Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  04/19/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Honest Tax charged me for a service that hasn't done and after 8 months with out helping us resolve the *** issue they're asking for ***** **** more besides the ***** **** already paid. When we hired them *** **** from that office stated to us that ***** **** was going to be the total amount charging us for them to settle our *** Debt. I'm demanding a total refund of the amount of ***** ****. Service offered was obviously a lie to catch our attention and our money and now they're asking for ********* more unbelievable . How can they take advantage of people like us dealing with hardship and trusting people like them .

  Business response

  04/27/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/04/27) */ Please be advised that we have already reached out to the *****'s regarding their case and concerns. Thank You Consumer Response /* (3000, 7, 2022/05/04) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) They reached out to me continuing with lies stating that they informed me about their representation legal fees of ********* besides the ********* that they already charged us for those services. 4/15 when I received a phone call from ************,Confusing us with the supposed arrangement with *** and made us think that the ***** **** was the final debt with *** and that we were make payments of ****** dlls a month x 36 months, when I was transferred to a person to take my first payment I asked to that person is this payment it's to the *** to pay our debt he said no , this is for Legal representation fees. ************ reached out to me on 4/18 to tell me that he had all recordered and that at the beginning of our conversation he stated that we had to pay them ********* for their Representation witch it's a lie, you think that we would of accepted to pay those fees of *****+***** this last one already paid to them,when the amount that we owed to the *** before the taxes of 2021 was ****** it's absurd . I'm requesting my refund of the ******** ****. Business Response /* (4000, 9, 2022/05/16) */ Our Customer Service Department will be reaching out to client directly regarding this matter further. Thank You Consumer Response /* (4200, 11, 2022/05/26) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) Honest Tax hasn't reach out to us , I'm requesting refund of ******** dlls for services never done!!! Business Response /* (4000, 13, 2022/06/15) */ Our 3rd party conflict resolution company has emailed and called consumer but consumer has not called back. ******, if you are reading this, please call ************************** Consumer Response /* (4200, 20, 2022/07/07) */ Issue hasn't been resolved , I was going to get a phone call with answer regarding Refund the last week of June and didn't . Business Response /* (4000, 22, 2022/07/08) */ ******, Please check your email. You were sent a breakdown and a refund agreement on 6/17. Please check your junk or spam. We just resent again. Consumer Response /* (4200, 24, 2022/07/11) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) I'm so sorry but I only received e-mail from BBB nothing from Honest Tax. Business Response /* (4000, 26, 2022/07/13) */ ******, The first email was sent on 6/17/22 Here it is. Hey ****** and ********, I hope you have had a great week. I was able to talk to Honest Tax and they got me a breakdown of service on your account. Based on this, they were able to calculate how much of the retainer you paid was used in the process of them working on your case. I have also attached a refund agreement. They are offering the unused retainer as a refund. I really don't believe there is much movement after this. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks ********** CEO The Reputation MD ________________________________________________ Direct: Fax: Email: **************************************************************************************** The second email was sent on 7/8/22: Here it is. ******************************************************************************************************************************************************** Subject: Breakdown of Service and Refund Agreement Hey ****** and ********, I hope you have had a great week. I was able to talk to Honest Tax and they got me a breakdown of service on your account. Based on this, they were able to calculate how much of the retainer you paid was used in the process of them working on your case. I have also attached a refund agreement. They are offering the unused retainer as a refund. I really don't believe there is much movement after this. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks ********** CEO The Reputation MD ________________________________________________ Direct: Fax: Email: ************************************** ************************************************* Both emails had attachments. Please look in your junk or spam folder.

