ComplaintsforTax Advocate Group, LLC

• Initial Complaint

  05/31/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was first contacted by Tax Advocate Group LLC by phone solicitation on December 22, 2023. The initial rep asked if I would be interested in speaking with someone concerning getting rid of back taxes owed to the *** and I agreed to speak with the next person. I was then transferred to Mr. ******************** He explained what their company offered and what they can do for me. He asked a number of questions concerning my personal information, bank accounts for me and my husband, finances, expenses, permission to access credit report as all of this would be needed to present case to *** in the Fresh Start program etc. He said he would immediately get the *** to stop the monthly payments of $300 for past taxes owed. After all the questioning he said it would be $3,500 for the services and I agreed to received the help and paid the amount on my credit card (proof of payment attached). They sent over a docuSign for me to sign up for additional monies to be taken from my account, which I DID NOT sign. (Proof of DocuSign email attached) I wanted to attach a copy of the DocuSign but I no longer have access to it. Despite I did not sign the DocuSign the company still posted an additional monthly payment of about $80 but my financial institution disputed refunded it. I am not concerned about that as I got the money back. I have tried to call Mr. ******************* by Phone 4/9, 4/11, 4/19 and email on 5/2 (attached) with no response to date. I would like to have a refund of my $3,500 as I have not heard anything from them by phone, mail, text or email. The information I have for Mr. ******************* is Phone# ************ and his email: ************************** Please help and thank you very much

  Business response

  06/21/2024

  Upon receipt of this complaint our company reached out to the client and addressed her concerns. It appears there was a miscommunication that caused an extended period of no contact. We gave client the choice between honoring the contract for service or refunding her the fee paid per our customer satisfaction policy. We await her decision though she has indicated that we have already resolved her complaint.

• Initial Complaint

  05/10/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On November 30, 2023, I forwarded $11,205.00 to Tax Advocate Group (TAG), Years ago I had retained this office in connection with a 2016 tax arrears claimed by IRS. Ultimately, on 3-1-24 I paid IRS in full for the entire arrears claimed, in the absence of any progress made towards a resolution by TAG, despite them having my case since approximately 2019. That I had paid TAG $11,205.00 on 11-30-23, for the preparation of tax returns for the periods of '22 through '27. Up to that point I had been paying TAG monthly (via debit from my bank account) but I was told that said $11,205.00 payment constituted full payment and that said monthly debits from my bank account would stop. Inexplicably, however, TAG, through its vendor, UAS Accounting, continued to deduct $246.69 in monthly payments for December, January and February of 2023, When I attempted to reach TAG about this (specifically, ***********************), I received no response back. I had to instruct my bank to block such debits.After making said $11,205,00 payment, I did not hear back from TAG until mid March of 2024 when I received an e-mail from ********************* indicating that he needed to speak with me concerning "an urgent tax matter." I then both e-mailed ************** back and called TAG's office multiple times, without being able to communicate with **************. On April 5, 2024, upon calling TAG yet again and being told that ************** was "on the phone with an IRS agent," I demanded to speak to someone. I was forwarded to an individual named "******" who proceeded to blame my "neglect" for my current situation. ****** also couldn't tell me what had been done recently on my case essentially because nothing had been done. Based on this communication, I demanded a refund of my $11,205.00 paid, as it is obvious that this entity cannot help me in my situation. To date, I have received no response to this demand, despite TAG having not performed such services. I am clearly entitled to such refund in full.

  Business response

  05/15/2024

  As a service based company, the satisfaction of our clients is of the deepest importance. It has come to our attention that ******************** was not treated in the manner befitting of our organization, and the offending party has been let go. We have reached out directly to ******************** and hope to have this issue taken care of shortly.

• Initial Complaint

  07/29/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On March 26, 2023 I filed an amended tax return. By the end of May, I was FINALLY assigned a tax advocate, ************. *** spent almost EVERY DAY for 2 weeks leaving this woman messages, crying, EXPLAINING HOW MY CHILDREN AND I ARE ABOUT TO BE EVICTED WITHOUT HER HELP! And still no response. I called her boss, AND STILL NO RESPONSE FROM EITHER OF THEM! My kids and I will be on the streets in a matter of days. Tax advocates are supposed to HELP. Clearly ************ and her boss Ms. ****** are doing NOTHING but collecting a paycheck instead of HELPING.

  Business response

  07/31/2023

  It would appear that this consumer is trying to file a complaint on the *** Tax Advocate.  We are the Tax Advocate Group and we have no record of this consumer being a client in our system. 

