Cookies on BBB.org

We use cookies to give users the best content and online experience. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to allow us to use all cookies. Visit our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Manage Cookies
Share
Business Profile

Tax Representatives

Tax Relief Advocates

Complaints

Customer Complaints Summary

  • 413 total complaints in the last 3 years.
  • 165 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

If you've experienced an issue

Submit a Complaint

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.

Sort by

Complaint status

Complaint type

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:04/14/2025

    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.
    Was trying to clear my tax debt up and using this company to help me out and I sent them my documents and over 50% of the money and they said they would work on my taxes. After a year, nothing is done and we got a person to help us out and she had our taxes done in two weeks. I have asked to have my money refunded to me and they refused. Said that I did not qualify for a refund. I would like my money back as they did not do anything and when I went into the website to look at the documents that I sent to them, they cleared them out as if I never sent them anything.I don't know what scam they are pulling but looking at the reviews that I had seen, they are not true to their words or their website.Please help us get our money back as I understand that I messed up but I am currently working on it to get it cleared up and I really need the funds to clear up my past taxes.

    Business Response

    Date: 04/21/2025

    Hello *******,

    Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns. We have thoroughly reviewed your case and confirmed that you have already spoken with a member of our team regarding these concerns. During that conversation, we explained that you enrolled with us in January 2024, but we did not receive the necessary documentation to begin work on your case until well over a year later, in February 2025.

    Despite this delay, we remained willing to proceed with your case, provided we received your full cooperation and the required documentation to move forward.

    We understand that you ultimately decided to work with a third party to file your taxes, and that your situation has since changed. We offered to assist further by helping set up an Installment Agreement based on your updated balance, but you declined and instead requested a refund.

    As we previously explained, based on the terms of the agreement you signed, you do not qualify for a refund. Our refund policy clearly outlines the client duties, which include timely cooperation and submission of the required documentation, both of which are essential for us to begin providing services. In your case, the delay of over a year in submitting the necessary documents prevented us from moving forward with your case as intended.

    If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to ***** from our Client Relations team, who youve already been in contact with. Youre also welcome to email us directly at *******************************.

    Sincerely,
    Client Relations Team
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:04/14/2025

    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.
    Tax Relief Advocates was contacted by my wife and I in 2022 to act on our behalf to negotiate with the *** to reduce a tax debt with the *** of over $32,000. Over these last three years TRA has constantly put us off telling us they were getting ready to enter negotiations with the ***. They have failed completely in this regard to the point where we have now received notice from the *** that they are going to take us to court this May and they may garnish our wages and that we owe an additional interest penalty of $3200. *** has failed completely on this case causing us considerable emotional stress. How they received an A+ rating from the BBB is dumfounding and beyond belief that smells of collusion between the BBB and this company. Legal action may be the only path forward both against this grossly dishonest company and the BBB.

    Business Response

    Date: 04/21/2025

    Dear ****,

    Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. We understand that dealing with tax debt can be overwhelming, and we truly appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns.

    We have thoroughly reviewed the details of your case and can confirm that you and your spouse have been in communication with us regarding the issues youve raised. Weve clarified the status of your case, discussed the *** notices you received, and outlined both the work completed on your behalf and the next steps to move forward.

    Regarding your concerns about our BBB rating, please know that it is based on a range of factors, including our continued efforts to resolve client matters and provide quality service. We are committed to upholding those standards and ensuring a positive client experience.

    If you have any additional questions or concerns, please dont hesitate to reach out to us at ************************* We value your business and remain here to support you in any way we can.

    Sincerely,
    Client Relations Team
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:04/11/2025

    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.
    They didnt finish our taxes and charged us $3.500.00 and never completed what they were paid to do. Instead they cost us $8500.00 between IRS and there fees. We are senior citizen and was taken advantage of. A big part of ************ they took from us, because of there actions.

