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:04/28/2025

  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 contracted *** in March of 24 with a payment of $575. Its been over a year and as far as I know, nothing has been done. There is no communication to speak of. I have paid my back taxes with the *** and have been working on their endless late penalties and interest with no help what so ever from TRA. I don't want excuses, I would like to have an immediate resolution or a refund of my monies. This has gone on far too long, and I will not recommend this organization to anyone

  

  Business Response

  Date: 05/05/2025

  Dear *******,
  
  Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention.
  
  We sincerely apologize for any frustration and inconvenience youve experienced. Please be assured that we are actively moving forward with your case. A member of our Client Relations team has recently been in contact with you, and we are working to expedite the next steps in your resolution process.
  
  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please dont hesitate to contact us directly at *******************************.
  
  Sincerely,
  Client Relations Team

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/24/2025

  Type:Sales and Advertising 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.

  They advertised on **** to be tax advocate's. They have done nothing on our case in close to a year. All of my email to them has been wiped from my sent folder. This is a scam and **** should stop advertising for this company.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 05/01/2025

  Hello ****,
  
  Please be assured that we take all concerns and feedback seriously and remain committed to addressing any matters brought to our attention.
  
  A member of our Client Relations team has made multiple attempts to contact you by phone and email, including sharing direct contact information for our specialist, ******. We would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you directly to better understand your experience and work toward resolving this matter.
  
  We remain available to assist and look forward to connecting with you.
  
  Best regards,
  Client Relations Team

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/24/2025

  Type:Product 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.

  Dear Better Business Bureau,I am writing to formally file a complaint against Tax Relief Advocates regarding a refund that has yet to be issued to me despite repeated requests and ************* the end of March 2025, I unexpectedly lost my job. At that time, I was between the first and second installment payments for services with Tax Relief Advocates. Given my change in financial circumstances, I contacted their office to cancel further services and requested a refund of the initial payment I had made.Initially, I was informed that the refund would be processed, and I was provided with a form to complete in order to facilitate this. I returned the completed form within hours of receiving it. However, since that time, I have experienced nothing but delays, lack of communication, and repeated transfers between representatives. Despite multiple follow-ups on my end, I have not received the refund, nor any clear explanation or timeline for its issuance.The handling of this situation has been extremely frustrating and disappointing, especially given the financial hardship I am currently experiencing. I am requesting the BBBs assistance in resolving this matter and holding Tax Relief Advocates accountable for the refund they agreed to issue.Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your support in facilitating a resolution.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/30/2025

  Hello ****,
  
  After thoroughly reviewing your file, we can confirm that your refund request has been approved and processed. We understand the importance of this matter and appreciate your patience as we completed the necessary steps to resolve it.
  
  If you have not yet received your refund, we recommend reaching out to your bank or financial institution directly, as processing times can vary. Should you require any further assistance or clarification, please feel free to contact us at *******************************.
  
  We trust this matter has now been fully resolved, and we appreciate your cooperation throughout the process.
  
  Best regards,
  Client Relations Team

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/01/2025

  
  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:04/23/2025

  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.

  TRA and I first spoke in February regarding help for my Tax situation. I was presented a solution that i could not afford. Also, I had to initially give TRA $595 to begin the search and negotiations with the ***. Neither happened. What did happen as I pleaded with them to return my $595 because their solution was totally unaffordable to us. The agent, ***** Boomers said he would request a refund from the billing office and I was not able to speak with them. In April **** ********* said I just needed to fill out and submit a formal refund request.This was 3 weeks ago and I still have no resolution. Please Help Me.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/30/2025

  Hello *******,
  
  We have verified that you have spoken with a member of our team regarding this matter, and we are pleased to confirm that it has been resolved. Your refund is expected to be processed within 3-5 business days. If there are any further delays, we suggest reaching out to your bank issuer directly, as we do not have control over processing times.
  
  If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at *******************************.
  
