ComplaintsforTax Relief Advocates

• Initial Complaint

  09/17/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Requesting refund. *** does not have any type of organization skills or communication about anything. I have done everything that has been requested of me and still waiting over a week now for the "tax guy" to file with no time frame on when things will be done nor paperwork or any type of proof they are doing ANYTHING. I would have NEVER agreed to anything but the sale *** reassured me things would be done in a timely matter and faster then if I would have done it and now that's not true. It's a total scam. I was also charged without my authorization because "you have to leave a card on file". This place is a joke.

  

  Business response

  09/19/2024

  Hello ******,
  
  Thank you for your patience as we work through your concerns. We have thoroughly reviewed your file and can confirm that youve spoken with a member of our team, who provided an update on your current case status and outlined the next steps. Were glad to hear that you have chosen to continue with our services, and we are committed to delivering satisfactory results.
  
  We kindly ask for your continued patience during this process. Please rest assured that our tax professionals are working diligently to process your tax returns as swiftly as possible.
  
  If you have any further questions or concerns, please dont hesitate to reach out to us at ************************* Were here to help.
  
  All the best,
  Client Relations Team
  
  

  Customer response

  09/20/2024

  I talked with a different person with TRA that promised me it would be done in 7 days and they said that they were going to expedite my case for my fasa no refund mentioned. Great. I am only rejecting TRA response to give them more time to fulfill the 7 days they promised but I have was given 3 days to respond. So well see what happens but I am hopeful they can do it. I would be more than happy to give a update after everything is finished. 

  

  Business response

  09/30/2024

  Hello ******,
  
  Effective communication is very important to us, and we are committed to improving your experience. We apologize for any inconvenience you may have faced and are dedicated to making things right.
  
  After thoroughly reviewing your file, we confirm that you have spoken with a member of our team who is actively addressing your concerns and working diligently to provide you with the best service possible.
  
  If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us at *******************************.
  
  Sincerely,
  Client Relations Team

• Initial Complaint

  09/15/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Tax Relief Advocates was hired to help me reduce or eliminate tax debt. They call me with tax information that was not mine. They charged me for an investigation and resolution of tax issues that never happened. I called the **** They had no record of any contact from this business. I want all of my money back.

  

  Business response

  09/19/2024

  Hello ******,
  
  Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. We take these matters seriously and appreciate your feedback.
  
  We have reviewed your file and confirm that you are in active discussions with our team to address your concerns. Rest assured; we are thoroughly examining your case. Additionally, **** confirmed that you have a follow-up appointment scheduled to continue this conversation.
  
  We are committed to resolving this matter as quickly as possible and appreciate your patience and understanding.
  
  Best regards,  
  Client Relations Team

• Initial Complaint

  09/13/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  My wife and I spoke with a tax specialist at this company to contract them to act on our behalf to provide tax debt relief for us. In our initial consultation, we were told that they couldn't negotiate on our behalf or communicate with *************************** They railroaded us into signing a contract to only settle our federal debt to the ***. This service was $23,000 which they led us to their financing partners for. During the 3 months since engaging them, they pulled our tax records and prepared and filed 3 years of tax returns for my wife - they did no work at all for me in tax preparation or negotiation. Due to garnishment from the state of ******, we contacted another firm to engage them to advocate with the state of ******. We contacted Tax Relief Advocates to ask them to stop all work on our behalf and return the balance of the $23,000 loans MINUS the cost of any work they had completed to date. We do not want to continue working with them to negotiate on our behalf with the ***. After two weeks of dodging us and delaying giving us ANY response - they finally decided not to refund any of our money. They persuaded us to take on two loans to pay for these services. One for $13,000 at 18% with a upfront finance charge of over $4,000 and the other for $10,000.Although we begged them to return the money so that we could pay off these loans and go our separate ways - they have refused repeatedly and now hold us hostage even though we will no longer be working with them, we paid approximately $1,800 already and they only prepared 3 tax returns for one of us. This company is a scam. They are not licensed to practice in every state and do not know the tax law well enough to know that if you owe tax debt to your state and the *** it's imperative that you deal with the state before the ****They didn't tell us that and just forced us into high interest loans. Do not do business with them. They are not to be trusted. They are a SCAM

  

  Business response

  09/20/2024

  Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and we sincerely apologize for the frustration you've experienced. Our Client Relations Manager, ***** *******, has already reached out today and is actively working to resolve the issue, including addressing the loan situation. We understand your concerns and have scheduled a follow-up appointment on Tuesday, 9/24, to discuss this further. Please know that we are committed to finding a solution and ensuring a fair resolution for you and your wife. Thank you for your patience as we work through this.

  Customer response

  09/25/2024

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  The business contacted us and was able to cancel the two loans that we took out to pay for their services. Since we cancelled the services, they were able to cancel the loans (from their finance partner).

  Everything has been settled now.

