuck now because I can't do payment plans with the ***. I feel TRA has been negligent in this whole process. I would like someone to expedite my case and get the *** off my back.

  

  Business response

  09/30/2024

  Hello *****,
  
  Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. We take your concerns seriously and appreciate your feedback.
  
  After reviewing your file, we confirm that a member of our team has addressed your issues and provided a thorough explanation of our processes, your current case status, and clarified any misunderstandings. We understand that you have decided to move forward with our services to achieve a satisfactory resolution.
  
  If you have any further questions or concerns, please dont hesitate to reach out to us at *******************************.
  
  Thank you for your patience and understanding.
  
  Sincerely,
  Client Relations Team

  Customer response

  10/02/2024

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  ***** ******
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  09/20/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Hired TRA to handle back taxes and get caught up in owed amounts to *** and State of **********. I ended up make a pay schedule for the state (CA) and *** because I was getting garnished from the state. They did not make this happen, they also told me via initial phone conversation, they could at minimum reduce my owed tax by 60%. Finally when they have a resolution after 3.5 years, their numbers were 50K off ( they said I owed the *** 75K and I had to tell them I owed them 36K.) At this point all they said "we cannot reduce 1 cent", you will have to make arrangments with *** on your own, lol. They have 100's of reviews showing a history of this history, its to the point where I can get a class action suit going. I have told them my intent was to file suit and them they starting telling me I was in breach because they tried calling me with an question , I had emailed many many times telling them to email me, they clearly do not like paper trails of the unethical practices they have adopted as policy. I would prefer to get just the $4895 i have lost and had to do all the work myself, they filed a couple years of taxes (200 per year cost) and are telling me $895 is all I will get after signing docs that limit my ability to warn others. Without the full amount I will file a lawsuit and pretty sure I have a great class-action which, would actually pay me 100 times what I am asking.

  

  Business response

  09/30/2024

  Hello *********,
  
  Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. After a thorough review of your file, we can confirm that you have discussed your issues with a member of our team. Your refund request has been approved for the agreed amount discussed with you, reflecting the work completed on your case. Our billing department is currently processing it.
  
  We will now proceed to close your case. If you have any further questions or concerns, please dont hesitate to reach out to us at *******************************.
  
  Best regards,
  Client Relations Team

  Customer response

  09/30/2024

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved once I have received the funds into my bank account.  ******************** , please keep this complaint open until notified funds have been received .
  
  Regards,
  
  ********* ********
  
   
  

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