  Best regards,
  Client Relations Team

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/23/2025

  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 filed a tax relief with *** in Jan last year in total I made ***** to resolve a ****** *** 1st off these ppl changes employees every 2 days That was alarming They ask for documents as in pay stubs bank states, expenses and power attorney and does nothing These have put me in a deeper hole with the *** now I have a lien a notice of a lien on my property They said they filed my 2034 and ****************************************************************************************************** this year of false advertisement Shame on you!

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/29/2025

  Dear *******,
  
  Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention.
  
  After thoroughly reviewing your file, we have confirmed that you have chosen to move forward with your case. A member of our Client Relations team has reached out to provide assistance regarding your concerns and to update you on the current status of your case.
  
  Please be reassured that we are committed to delivering the highest level of service and to regaining your full satisfaction. Your experience is important to us, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
  
  If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please dont hesitate to contact us directly at *******************************.
  
  Sincerely,
  Client Relations Team

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/22/2025

  Type:Product 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.

  - February 26, 2025, I signed up with Tax Relief Advocates (TRA), with their associate: ******* *******. - March ****** (4 days later), I sent an email to cancel the service and the prearranged payment that was set to be deducted from my account on 03/14/25. - March 14, 2025, the company deducted $695 from my account (which means they never canceled the contract as requested on 03/02/25). On this same day, 03/14/25, I called and spoke with TRA representative ******* ******* and was assured that he would submit for my refund of $695. - March 21, 2026, I sent a follow-up email regarding my refund. - March 31, 2025, I called TRA customer service line at ************ and spoke with a representative and was informed my request for a refund was being reviewed. - April 16, 2025, I sent another follow-up email for an update and demanding my refund since it had been over a month, which is a more than reasonable time frame. - April21, 2025, I finally received an email from *** representative ******* ******* asking me if I had filled out a refund request form. I replied back to that email stating: No, that I had not completed one because one was never provided to me and if I needed to complete one, he should have sent it the first day I requested the refund.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/29/2025

  Hello ******,
  
  Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. Weve confirmed that youve spoken with a member of our team and that the matter has been fully addressed.
  
  If you have any additional questions or if theres anything else we can assist you with, please dont hesitate to reach out to us **********************************.
  
  Best regards,
  Client Relations Team

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/02/2025

  
  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:04/20/2025

  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.

  On April 3rd approximately 7pm I made a call to Tax Relief Advocates. The associate said we have an offer for you to help get tax relief. The associate said that if you pay $695.00 we will start your case but what the agent forgot to mention is that there is another $5500 that I would have to pay. After reading several reviews about this company I would like a full refund of $695.00 from this company and for the company to stop calling me. Included in the attachments is 2 transactions from my bank on 4/3/2025 and 4/9/2025.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/26/2025

  Dear ***,
  
  Thank you for your feedback. We have thoroughly reviewed your file and confirmed that youve been in active communication with our team. Please note that second-phase resolution fees are not determined until the initial investigation phase is completed and your full tax situation has been assessed.
  
  That said, weve honored your request to cancel services and issued your refund in full as of 04/22/2025. Should you need any further assistance, you may contact us directly at *******************************.
  
  Best regards,
  Client Relations Team

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/18/2025

  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.

  Originally I found the *** business on ads like ******** and tv, and decided to give them a try to reduce tax debt. However, was not informed that there would be an additional fee. They charged me $595 and I was under the impression that should cover my service that I signed up for. Only to be informed that was an additional $5,000 fee. Which I cannot afford. The woman by the name of ***** ****** just proceeded to yell at me, talk down to me, then ultimately hung up on me after I stated that I thought I already paid for this service and request a refund. There was never any mention of an additional fee, and when I mentioned that she just got more agitated. I would have never signed up initially had I been aware of this fact. Please help. They guarantee their service that I never received.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/24/2025

  Hello *******,
  
  Thank you for your feedback. We take all concerns very seriously and have thoroughly reviewed your file. We can confirm that you have been in active communication with our team regarding your experience, and we appreciate your continued cooperation.
  
  Appropriate steps have been taken to address this matter, and we are currently working to process your refund request while continuing to provide direct support. If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, please dont hesitate to contact us directly at *******************************.
  
  Sincerely,
  Client Relations Team
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/18/2025

  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.

