Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. 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.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/17/2025

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I entered into an agreement with Civic Tax 1/14/21. Their promise was to resolve my tax issues and lower my tax bill. Civic Tax did the opposite. They increased my tax bill by over 6000 dollars and left me with a monthly tax bill that is not affordable. I also filed my own taxes which should have gone to me or my debt, 5000 dollars. They never gave me an explanation to where the money went to. I told the company the ratio to living expenses were impossible however since they just resolved this in September 2024 after three years I believe they just wanted to get my account completed and off their books. They stop taking my phone calls.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/02/2025

  In contrast to the clients statement, Civic Tax Relief does not promise or guarantee a specific result; mainly, reduction.  Rather, Civic Tax Relief clearly explains that we will attempt to achieve the best possible resolution for the client, and that any resolution will be based on the individual circumstances, coupled with IRS standards. In addition, liabilities often increase when the taxpayers inquire new balances with the ***. Before engaging our services, the client was provided with a contract stating the specific services that Civic Tax Relief could provide: IRS compliance, Collection Representation, and a resolution based on financials.  The client indicated they were aware of the services we were providing before beginning with CTR. At Civic Tax Relief, we strive to uphold a "client comes first" philosophy. We take all complaints very seriously and do our best to turn them around when possible. We are always open to continuing the discussion with this client and will be reaching out again. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/06/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I was completely exploited by this company, who through television advertising campaigns lured me in with claims to help me obtain tax penalty relief, by filing an Offer in Compromise with the ***. When I completed a phone intake with them in December 2023; I was told that I was approved and qualified for the program. They would request the *** to waive all late fees, and penalty charges. They then stated they would negotiate a payment plan with between myself and the ***. They quoted me a price of $2,940.00, which I could not pay up front. They then entered me into a payment plan and indicated they would work on my case immediately upon receiving the first bi-weekly payments. Which was untrue, as they did not begin working on my case until, they received their final payment on September 11, 2024.Once they were paid in full, they sent me an email asking me to provide a list of documents, which I did. Then two days later, I received a phone call stating that they could not help me, as I did not qualify for the tax abatement program, they initially pre-approved me for. They indicated all they could do for me was negotiate a payment plan with the *** for the total amount due and that they cannot guarantee anything. I can do that myself, without their help. The whole point of hiring them, was to negotiate with the ***. They were deceitful and I demand the return of all my funds paid to them. They failed to deliver the promised services. They offered me this Offer in Compromise filing, knowing that I would not qualify; they knowingly defrauded me.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/17/2025

  In contrast to the clients statement, CTR did exactly what the client hired us to do. We completed the Offer in Compromise application, however, due to the clients current financial situation she did not qualify for the program.  CTR does not promise or guarantee a specific result. Rather, Civic Tax Relief clearly explains that we will attempt to achieve the best possible resolution for the client, and that any resolution will be based on the individual circumstances, coupled with *** standards. The *** allowes certain expenses to be used when determining a resolution agreement. Unfortunately credit card debt and bills outside of the standard of living are not expenses the *** will consider. Before engaging our services, the client was provided with a contract stating the specific services that Civic Tax Relief could provide: IRS Compliance, Collection Representation, and a Resolution based on financials. *** cannot force the *** to accept a client into their hardship programs. We take all complaints very seriously and do our best to turn them around when possible.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/20/2025

  They lied to me and did NOT do what they were hired to do. Why even bother "pre-qualifying" the applicant in the beginning of the process when you know in the end they will not qualify for the tax program through the ***. I have read all the complaints filed against this company and this is their MO, this is what they do to people. The minute they were paid in full, they inform me that I did not qualify for the program I was originally approved for. They offer people false hope and point blank, defraud people. They offered to contact *** to enter into a payment plan; they they couldn't even do that, as the *** will not accept a third party to enter into a payment plan on the tax payers behalf. They know all of these rules and regulations and LIE to people. I work hard for my money and was robbed by this company, who did absolutely NOTHING. They are scammers.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/25/2025

  *** takes pride in conducting a quality control recording with every client who chooses to enroll in our services. This quality control call is complete PRIOR to any funds being taken as we must ensure that the client understands what CTR can and cannot do. We inform every single client during this call that we cannot guarantee a specific resolution primarily "reduction."  We are more than happy to review the call with the client so she can hear her agreeance to the disclosures. Financial documents are not requested from the client until all missing returns are filed. Therefore, we are not privy to any clients monthly disposable income when they first enroll with us. In contrast to the clients statement the *** does allow thrid parties to speak and establish resolutions on behalf of the taxpayers which is what we did on this clients case. Our clients leave our program in compliance and in good standings with the *** once services are rendered. We understand the frustration of not qualifying for a hardship program, however all resolutions are based on the *** standards. It is innappropiate to continue using defamatory language towards our company as we did exactly what our contract stated we would do. We are more than happy to review your case in exact details to ensure you feel a complete level of explanation and transparency. We willl be reaching out again soon. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/27/2025

