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Elite Tax Service, LLC, a Marietta, GA-based tax preparer provider, has been flagged by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for a pattern of complaints related to billing and collection issues. According to BBB's records, consumers have reported that the company advertised tax services for $199 but charged them much more without their consent. Furthermore, when refunds were requested, the company failed to respond.
Due to recent unanswered complaints, Elite Tax Service, LLC has an “F” rating, the lowest on BBB’s rating scale.
Tiffany M. of Valley, Alabama, told the BBB that Elite Tax Service did her 2022 tax return and charged her $199. When she received her return, she noticed that the company had taken out $1,919.90. Shani S. of Rembert, South Carolina, reported receiving only $4,761 out of her alleged $6,526 refund. She was told that her service charge would be $199 but noticed that they used their routing and account numbers to receive the funds once the company submitted her return.
BBB attempted to contact Elite Tax Service, LLC, using the phone number provided. However, no company name was given when answered, and a statement requiring a PIN was needed to proceed further. Furthermore, BBB reached out to the property management company where the company address is located but was informed that this is a virtual location and the company has mail services only. The company has not been at this address for over six months.
On April 4, 2023, BBB sent a letter to Elite Tax Service, LLC requesting their voluntary cooperation in addressing and eliminating the pattern of complaints; however, the business still needs to respond.
Here are some red flags to watch for and tips to avoid being ghosted by your tax preparer:
- Be wary of those offering fast refunds or large returns. Your return amount, deduction amount, or taxes owed is solely based on your past year's tax information and the current tax laws. The time it takes to receive your refund or tax notice will depend entirely upon the IRS.
- Don't sign your tax return if a tax preparer asks.
- Review your tax return before it's submitted to ensure your tax preparer appropriately signed it.
- Only allow funds to be deposited into your personal accounts. Some ghost preparers will have funds deposited into their own accounts "to be later distributed."
- Do your research! Check BBB.org for complaints and reviews on tax services in your area. Be cautious of "pop-ups" and seasonal tax services. Don't be afraid to ask about their processes, credentials, and for their PTIN. The IRS has resources to help you check those credentials.
BBB urges consumers with similar experiences with Elite Tax Service, LLC, to file a complaint with BBB.
For more information
Read more about protecting yourself from tax ID scams.
Check out BBB's Tax Tips and Resources.
Read more about "ghost tax preparers" here.
Hire a BBB Accredited tax preparer near you.
Read more about BBB Accreditation Standards and BBB Standards for Trust.