  In January 2024, I had spoken and was working with Medeena. S, at which time we went over what TRA does and provides. I had to sign a POA to allow them to get information/ and work with the ***. We went over the steps TRA has to a resolution, and the time frames. I was told the initial cost is a retainer fee of $795.00 or like she said a "deposit", and most important fully "REFUNDABLE". However here I am still trying to get my refund for the $795.00 as what they were offering they could do I was NOT able to afford. Finally, in April 2025 they had what they called a resolution and for the resolution wanted to charge me OVER $20,000. As I advised them, if I had $20,000, I would give to the ***. I ask for a refund at time. However, they only keep getting another employee to call and say they will work in the amount. I advised NO in all attempts from the company. Then I processed to call ************** to speak with someone as that is the only number provided. I asked for a refund, they always said they will forward the request to the escalations department, I asked for a number and/or email but was informed they do not have a direct line, I would have to call customer service and then they will forward the message, and they will then be in contact with me. Finally, on 4/4/2025 I called customer service again, and they advised the same, BUT finally someone from the escalations department returned my call on April 8th at 3:31 PM from an ***** ******, but missed the call as I was at work and away from my desk and phone, as well she emailed at 3:33pm, I immediately called back at 3:33pm and of course unable to speak with *****. I responded to her email and requested an refund of my deposit. I advised her there was NOTHING to talk about, and I just want my refund. She sent me the form again to completed with my Banking information and I also immediately completed and return on April 8th at 3:50PM my time their time I believe is 12:50PM. I still have not received refund.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/24/2025

  Hello *****,
  
  Thank you for reaching out and bringing your concerns to our attention. We have confirmed that your file has been escalated to our Client Relations team. ******** from our team has attempted to contact you and has left a detailed voicemail, along with a follow-up email containing her direct contact information.
  
  At your earliest convenience, please check your voicemail and email for these messages. We would like to schedule a time to speak with you directly to properly address your concerns. If you havent received the messages or prefer to reach out on your own, you are welcome to contact us at *******************************.
  
  We are committed to resolving your concerns and look forward to speaking with you.
  
  Best regards,
  Client Relations Team
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/16/2025

  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 signed a service agreement with this company & after how the interaction with this company was going it prompted me to seek out reviews from others that have used it. After looking into the company further I did not feel comfortable proceeding with them. I submitted the cancellation request within the 3 days that this company set by sending a telegram with the cancellation notice for $65. This telegram went ignored in addition to every message and voicemail I sent to them to confirm the cancellation and that the automatic payments would be cancelled. After at minimum 20 phone calls and even more sms messages, I could not get anyone to respond to me. I asks for a call from a supervisor who took one week to even call me back. After telling ******, who I was working with on his voicemail and through messages that I would be contacting a lawyer he finally responded to me. I asked him to confirm the cancellation and that payments were turned off, to which he confirmed both and I asked for this in writing via email which he sent to me. The automatic payment due to be taken out on 4/15 was then attempted to be taken from my account. ******, the supervisor who I spoke with one week after asking to speak with a leader also confirmed with me on 4/14 that my contract was cancelled. The very next day the payment attempt was processed. Ive made repeated attempts to ****** and ****** since 4/15 to ensure once again that the contact and payments were cancelled and they have done nothing but ignore me. I want the retainer fee I paid to this company returned to me, confirmation in a form of more than just an email that the contract and payments have been stopped. I have records of all attempts - phone calls, and messages and emails that Ive made in an attempt to resolve this with no resolution and nothing but being ignored.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/30/2025

  Dear ****,
  
  Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. We take all feedback seriously and strive to provide prompt, clear, and effective service to every client.
  
  After reviewing your case, we found that your cancellation request was submitted within the 3-day window, and we sincerely apologize for the oversight in not responding to your communication more promptly.
  
  We are pleased to inform you that your refund has been fully processed, and the cancellation of your contract and automatic payments has been successfully completed. You should have received confirmation via email regarding both the cancellation and the refund. If you require any further documentation or clarification, please feel free to reach out to us at *******************************.
  
  Sincerely,
  Client Relations Team
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/01/2025

  
  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,
  
  **** ******