• Initial Complaint

  09/27/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  November 2021 hired company to assist with tax problems for 5,000. I know issues like this takes some time so I waited patiently finally after multiple attempts to talk with someone that can answer questions 6 months later (yes I did talk to representatives during 6 months but no one could actually help me) So i ask for a refund he begins to tell me they didn't charge me for this and that. That it would be another 12000 dollars to finish what they needed to do for me. In desperate need of getting this over with I went through and its been more of the same. Still money getting took out of bank account from irs. That's the first thing I mentioned that was promised to get taken care of and it didn't secondly my state taxes. They did all this knowing Alabama doesn't settle taxes and promising me that they get it settled for me. So more of the same after 9 months I call for a refund the second time and I didn't settle for anything less. Supervisor said accounting would be sending me email with all documents I got documents and they say I'm getting a 6, 000 refund and charging me 11,000 for a list of phone calls and some work that never helped me in either way shape form.

  Business response

  11/14/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/10/25) */ We offered consumer a refund based on the work that has been done. They consumer refused to let us finish the case. Contractually consumer is responsible for a n hourly rate. We are happy to work with consumer to finish his case. If he would like to have us work the case we ask consumer to call *********************

• Initial Complaint

  08/22/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  In July 2020 Tax Advocate Group TAG was hired to help us resolve our back tax issues. We have amounts owed from prior years and thought it is best to hire professional help in getting final resolve for this matter as we are not experts. We had received a letter from TAG saying they can help settle your tax issues. We hired TAG to help resolve back taxes and to monitor our case to help us stay in compliance for the next 5 years. For this service we have paid TAG a total amount of $24,400.00 plus an additional $1,500.00 to file our 2021 tax returns. Today in August of 2022- after the THOUSANDS of hard earned dollars having been paid, we are currently in Collections with the IRS in danger of levies etc. and the initial amount owed is Significantly larger now. We are already out of compliance as TAG has not filed our 2021 return or an extension for that year on our behalf which now has penalties for non-filing. I have proof of not filed as of the 15th of this month. Today is Aug. 22, 2022 and per IRS, NO PAYMENT at all has been received on our case. In over two years nothing has been done to help us, situation is now worse. Several attempts for case updates go unanswered, you get passed around to many different people that always need to update the case, but never a specific answer on status with IRS. When they want to debit money they will blow up your phone with calls. They now are asking for 30 to $40,000 more dollars to help us resolve. We have been lied to and they took advantage of us during the "covid" pandemic and took money that we work very hard for. Now that our situation has become worse and our problem is more serious because of TAG, we are requesting a refund of the money we paid for tax relief service since nothing has been done towards getting a resolve on our case, and putting us out of compliance (per the 5yr plan we paid already) not filing 2021 return or extension and fee charged to prepare the return. They still can't even tell me what is owed.