• Initial Complaint

  04/05/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On February 21, 2022, I was contacted by ************ from honest tax company. He told me that they would be able to help me with my IRS tax debt. He asked for my information, including date of birth and social which I only gave after confirming that it was a legitimate business through the BBB. Towards the end of our lengthy call, he informed me that they would in fact be able to help. I asked what the fee was and was told that it was almost as much as the tax debt that I owed but that having them act on my behalf would relieve me of having to deal with the IRS myself. I told him I would consider it and get back to him. At no point did I authorize him or anyone else to run a hard inquiry on my credit because if I had decided to go with this company I would have just used my credit card to pay for it. I have plenty of credit and have no need to use a finance company, but I also told **** that I needed to speak to my accountant before I decided to go any further anyway. When I talked to my accountant she said that my debt was about to be dismissed anyway. Once I got the alerts about a hard inquiry on my accounts, I called and left ****** a message asking for him to correct that since I did not ever authorize a credit inquiry or intend on using any finance company. Today is April 5 and I still have not had a return call from ******, nor has the hard inquiry been removed from any of The credit bureaus. I left another message today, and would like this resolved immediately because at no point during our conversation did I ever give verbal consent, approval, or authorization for this company to run a hard inquiry on my credit. This hard inquiry is affecting my credit score and that is unacceptable. Additionally, for anyone considering using this company, I would definitely like to give warning that they operate in an extremely shady manner, and I would not advise giving any personal information to them.

  Business response

  05/18/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/04/19) */ Please be advised that we did have verbal authorization from *****, but we will request for pull back for *****. Thank You Consumer Response /* (3000, 11, 2022/05/04) */ Hello. I reached back out directly to the representative who responded to the BBB complaint that I most certainly did NOT consent to or even discuss financing options and a credit inquiry and she did not return my call. I have been waiting for her return call, and for her to do what she said she would do in the response to the BBB compliant, but as yet, have not received any response. They still have not removed the inquiry and I called again today and still got no response or action. That initial call was recorded, and if she reviewed it she would also hear for herself that I did NOT authorize a credit inquiry because I don't need financing to pay for something I could just put on a credit card with a much better interest rate and not affect my good credit score, had I decided to use their services. She would also hear for herself that at no point was financing even discussed. The BBB can review that call if needed, for confirmation that they did not have authorization or consent from me to run my credit. Their representative only told me he needed my social security number to be able to pull up my IRS information from their end to see if my situation was one they could help with. Her response is unacceptable and she has lied to the BBB about removing the inquiry, as well as obtaining my consent for the inquiry. I filed an additional report because this matter is not closed, nor has it been resolved as she said it would be, and because she flat out lied in her response. Let me be extremely clear on this matter, I did NOT consent to a credit inquiry nor was financing even discussed. Please either reopen the case until an actual resolution has occurred, or continue with the new case. I will attach the new complaint I filed for reference. The matter is not resolved, nor has the action their representative said they would take occurred. They are most certainly a DIShonest tax service company and I'd like it to be noted so that other people do not have this happen to them. Credit reports are valuable, and someone running unauthorized inquiries has far reaching negative affects. I would like this matter resolved and would greatly appreciate your assistance in achieving that goal. Business Response /* (4000, 13, 2022/05/10) */ The pull back was requested for *****. Thank You

• Initial Complaint

  03/21/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was in a repayment plan with IRS for approximately 1 year when I hired Honest Tax May 2021 to assist with procuring a final IRS settlement offer for approximately $*** back taxes. I was ascribed ****** for a case number. It's been 10 months and nothing has been done to settle this outstanding debt. The company was quite responsive before paying $**** fee but once this was satisfied my calls went unanswered, on hold for extended periods and/or frequently disconnected. I spoke with attorney ********** in Nov. 2021, at which time he said he wanted to ensure all the payments made to IRS were properly documented to move forward with final settlement offer. I submitted bank statements outlining said payments in Nov. 2021. Simultaneously, he advised he would get my existing repayment plan lowered. Please be advised I didn't need help with lowering my repayment plan. I initiated the plan in May 2020 and could have lowered it autonomously. In Dec. 2021, I received correspondence of IRS indicating plan amount was lowered but no correspondence of final settlement offer. No contact from Honest Tax until I called March 10, 2022. Still no settlement offer. This company has mislead me since initial contact in May 2021. Reading the other complaints rings true to what's actively occurring with me. The year 2020 has caused such a protracted hardship. It's unfortunate because desperate consumers hire this company to resolve tax issues only to be taken advantage of. I am requesting a refund and requesting assistance.