  I paid for services that were never rendered. They did absolutely nothing for me to justify keeping $***** of my hard earned money. I was never provided with an itemized invoice, nor was I provided with the total amount due to the ***. They are completely incorrect; they were provided with my income documentation, as I provided my financial documents to them very early on. They did in fact state that I qualified. I would have NEVER agreed to this service if I knew that I was going to later be told, sorry you don't qualify and case closed. They did NOTHING for me. I could have used that ***** to pay down the debt Owed to the ***. They have merely wasted my time, provided false hope, and now my amount due to the *** is going to be higher. They provide false hope to draw people in. I am a single parent and am not in a financial position to give away ***** for something I was never going to qualify for from the get. They know what the *** guidelines are for the tax abatement program. They know what the IRS income to debt ratios are before they enter people into an agreement. They knew from day 1 that I was NEVER going to qualify for said program. They pulled a bait and switch on me and I will take this matter as high as I can in order to receive justice. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/23/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  In April of 2024, I signed a contract stating this company would assist me with rectifying my owed tax debt to the ***. I was led to believe they would begin working on my case immediately once I signed paperwork for them to acquire my information from the ***. I signed and no work had been done in regards to my debt to the ***, and they've contacted me several times to acquire the same information that I signed for them to get from the very beginning from the ***. They've been rude, nasty, disrespectful and condescending when I call. They were informed that I worked night shifts and they would call and wake me from my sleep to ask for what I already gave them permission to get. At this point, they have not done any work on my file and if they have, they never provided proof when I asked them for it. They received payments and was given access to acquire my file and still they are reaching out to me for the same files from day one that I signed for them to be able to access. I was informed that several people in their company had written negatively about me in their files and that they were fine ending my contract but they do not want to refund my money. They continue to ignore my requests for proof that they have done any work on my file and have caused me harm because while I'm paying them to do nothing, I'm believing that I'm being charged interest daily by the ***.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/07/2025

  CTR has been in comminucation with this taxpayer and has clarified the details that were misunderstood. There are personal details and documents that all  taxpayers must provide; as *** has no ability to obtain certain personal records. *** in no way intentionally delayed this taxpayers case and we are happy to report that the details and next steps have been clarified; we are working to acheive the best possible resolution for this taxpayer. At Civic Tax Relief, we strive to uphold a "client comes first" philosophy. We take all complaints very seriously and do our best to turn them around when possible. 

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/27/2024

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I engaged the services of Civic Tax Relief in October of 2023. I was given a consulation where I was told that I was a perfect candidate for their services and would have a high chance of some kind of relief. The company bills hourly, so they were sure to drag out my case over 9 months, sometimes not returning calls for days, and sitting on submitted documents for months. At the end of the ordeal, their solution is that there is no resolve, and that everything I paid to them, $4000+ is with no result. I could have used those funds to pay IRS instead, but this company intentionally set me back.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/03/2024

  In contrast to the clients statement, Civic Tax Relief does not promise or guarantee a specific result; mainly, reduction.  Rather, Civic Tax Relief clearly explains that we will attempt to achieve the best possible resolution for the client, and that any resolution will be based on the individual circumstances, coupled with IRS standards. Before engaging our services, the client was provided with a contract stating the specific services that Civic Tax Relief could provide: IRS compliance, Collection Representation, and a resolution based on financials.  The client indicated they were aware of the services we were providing before beginning with CTR.  CTR in no way intentionally delayed this clients case and did our very best to establish a resolution based on the clients financials. At Civic Tax Relief, we strive to uphold a "client comes first" philosophy. We take all complaints very seriously and do our best to turn them around when possible. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/16/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  see attachment

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/18/2024

  In contrast to the clients statement, Civic Tax Relief does not promise or guarantee a specific result; mainly, reduction.  Rather, Civic Tax Relief clearly explains that we will attempt to achieve the best possible resolution for the client, and that any resolution will be based on the individual circumstances, coupled with IRS standards. Before engaging our services, the client was provided with a contract stating the specific services that Civic Tax Relief could provide: IRS compliance, Collection Representation, and a resolution based on financials.  The client indicated they were aware of the services we were providing before beginning with CTR. At Civic Tax Relief, we strive to uphold a "client comes first" philosophy. We take all complaints very seriously and do our best to turn them around when possible. This clients matter has been resolved.