  Business response

  09/06/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/09/06) */ *****, Please reach out to our third party arbitrator. His name is*****. he can be reached at ************ or ************************ Consumer Response /* (3000, 12, 2022/10/05) */ This case is NOT resolved. spoke with **** ***** on 9/23/22. **** said he would contact TAG after our conversation, get their response and call me back in about 7 to 10 business days. **. ***** NEVER called or attempted to reach me back in any way. He has also lied to me now just like TAG and not follow through with what he said he WOULD DO ? TAG has literally destroyed us and put us in a bad legal position and STOLE over 25,000 $ of money that was for the FEDERAL government. This case IS NOT resolved. I will now seek any and ALL legal actions against TAG. I do have documents, names, dates. I thought the BBB is to protect consumers from RIP-OFF scams from fake companies like TAG. Please reply and request case to be re-opened. Thank You Business Response /* (4000, 14, 2022/10/12) */ Hey *****, It's **** *****. First off, I never lied to you. We spoke last week and I said that I would reach out to them again to find out what is taking so long with the breakdown of service. What you didn't tell me is that you made a complaint to the AG. Unfortunately that takes precedent over the BBB, I wish you would have disclosed that to me when we spoke. Now I am not going to sit here and call you a liar because that would be untrue and would be unprofessional. I ask that you don't make up false statements for the sake of your anger. I continue to try to get an answer from TAG regarding your case. I welcome you to call me any time you like. I don't hide behind a computer and I would hope we can talk like adults and not make things up that are not true. Thanks Consumer Response /* (4200, 16, 2022/10/21) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) ****, per your last response. The time in which you told me you would get back to me, you did not. You even told me that was on you. When time and time again you are told "we/I will get back to you" by those that are supposedly helping you and they don't, it once again is more of the same "fluff" and yes it is upsetting considering this is for a serious matter to me and how long it's been going on. You mention my making false anger statements-I will stand behind what I perceive to be true per what has taken place. The complaint filed to the AG is an option available to consumers who have these types of experiences. If you would have asked me I would of told you, but you did not and I do not go reaching out to everyone giving notifications "I did this or that, etc.". I prefer to have certain communications in print. This is my preference for THIS situation as opposed to phone conversations- I am NOT hiding from you. As an adult- I know print is better than talk- all the "he said, she said" does not have any value. I am not / have not made up anything- what I have stated that happened, has happened to my husband and myself. Your continued efforts to settle this TAG issue are recognized and appreciated, and a resolve is desired. Hope this can be achieved. Consumer Response /* (3000, 12, 2022/10/05) */ This case is NOT resolved. spoke with **** ***** on 9/23/22. **** said he would contact TAG after our conversation, get their response and call me back in about 7 to 10 business days. Mr. ***** NEVER called or attempted to reach me back in any way. He has also lied to me now just like TAG and not follow through with what he said he WOULD DO ? TAG has literally destroyed us and put us in a bad legal position and STOLE over 25,000 $ of money that was for the FEDERAL government. This case IS NOT resolved. I will now seek any and ALL legal actions against TAG. I do have documents, names, dates. I thought the BBB is to protect consumers from RIP-OFF scams from fake companies like TAG. Please reply and request case to be re-opened. Thank You Business Response /* (4000, 14, 2022/10/12) */ Hey *****, It's **** *****. First off, I never lied to you. We spoke last week and I said that I would reach out to them again to find out what is taking so long with the breakdown of service. What you didn't tell me is that you made a complaint to the AG. Unfortunately that takes precedent over the BBB, I wish you would have disclosed that to me when we spoke. Now I am not going to sit here and call you a liar because that would be untrue and would be unprofessional. I ask that you don't make up false statements for the sake of your anger. I continue to try to get an answer from TAG regarding your case. I welcome you to call me any time you like. I don't hide behind a computer and I would hope we can talk like adults and not make things up that are not true. Thanks Consumer Response /* (4200, 16, 2022/10/21) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) ****, per your last response. The time in which you told me you would get back to me, you did not. You even told me that was on you. When time and time again you are told "we/I will get back to you" by those that are supposedly helping you and they don't, it once again is more of the same "fluff" and yes it is upsetting considering this is for a serious matter to me and how long it's been going on. You mention my making false anger statements-I will stand behind what I perceive to be true per what has taken place. The complaint filed to the AG is an option available to consumers who have these types of experiences. If you would have asked me I would of told you, but you did not and I do not go reaching out to everyone giving notifications "I did this or that, etc.". I prefer to have certain communications in print. This is my preference for THIS situation as opposed to phone conversations- I am NOT hiding from you. As an adult- I know print is better than talk- all the "he said, she said" does not have any value. I am not / have not made up anything- what I have stated that happened, has happened to my husband and myself. Your continued efforts to settle this TAG issue are recognized and appreciated, and a resolve is desired. Hope this can be achieved. Consumer Response /* (2000, 23, 2022/11/23) */ The "Arbitrator" *********** that worked with both parties did help to get a resolution to resolve this matter that has been agreed upon by both parties.

• Initial Complaint

  08/17/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  on May 7, 2022 Tax Advocate Group reached out to me because I owe on back taxes and am in an installment agreement with the IRS. They said they negotiated with the IRS a settlement for all my back taxes and were going to file my taxes fr last year. They also said they were going to represent me for the next 5 years to make sure that I am filing right and don't owe anything in the future. They have not done anything they said and charged me 2500, then 1250, and then 417 a month for 2 years. I stopped payment after the 4th month, so they have gotten a total of 5418.00 and haven't done anything they promised. I tried to call several times and they said a lawyer from their office was going to get back to me in an hour and let me know their plans and what they have done so far, and I never got a call. Also, the finance company that I was supposed to make payments to is closed cause when I call it said the number is no longer in service. Then the following Monday the number was working and when I told them what happened they said they disconnect their phone lines on the weekends. This sounds extremely shady.