  Business response

  05/25/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/04/05) */ Please be advised that we have already been in direct communication regarding any concerns ****** had. We strongly disagree with ******'s allegations, as services have been performed on her behalf with the IRS but we we are issuing a refund to ****** to as our client's satisfaction is very important to us. Thank You Consumer Response /* (3000, 7, 2022/04/07) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) I've contacted the company several times unable to speak to someone other than the receptionist. I paid $**** for them to negotiate a settlement with IRS which was never done at 10 months. I received a severance email 4/5/22 offering $**** refund. There refusing to give me $**** for what? I already had an established payment plan with IRS. Why should I spend $**** for reducing Plan amount that wasn't what they were hired for. I didn't hire them to do that and everyone who was responsive before I remitted $**** refused to speak to me. They're response is that they've been in contact with me which is not entirely true. I called 4/5/22 to ascertain why no one had responded to my refund request. Subsequently, I received an email same day offering $**** refund. I've called several times that day after Isaac hung up on me to ascertain how this amount was reached. I called several times 4/6/22, Isaac again refused to transfer me to someone who can clarify this. I want to know what they did to not honor my full refund. This amount is not just. At the very least they should keep $600 for taking my calls initially. They agreed to negotiate a settlement and that wasn't done. Stop refusing my calls and speak to me like the customer that I am. Business Response /* (4000, 10, 2022/04/18) */ Please be advised that services had been performed on ******'s case and the Severance was issued in accordance with the cancellation/refund policies in the Service Agreement. Thank You Consumer Response /* (4200, 12, 2022/04/22) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) I have not heard from or received any correspondence from this business. I've called several times, left messages and send emails to no avail. I was told that a breakdown was ordered detailing what was done in my case and more specifically how they arrived at $**** they are keeping. I was told by receptionist that no one will speak to be prematurely until I've reviewed said breakdown. This company has been dishonest with me from the initial contact and continues to be dishonest. They have been paid in full and to date have not completed my case. They are refusing to refund my money in its entity, send breakdown of what they're alleging was completed. At this point I'm out $**** and my case still remains unresolved with IRS. This is nefarious activity. I don't have the funds or the service. Send the breakdown of the services rendered entitling you to keep $****. You haven't sent it to me and at this point I don't trust it will be. The document can easily be uploaded to this complaint for my review. This is a simple request considering I was advised it was ordered more than 3 weeks ago and would be emailed to me. You say an offer to refund was provided in accordance with service agreement. Attach corresponding documents to support $**** offer to this complaint. As I reflect on my experience with honest tax, BBB reviews, it is unequivocally apparent that many of their favorable reviews are fictitious. I'm curious to know how many complaints have escalated to the level of Attorney General. It's just really off putting contacting a company in my most vulnerable time only to be deceived. If you're truly dedicated to customer service upload the documents (you advised I'd receive but have yet to) to this complaint depicting services rendered for $****. Stop responding with generic statements and be the fiduciary you've claimed to be. I have a right to know in writing why my full refund of $**** is not being rendered. Send documents to this complaint to support why I've only been offered $****. Not doing so supports my claim if nefarious activity. Business Response /* (4000, 15, 2022/04/27) */ We will be sending the service invoice to ****** for services rendered on your behalf, not a problem. Thank You Consumer Response /* (4200, 17, 2022/05/03) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) I've requested and been waiting on this document since 4/5/22 via email which is how I was advised it would be received. The businesses response dated 4/27/22 is that they would send over requested document. It's been 7 days since said response and I still have not received the document via email. It's apparent that honest tax is only responding, albeit not in good earnest to satisfy requirements to keep BBB rating. My understanding is all they have to do is respond to keep favorable rating but not actually to satisfy consumer complaints. I've been trying to handle this matter through this forum before escalating to licensing agencies, social media, and news outlets with formal complaint. It makes me wonder how many other customers have experienced this. It's clear from other BBB reviews honest tax did not satisfactorily resolve the cases. The consumers didn't accept the response and case closed If honest tax was interested in doing the right thing I wouldn't be without my money and without agreed upon service. I would have the detailed billing from a month ago. It's very unfortunate and I now know the favorable google reviews are fictitious.