  Regards,
  
  **** *******
  
   

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  09/12/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  This service promised to provide timely tax relief, however, they are unable to live up to the promise and I am making more progress working with the *** directly without paying them an additional $5,000, with a proposition that this may be resolved in a year or so. I have requested a deposited refund three times. On Sept. 7th they refunded $297.50, which is less than 40% of original deposit amounts. The service provides payment links that expire, so that the consumer can not track what has been paid. Only enter the site for a limited amount of time to make payments as scheduled. Exp. ***********************************************************************************. I am requesting a full refund, since the service will be timely, and offers steps I can proactively take on my own more efficiently.

  

  Business response

  09/18/2024

  Dear *****,
  
  We take all input very seriously and pride ourselves on our track record of delivering timely results. However, we see from your file that we were unable to move forward with the resolution phase of your case, which affected our ability to provide you with timely outcomes.
  
  We understand your decision to work directly with the *** and want to confirm that your full refund was approved and processed as of September 6th, 2024. We have verified that this matter was discussed with you, and you confirmed that you received the full refund.
  
  Given this resolution, we kindly ask that you mark this complaint resolved. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact us at ************************.
  
  Best regards,
  Client Relations Team

  Customer response

  09/19/2024

  
  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

  09/12/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We were contacted by *** to advise they could help with our Tax Issue, so we paid a large down payment and then additional monthly payments for over 6 months. They advised they would send an extension to the *** for the one of the filing years in question. Stating that they needed our signature, they supposedly sent out three mailings, of which ALL were sent back signed. They never requested an extension from the ***, and never did anything further, but continue to withdraw from out account each month. The *** is now sending us notifications for some of the issues that were supposed to be handled by TRA. We have sent numerous emails with no response. This is insane, and needs to be resolved ASAP!!!!!!!

  

  Business response

  09/18/2024

  Dear **********,
  
  Thank you for reaching out. We understand the importance of clear communication, especially regarding your tax issue. After reviewing your file, we noted a period when we were unsuccessful in contacting you, which resulted in your case being marked as unresponsive and caused delays.
  
  Since you submitted your concerns, we can confirm that our team has been in contact with you and that your concerns have been addressed. You have agreed to the refund option, and we have sent you a refund request form that will need to be filled out and returned to us.
  
  If you have any further questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact us directly at *******************************.
  
  We appreciate your patience and cooperation.
  
  Best regards,
  Client Relations Team

• Initial Complaint

  09/11/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Been, over a month since I have heard anything from you or your company. and a year since the process started I received a letter from the *** 3 weeks ago saying the offer in comp was canceled and funds put against my tax bill. However, I have yet to hear a resolution on eliminating or reducing my tax debt. I think it sounds familiar to your commercial. Yet I am still paying 600 a month on *** installment agreement and 300 a month on the loan to pay TRA and I have not received anything I could have done myself for free. Your tax professionals correct? Honestly, I don't see it !!!

  

  Business response

  09/18/2024

  Hello *******,
  
  Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. We understand that navigating tax issues can be frustrating. After reviewing your file, we can confirm that youre actively engaged with our team to address your concerns and find a satisfactory resolution.
  
  We recognize your frustration with the waiting process, and please know that we are committed to exploring all available options tailored to your case and financial situation.
  
  We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work towards the best possible outcome. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us directly at *******************************.
  
  Sincerely,  
  Client Relations Team

• Initial Complaint

  09/10/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I began working with Tax Processing Solutions in August 2023 for 2023 tax preparation and IRS negotiations. Since then, there have been multiple errors, delays, and communication failures.Miscommunication: Despite requesting in January 2024 to separate my account from my ex-wifes, emails regarding my tax return were mistakenly sent to her in May 2024, causing delays.Errors in Filing: My 2023 tax return was incorrectly filed as married filing jointly rather than married filing separately, which I raised in July 2024. Despite this, the error was not promptly corrected.Poor Communication: I sent numerous emails between February and August 2024 requesting updates on my tax return and IRS negotiations, but most were ignored or met with delayed responses.Failure to Escalate: Despite repeated requests to speak with a supervisor or upper management in July and August 2024, no one addressed my concerns.Unresolved IRS Negotiation: To date, there has been no clear update on my IRS negotiations, despite this being a key reason I hired the company.Ive experienced poor service, repeated errors, and a lack of communication, leaving me without resolution. I request immediate intervention from upper management to resolve my tax return and IRS issues.

  

  Business response

  09/17/2024

  Hello ******,
  
  Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. We sincerely apologize for the frustrations you've encountered; this does not reflect the level of service we strive to provide.
  
  After a thorough review of your file, we can confirm that you have been in contact with a member of our management team, and your concerns have been addressed. We are actively working on your case and will prioritize it to ensure you receive the necessary information and support moving forward.
  
  Thank you for your patience and for giving us the opportunity to resolve these issues. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please dont hesitate to reach out at ************************.
  