    Business Response

    Date: 04/18/2025

    Dear *****,

    Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. After reviewing your case, it seems there may be some confusion regarding the status of your tax filings. We would like to clarify that we did, in fact, file your federal taxes for the years ********* as part of the services provided.

    To ensure this matter is fully addressed, a member of our team will be reaching out to you directly to offer further clarification and assist with any remaining concerns. Our goal is to make sure you have a clear understanding of the work that has been completed.

    Please note that we offered you a refund in September 2024, which you accepted. The refund was processed based on the scope of work completed, and at this time, we are unable to offer an additional refund.

    Best regards,
    Client Relations Team
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:04/08/2025

    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.
    On February 10th 2025 I entered into an agreement with ****** ****** from tax relief advocates to help me with my *** debt. The promise from ****** was that once I sent them the ****** they could start working on my case to see how much they could get my original debt down too. I could not afford the payment upfront so I was allowed to send them 2 separate payments one for 300. The second for 295. I was also told by ****** that Once everything goes through they can deduct the 500 from their total cost. Once final payment of 295 to start my case was made on March 4th it took a couple weeks for my "case" to come back. In the meantime I was also told that they will directly deal with the *** for me and I wouldn't have to have any communication with them. Right now I am on an installment agreement with the *** and pay 150. Which I ended up still paying in March and was told for April I would no longer need to pay. After my case came out I was told that Tax Relief Advocates fee would be 7000 minus the 500 I put down. I didn't have 7000 laying around and was told I could get a loan through covered care which I did qualify for. ****** reassured me that I could pay back over 36 months and he can have the irs payments cut down tremendously also getting rid of interest. All communication went well before them receiving the 7000 from covered care loan payed out to them. After that communication was scarce. I keep asking for a copy of my contract I signed reflecting the 500 will be taken off and all he keeps saying is he will ask his " boss" so he can send to me. My first payment to covered care was ****** dollars on March 18 25 and will be 271 for the next 36 months. I have texted ****** multiple times with no response, I have emailed ****** with no response. Now I'm stuck with still paying the *** the original installment and this loan. ****** has misrepresented everything that was told to me I'm requesting a refund as well as the contract to be voided

    Business Response

    Date: 04/21/2025

    Dear ********,

    Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns. We understand how important this matter is to you and truly appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to resolve it.

    Please be reassured that we have escalated this matter to the appropriate parties for further review, and we will use this as an opportunity to provide additional training and ensure service quality.

    Weve confirmed that you have spoken with a member of our team, and as discussed, your case has been canceled, and the loan is currently in the process of being reversed. Please keep in mind that the refund is issued directly by the lender and typically takes 3045 days to process. While the lender will manage the refund, our team is here to support you throughout this process. Youre also welcome to reach out to them directly for status updates.

    If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please dont hesitate to contact us at *******************************.

    Sincerely,
    Client Relations Team

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:04/07/2025

    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.
    I initially signed with TRA on 1/25/25. I was told that I would have a response within 2 weeks. A month and a half later I was informed that no update would be provided to me until I made my final payment. I provided final payment that same day. All payments were made via credit card. The total was over $630.00. Once the final payment was made my representative kept postponing when I would have my results. I had many unanswered calls and emails. I was finally able to request a formal refund and a refund request form was sent to me and I was told I would need to provide my banking information even though all payments had been made via credit card. I completed the form on 3/20/25 I was told to wait 2 weeks for the refund. Today is 4/7/25 I have yet to receive the refund and all of my calls and emails have gone unanswered. Each time I call I am being told that this has been made a priority and someone will call me back. I have yet to receive a call back. I have even recorded these calls as proof.

    Business Response

    Date: 04/15/2025

    Hello *******,

    After reviewing your file, we have identified that an active bank dispute initiated on your behalf has impacted the processing of your refund.

    A member of our Client Relations team, ********, has already reached out to provide the necessary next steps to resolve this issue. We are actively addressing the matter and expect to complete the refund process very soon.