• Initial Complaint

  03/15/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  They had me take out a $**** loan paid directly to them from united consumers with the understanding I could cancel there services within 2 weeks but they absolutely will not cancel and return the money back to united consumers. After about 3 days of speaking with ************ from honest tax i got a bad feeling he was just a con artist the way he was negotiating with the IRS on my behalf. It was suppose to be a 3 way call that I could listen in on while he represents me but I stayed on hold while he done his negotiating with the IRS agent. I said want to cancel his services and now he want talk to me or return the $****

  Business response

  04/19/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/04/05) */ Please be advised that we have already spoken with Mr. ****** directly regarding his cancellation request and the loan company has been notified of the cancellation. Thank You

• Initial Complaint

  02/28/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  this company took took monthly payment of my acct i never heard anything about my case every time i call to get answers am getting the run around is this company a scam or what its been almost 1 year nothing heard from my case

  Business response

  04/05/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/03/10) */ Please be advised we had been in communication with *** ****** regarding his case and we will be reaching out to him directly to get this matter resolved. Thank You Consumer Response /* (3000, 7, 2022/03/14) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) i ve been calling honest tax they said i dont have acct with them and they still billing monthly since november i ve not getting a response from this company Business Response /* (4000, 9, 2022/03/16) */ Please be advised that Mr. ****** does have an account and we have been actively working on his case. We will be in direct communication with Mr. ****** regarding his case. Thank You

• Initial Complaint

  02/24/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was contacted by Honest Tax September of 2021. I first spoke with *************. She explained to me the process of having my tax issues taken care of. She told me once they received my payment that I would be provided a team of tax experts and that I would be able to contact these individuals at any time and that they would be with me throughout the entire process of resolving my tax issues. I sent them the payment and started the process. The first person to contact me was ************ on 9/27/2021. I was unable to continue the call due to an appointment at work. I asked to call him when I was done working. He provided me with his number and told me good luck. I called him back and left him a voicemail. I received no call back from *********. I didn't hear anything again until October 18th, 2021. This time I was contacted by ****, they informed me that my case could be put into hardship, and they could stop the tax payments that I have been making. They also told me that it would be more money to cover the cost of the trial etc. and that I could use Lending USA to finance the cost. We moved forward with the plan to take care of my tax issues. I was told that I would receive a letter from the IRS within 3 weeks and that the tax payments would stop coming out of my account. 3 weeks passed and no letter from the IRS. Contacted ****** and **** received no return calls. Called the main firm spoke to ****** he said it was due to the IRS being behind due to "covid" and that if I provided my bank fax number they would have the payments stopped. Another month passed still no letter and payments still being taken from account. Called again and spoke to ******* in resolutions. She stated I should have received the letter and that she would look into it and get back to me. She never got back to me and doesn't return my calls. From what I can tell this company has done nothing for me but take my money and lie to me. I want a full refund.

  Business response

  04/21/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/03/07) */ Please be advised that we had reached out to ****. We had requested the updated tax reports from the IRS and will be getting this matter resolved directly with ****, thank you. Consumer Response /* (3000, 7, 2022/03/14) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) More lies from a company that calls themselves "Honest". No one from this company has reached out to me. I haven't spoken to anyone since the last time I called and spoke with *******. I have since contacted ******* multiple times, but per usual I have yet to receive a call back. No one at this company answers their phones or returns calls. They seem to have no care for their clients once they have taken your money, and it's ridiculous. After the way I have been treated I no longer trust this company to do the things that they say they will do. If they wish to resolve this issue, they need to provide me with a full refund. Business Response /* (4000, 9, 2022/03/16) */ Please be advised that the request for cancellation has been submitted for processing and the cancellation documents will be sent to **** via Esign. Thank you Consumer Response /* (4200, 11, 2022/03/25) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) Please be advised that I have still received no contact from Honest Tax. No phone calls, no letters, no documents via Esign etc. Business Response /* (4000, 13, 2022/04/06) */ We have resubmitted the documentation and ask that **** reach out to our Customer Service directly if any further assistance is needed. Thank You