  Sincerely,  
  Client Relations Team

  Customer response

  09/17/2024

  
  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

  09/09/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  After having seen an ad on tv for TRA I called the 800 number to get information about federal tax relief $ or reduction. I spoke with **** ******** @ ************ and explained my situation. He assured me he could help; he asked for my ****. I specifically asked him if he was speaking to me on a secure phone line; I didn't want to give my ssan over the phone. He assured me the line was secure secure so, against my better judgement, I gave him my ssan. **** lied several times. The 1st lie was the phone lines are secure. The 2nd lie was, I would need to file an amended tax return. He told me to contact **** ********* @ tax processing ************** gave me his phone #. **** said he would need a copy of my 2023 federal Tax return which I immediately faxed to him. I also called him to make sure he received it. **** told me that the fax machine was in the mailroom and he wouldn't get it for at least 3 days when his mail is delivered. This meant I could not cancel the contract in 3 days (as required) through no fault of mine. I called **** to complain about this & he said that Mr. ********* was correct and I would have to wait for **** to start my amended return. So I faxed a copy of my 2023 tax **** as well with a coversheet telling both of them to call me when they received the fax. **** called me back after 5PM August 30th. **** told me he had received the fax. ****** 3rd lie was telling me I already qualified for the "Fresh Start" program as well as the "Hardship" program based of my age and income. **** told me NOT to pay anything to the ******** wanted me to set up a payment plan with ********************************** to pay $13,500 to the ***. This has been a total scam and I will not continue dealing with *** or any of its associates. I expect immediate full refund of ****** & no further contact with these fraudsters. I have reported their fraud to my bank. *** needs to be reported to the ********** *** is not authorized to represent anyone to the ***.

  

  Business response

  09/16/2024

  Dear ****,
  
  Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. We take these matters very seriously and appreciate your feedback as it helps us address these issues.
  
  We are committed to resolving this situation promptly. A member of our team has made multiple attempts to contact you via telephone and email without success. To assist you effectively, we will need to discuss your case directly. Please check your voicemail and email for specific contact information from us.
  
  If you prefer, you can email us at ************************ with any additional information or concerns. We are here to help and want to ensure this matter is resolved to your satisfaction.
  
  Thank you for your patience and understanding.
  
  Sincerely,
  Client Relations Team

• Initial Complaint

  09/06/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  The company is the problem. I contacted TRA in 2022 regarding an *** taxes due for 2021 that was $5000. First ****** I talked to got all my information and a payment of $750 over the phone. Then I received an email from a different ****** needing more information and forms. More payments were required over the phone via credit card, $1500 or more, its been so long and such a headache I have forgotten exact amount. Then I received an email from another ****** requesting signatures and that they were filing an amended tax return. After that I received a tax bill from The State of California for $5500 for taxes due and interest accrued from 2021. When I contacted TRA about it they sent me to someone I had not talked to before and they informed me there was nothing they could do and I had to call the state and pay it. So after that I was unhappy with their service, to say the least, but still proceeded with the *** case. After hearing nothing for months I received an email saying that the case was settled I needed to go on the *** website pay $150 that we owed and we were done. Fast forward to Nov. 2023 and I receive a call from TRA about our case and that it was NOT finalized. This was a totally different Case Advicate also, this being the 6th ****** I have talked to. I have since talked to 3 different people, Case Advocates assigned to my case. So thats 9 Different people assigned to my case, 9! I have had to resubmit the same forms 5 different times for different people. I have had to sign the same forms multiple times for each Case Advocate. I have complained multiple times to each Case Advocate with no response other than excuses and redirected blame. It has taken so long for them to get their s*** together we have accrued $1000+ in interest and fees. The latest settlement cost $400 just to submit and now we find out it was REJECTED! We have spent more money working with TRA than we owed to begin with. This company is a total scam! Money Back GUARANTEED!??

  

  Business response

  09/13/2024

  Hello ******,
  
  Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns. Please be assured that we take all client feedback seriously and are committed to addressing each issue effectively. We understand that dealing with IRS matters can be complex, and we appreciate the details youve provided.
  
  We confirm that you have spoken with a member of our team, and your case has been escalated to higher management for further evaluation. Our team is currently reviewing your file and case timeline thoroughly. You can expect to hear from ***************************** with updates once this review is completed. Please allow ***** business hours for this process.
  
  For any additional concerns or assistance, feel free to contact us directly at ************************* We are here to support you and ensure your case is handled appropriately.
  
  Thank you for your patience.
  
  Best regards,  
  Client Relations Team

• Initial Complaint

  09/04/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Transaction was supposed to occur on 8/5/24. I was told my deposit would be refunded by one of their tax associates.i filled out the paperwork and the associate told me it went through and I should see the money in my account within a week. It is now September, and Im not getting any updates or responses. This associate kept changing the cost of services on me. Finally he got frustrated and told me I would get a refund. As far as Im concerned this company is a scam. Telling someone they would do a refund as long as they got a favorable review. Plus I have been in touch with other tax associate companies, and this is ?? more expensive then all the others.

  

  Business response

  09/06/2024

  Hello *****,
  
  We have thoroughly reviewed your file and can confirm that your refund request was approved on 08/05/2024 and fully processed on 08/08/2024. We recommend reaching out to your bank for further assistance, as we are not responsible for the bank's processing times.
  
  If you need any additional support or have further questions, please feel free to contact us at ************************* We are here to help in any way we can.
  
  All the best,  
  Client Relations Team

*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. ↩