  Business response

  10/07/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/09/06) */ Our third party representative tried contacting consumer at the number provided but her voicemail is full and she has no0t responded to email. ******** please get back to***** at************* or ************************

• Initial Complaint

  07/29/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I contact the Tax Advocate Group on 3-23-2022, I was connected immediately with a lady named ***** ******** she was very soft spoken very easy going very smooth in her communication with how they could help me and how easy this would be for them , as I explained to her how my CPA did my taxes and showed I owed ******* ***** ******* and a refund of ***** for ********** franchise tax. After asking me many detailed questions, she said oh this will be a very simple case and we should have no problem getting you tax forgiveness , in fact we can even ask that your quarterly be for forgiven as well, making the total Tax Liability ******* I told her I'm not worried about my quarterly tax, **************** and I have not made much this year, so I will not owe much, She insisted that they should also included my quarterly tax and rounded the number to ****** Total tax Liability. She assured me over & over that this is a very simple non-complicated case and can easily be taken care of. She asked if I had any other back taxes owed and I said No I have never not been able to pay my taxes and have never asked for help before, that this is a first for me. She again reassured me this would not be a problem this is an easy one and the cost would be ****** I asked her is this a for sure thing you will get me forgiveness on the ******** owed and she said yes this is an easy one but it will take up to *** days and that she will be sending me forms to sign, after I gave her all my info as in Bank account numbers Social security numbers, Power of attorney & declaration of representation. Well I receive a tax mini audit************* as I did also receive one last year, my CPA made errors on my taxes again and I only owed ***** and I was not due any refund I in fact owed some on my state as well..I never heard from them ever..I called them and emailed them saying I owe ***** still, no response ever from them, I sent emails and called, only got a rep stating they are done with me case.

  Business response

  09/09/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 8, 2022/08/22) */ Our third party representative is currently working with consumer to try to figure out a resolution.

• Initial Complaint

  06/15/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  At the end of May 2022 I called Tax advocate group seeking help with business taxes, federal and state. Paid **** ******** but said there may be more money needed later. They had me call and give power if attorney for the **** ** ****** was very smooth, promised a call back and have received nothing.

  Business response

  07/19/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 8, 2022/07/06) */ We asked our third party to reach out to consumer. Still waiting on a response. Consumer Response /* (3000, 10, 2022/07/12) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) The third party has reached out to me and even promised to reimburse me, but i have not received the check as of today. Also, they claimed that they would not continue my case as it would cost them over XXXXX dollars in legal fees to do so, yet I was able to obtain the services of a different agency for the same services for only 600 dollars. Business Response /* (4000, 12, 2022/07/15) */ *****, Your card was refunded 6/24/2022. Please check your bank account. ** Consumer Response /* (2000, 14, 2022/07/15) */ (The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.) After verifying, I was fully reimbursed. However, I still would not recommend working with this company. It seemed that I only mattered after I filed the BBB complaint, and then instantly I was contacted, after being ghosted for 2 weeks. Steer free and find a company that has a legit website, good reviews and will actually help you.

• Initial Complaint

  05/24/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  8-11-21 checks sent to them for services never received.

  Business response

  06/17/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/05/31) */ As companies' third party representative we have reached out to consumer and waiting on feedback from consumer. We will work directly with both consumer and company to hopefully come to a resolution of said issue.

• Initial Complaint

  04/28/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On September 27th, I entered into an agreement with this company to represent me as they told me they can get my tax obligation lowered. I not only paid them $****** to settle my tax obligation, but also had to pay an additional $**** (monthly payments) for their services. Every status update I request, all they do is transfer you from one supervisor lawyer to another. They have done absolutely nothing on my behalf. Not only am I out of $****** and $**** for their services, but I'm still paying my monthly**** payments, for which they told me would STOP as soon as we entered into our agreement. I'm completely feed up with them, as they have done absolutely nothing on my behalf with the**** since I've signed the agreement and paid money (seven months). I want all my money ($******) I've paid them to settle with the**** and a refund for the monthly payments for their services and an immediate HALT to those payments.

  Business response

  07/18/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 8, 2022/05/31) */ As companies' third party representative we have reached out to consumer and waiting on feedback from consumer. We will work directly with both consumer and company to hopefully come to a resolution of said issue. Consumer Response /* (3000, 10, 2022/06/15) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) Yes a 3rd party has contacted me to help resolve the issue, but the issue has not been resolved. Business Response /* (4000, 12, 2022/06/28) */ We agree the issue has not been resolved because unfortunately we are still waiting on the ***. Our hands are tied until they process everything. We continue to remain in contact with consumer and appreciate his patience.

*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. ↩