   

  Traduccion: A diferencia de la declaracin del cliente, Civic Tax Relief no promete ni garantiza un resultado especfico; principalmente, reduccin.  Ms ***** Civic Tax Relief explica claramente que intentaremos lograr la mejor resolucin posible para el cliente y que cualquier resolucin ** ***** en las circunstancias individuales, junto con los estndares del IRS. Antes de contratar nuestros servicios, se le proporcion al cliente un contrato que estableca los servicios especficos que Civic Tax Relief poda proporcionar: cumplimiento del IRS, representacin de cobranza y una resolucin basada en finanzas.  El cliente indic que conoca los servicios que brindbamos antes de comenzar con CTR. En Civic Tax Relief, nos esforzamos por mantener la filosofa de que "el cliente es primero". Nos tomamos muy en ***** todas las ****** y hacemos todo lo posible para solucionarlas cuando sea posible. El asunto de este cliente ha sido resuelto.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/15/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have made payments monthly to Civic tax relief to reduce my IRS tax debt. I was told that they will reduce my tax debt. As of 2024, My IRS debt hasnt been solved and this company kept my money. I spoke with a BBB representative via telephone and was told to complete the complaint online. I would like for a total refund or to erase my irs tax debt.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/21/2024

  CTR had not been in contact with this client since March of 2023, as their case was already closed out with the *** and this complaint came as a shock since services were rendered. In contrast to the clients statement, CTR completed a full financial analysis and spent billable hours working on this case. CTR does not and will not ever promise or guarantee a specific result; mainly, reduction. CTR has reached out to the taxpayer to make a good faith efforts to work with the client to reach a mutual agreement. We take all complaints very seriously and we do our best to turn them around when possible.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/09/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Civil Tax Relief did absolutely nothing for me regarding my tax issues. I live off of my pension and cant afford to buy food, however Im paying $740 per month to the *** for 6 years of 58K. My tax debt was lowered and I live off of a fixed income. Im seeing all these reviews on how excellent the agency is, however nothing was done in my best interest. Why?!

  

  Business Response

  Date: 10/18/2023

  In contrast to the clients statement, Civic Tax Relief has submitted three resolution proposals to the **************** Services on behalf of this client and has completed multiple financial analysis. A resolution has been established with the *** and the client has agreed.  CTR does not promise or guarantee a specific result. Rather, Civic Tax Relief clearly explains that we will attempt to achieve the best possible resolution for the client, and that any resolution will be based on the individual circumstances, coupled with *** standards. Before engaging our services, the client was provided with a contract stating the specific services that Civic Tax Relief could provide: *** Compliance, Collection Representation, and a Resolution based on financials. CTR cannot force the *** to accept a client into their hardship programs. There were extenuating circumstances that cannot be divulged here, that caused the *** to reject the most beneficial resolution option. We take all complaints very seriously and do our best to turn them around when possible. Unfortunately, this client has gone on multiple platforms to defame the character of this business due to a result he was not happy with, which is ultimately out of our control. Every attempt was made to achieve this clients goals.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/31/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I paid $2,000 with the impression my garnishment would be lifted. It's been over a month and nothing has been done and there has been no outcome thus far. I have submitted document after document that have they have asked and still nothing. I got a phone call asking for another payment to continue furthur but again nothing has been done regarding my tax issue.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/14/2023

  CTR has actively been working on this clients case, we are unsure why this complaint was even written.  We have been in constant communication with this client about his standings with the *** and we are still servicing this file with no intention of stopping the work. Thank you 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/14/2023

  
  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

  Date:04/19/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  For 7 months I made a payment to these people and the whole time I was told that I would have my taxes put on hold unless I start making a significant increase in pay. Soon as I paid the last payment they tell me that I didn't qualify because irs said I have ***** dollars left over every month. Then I told them that I don't have that money and then they told me that time ran out and they closed my case and to this day I have not received any documentation from the first payment of ****** for 7 months and I still haven't received anything **** **** so I have something to prove that I didn't receive no service or explanation l called them and asked for some of my money back and they told me that time has ran out.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 05/26/2023

  CTR has reached out to the client in order to discuss his concerns, unfortunately the client is not responsive to our attempts to resolve. Out of obligation of privacy protection, we cannot discuss this taxpayers specific circumstances. While we do understand how lengthy this program can be, we are committed to establishing a resolution between the client and the *** as long as communication is maintained. We take all complaints very seriously and do our best to turn them around when possible. We are happy to continue working with this client when he is ready. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/19/2022

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Consumer phone complaint taken by JS: Consumer paid $247.50 on June 17, 2022. The business was to help consumer settle her taxes with the **** She did not hear anything. She just kept getting calls requesting more more money. She made a second payment of $247.50 in August and was to send the consumer tax papers. She then received another call to have a third payment of $247.50 and that she was to have 8 more payments in order for the business to resolve this matter.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/27/2022

  CTR has been in contact with the client as of 8/24/22, 8/31/22 and again on 9/1/22 regarding the investigation and steps on how we could help resolve her *** tax matter. The client then advised us that she would like to cancel services and resolve her tax matters on her own. The *** Fresh Start programs were discussed during these calls. It is unclear why this complaint was made, as details of the program were explained to the client during these calls. CTR is happy to further assist the client in resolving any *** related tax matters.