• Initial Complaint

  02/22/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I began using this company to resolve an IRS tax issue in 2019. I paid my retainer fee in installments. After it was paid I had to get in touch with them to get the ball rolling on my case. I received a request for 3 months of financial documents which I provided but never heard anything back. I started following up but wasn't having my calls or emails returned until I finally they request 3 more months of documents. I provided it again and the same thing happened again. Many months went by without hearing from them. But recently I was told they were ready to resolve my case and I provided all information requested again. I was told I was given a hardship resolution but I just needed to pay a fee to allow them to handle this for me. I've been financing this ever since but the IRS still shows the same debt. I'm fact it's much higher now. Now I can't get calls returned. I can't even leave a voice mail. When I call the message just tells me to keep holding. But no one ever picks up. I sat on hold for 40 minutes once and no one picked up. No one returns my emails. If this company still in business. It's baffling to me and I can't help but wonder if I was ripped off. Was this fraud? Has my case been resolved or not? I'm afraid to file my taxes but I know the IRS will keep any refund I'm entitled to.

  Business response

  03/31/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/03/07) */ Please be advised that we have already reached out to ***** regarding her case and ask that she reach out to our Customer Service Department ************** as soon as possible to get this matter resolved. Thank You

• Initial Complaint

  02/17/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I started with them to get my tax problem taken care of. I paid them $995 up front. They never did my taxes. They would not take my calls. They never did anything or resolved the issue. I want my money returned to me.

  Business response

  03/08/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/03/08) */ Please be advised ****** contracted for tax return preparation for several years, we prepared and filed those returns for ****** in 2019. The services that ****** contracted for have been completed. Thank you Consumer Response /* (3000, 15, 2022/05/21) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) This company never did any taxes for me my taxes were taken care of by a a r p. I nvr signed a tax form and they nvr completed th initial job. I am a senior citizen that was taken advantage of . I sent the same papers over 10 times at my expense and got a new worker every week. This issue was never resolved. Business Response /* (4000, 18, 2022/05/26) */ We fear consumer may be a little fuzzy on what the true facts of the case are. We were hired to only file amended returns for tax years 201,2017,2018. These returns were completed and set to consumer on 2/18/20 at 10:48am PST. We made this fact very clear to consumer over and over again. She disappears for periods of time and can't recall details of conversations. We have completed what we were hired for and we stand by that. I have attached the returns. Consumer Response /* (4200, 20, 2022/06/16) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) This company is lying they never took care of the taxes for that year AARP took care of those taxes last year they also never refunded my money and another company called me and said that they had bought this company out they said that they would handle everything which they did not so they did refund the $395 that I sent to them but as far as honest tax I am going to tell everyone all over the world through the internet they are not honest and do not deal with them and I'm also going to let them know that the Better Business Bureau couldn't do anything to help me to get a refund now I'm one of the senior citizens that's been suckered out of money

• Initial Complaint

  02/09/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I hired Honest Tax to help solve a State of Georgia sale tax this was in 2020.I submitted all paperwork that was requested, and they have nothing that I am aware have been done with the information Therefore I am requesting Honest Tax to return my money. I have spoken to serval peoples within the company, and I get is hang upon Please Help me get my money back.

  Business response

  03/15/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/03/02) */ Please be advised that Mr. ***** case was closed per his request and a refund has already been issued 2/21/2022. Thank you

*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. ↩