    You should have received a detailed voicemail and email outlining the current status and specific contact information. We kindly ask that you contact us at your earliest convenience so we can stay actively engaged and aligned on the next steps.

    Best regards,
    Client Relations Team
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:04/07/2025

    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 paid for a service that I didn't get. After paying *** ****, he stopped communicating with me. I'm seeking a refund

    Business Response

    Date: 04/15/2025

    Hello ******,

    We appreciate you bringing this matter to our attention. We have already addressed your concerns and spoken with you to ensure that you feel heard. Your case is being processed, and we are actively working toward a resolution.

    Please know that we are committed to regaining your full satisfaction. We value your cooperation as we continue to move forward with your case, and we will keep you updated on any progress.

    Thank you for your understanding.

    Best regards,
    Client Relations Team
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:03/31/2025

    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 hired TRA in Dec 2023. I owed a large amount of money to IRS and State. After speaking with *** *****, I explained numerous times about my income and Rental properties I had and gave specific info about my total income, and asked how it was possible to get a settlement with the *** and State considering the equity I had in my private home and 2 additional properties. He told me there are "ways around all that" I questioned this many many times on recorded phone calls, and they continued to tell me i had a "great" case and they had ways around my income. He lied and coerced me to signing up. I paid TRA $11,000 in cash and they set me up with a loan company for $12,500. They also told me this process would take a total of 9-12 months. It has now been 15 Months. I cant begin to explain the Psychological distress signing up with them has caused my family and myself. After being passed around to may different people, the offer and compromise finaly came in the mail after 14 months. The offer was not any lower than what I owed in the first place. i finally asked to be directed to a supervisor. Her name is ***** *********, and have been dealing with her for a month now. After being dragged through this for 14 months, she has now admitted many times that I should have never been approved for a offer and compromise in the first place. That was after she supposedly reviewed my case with the board. I could not believe what I was hearing. They should have told me from day one that my income was too much to qualify, but no, these scumbags continued to lie to me over and over again. Since hiring *** I have accrued ****** dollars in interest and about ****** in penalties. I want the $25,000 dollars I paid them and the interest and penalties that accrued while being dragged through this and taken advantage and lied to for over a year. I will also be filing complaints with the states attorney general and am will be suing this company if all money owed is not refunded!!!!

    Business Response

    Date: 04/03/2025

    Dear ****,

    Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. Please know that we take these matters very seriously, and we are fully committed to resolving this for you.

    After reviewing your case, we have escalated it to higher management to ensure that the appropriate steps are taken. We can confirm that your refund request has been approved, and we are actively working to process it as quickly as possible.

    We kindly ask for your continued patience as we finalize the refund, and we will keep you updated throughout this process. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out directly to us at *******************************. We are here to assist you in any way we can.

    Once again, we sincerely apologize for the challenges youve encountered and appreciate the opportunity to make this right.

    Sincerely,
    Client Relations Team
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:03/27/2025

    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 March 23rd 2025 I emailed **** ****** a *** for TRA and requested my $120.00 be returned. I explained that I was able to get alternative assistance for my tax issues. I then called several times to confirm the funds would be returned and recevied the run around each time. I filed a dispute with my bank to get the funds returned. I still have not received my refund for services i cancelled and did not use. I am seeking a full refund and may have to seek legal remedy against **** ****** and TRA for not returning my funds.

    Business Response

    Date: 04/03/2025

    Dear ********,

    We have made several attempts to contact you regarding your refund request to ensure we provide you with the best possible assistance. We are eager to resolve this matter and kindly ask that you reach out to us at your earliest convenience. You should have received a detailed email and voicemail with specific contact information.

    Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

    Best regards,
    Client Relations Team
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:03/18/2025

    Type:Billing 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 contacted TRA now *** after a previous tax resolution company failed to do anything. I have paid them over $6000 since 2018 and still there is no back tax compromise. And they are asking for more money and my retirement wages are being garnished. And all I get is lies upon lies. Ive contacted them by email and they responded and wanted $600 more. And they keep lying about documents Ive submitted several times over the years.

    Business Response

    Date: 03/25/2025

    Hello ********,

    We want to assure you that providing quality service is our top priority, and we are always here to offer thorough assistance and clear explanations of any documentation requested. We understand that dealing with tax matters can be a complex and sometimes frustrating process, but please know that were here to support you every step of the way.

    After reviewing your file, weve confirmed that youve been in communication with a member of our team, who has provided the current status of your case and outlined the necessary steps toward resolution. We truly appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work diligently to help resolve your tax matter.

    If you have any further questions, feedback, or concerns, please dont hesitate to contact us at *******************************.

    Sincerely,
    Client Relations Team
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:03/18/2025

    Type:Billing 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.
    *** was supposed to provide me tax assistance / relief from money I underpaid to the ******************* They charged me $595 up front and then $297 monthly while they prepared my case and made the payment to the federal government for me on my behalf. TRA was supposed to pay my tax shortage and in turn I would repay them monthly. However, several key parts have not happened. The *** has continued to garnish my bank account from a payment arrangement that I entered into with the ***, however, TRA was supposed to have been my legal representation and stopped these payments since they were paying on my behalf. Second, TRA charged me and additional fee to prepare and file my taxes for the year 2024. To date of March 18 2025 I have not heard from TRA to prepare my taxes nor stop my garnishments. Additionally, I have contacted **** ****** and spoke with him about my concern. He assured me that I would get a phone call back the following day due to a colleague (my case manager) being out sick, however we have passed 2 months and still no returned phone call. Each and every time I call the customer service line I get the same spill that my call will back in 1 business day. I express my frustration that no calls have been returned since October 2024. I have mailed in a physical letter cancelling my contract with TRA and I am continued to be billed. Additionally, I am told that my call with be escalated however, that escalation has still not netted into me receiving a call, nor has that escalation resulted in any movement of my case. *** just simply continues to charge my card without rendering any services, nor adhering to their own contractual guidelines. ****** **** was my service representative. ****** Sourcing sent me a welcome e-mail that meant nothing, and ****** ******* was my "on boarding specialist" none of these individuals have made themselves available to me after taking my initial payment.

    Business Response

    Date: 03/25/2025

    Hello *********,

    Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. Weve reviewed your file and confirmed that our team has made several attempts to contact you regarding this matter and offer assistance. Upon review, we see that your case is currently on hold in Chargeback dispute status. As previously communicated, we are unable to process a refund while there is an active chargeback.

    We are fully committed to working with you to resolve this issue and find a satisfactory solution. Please contact us at your earliest convenience, and well be happy to assist you further.

    Best regards,
    Client Relations Team

    Customer Answer

    Date: 03/25/2025

    Client Service Team, 

     

    Please provide ANY proof you have that you have attempted to contact me, because your generic response that you copy and paste for all complaints will not work! 

    I have provided AMPLE information showing that I still have IRS deduction being withdrawn from my bank account that you stated you would stop. Additionally, the only person who has reached out to me was ***** from the client relations team AFTER I filed a BBB dispute. 

    Once you refund my charges that you attempt to make after breaching your own contract, I will update the BBB report. 

    Business Response

    Date: 04/04/2025

    Dear *********,

    We have confirmed that you have been able to communicate directly with ***** regarding your concerns and refund request. Rest assured, we are actively working to resolve this matter and assist with processing your refund.

    We sincerely appreciate your cooperation and thank you for giving us the opportunity to assist you. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us directly at *******************************.

    Wishing you all the best,
    Client Relations Team

BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.

BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.

When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile.

As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation. BBB charges a fee for BBB Accreditation. This fee supports BBB's efforts to fulfill its mission of advancing marketplace trust.