The Best Tax Relief Companies in 2026
Tax relief companies vary in terms of pricing and features. In this review, we’ve compiled the top five based on credentialed staff, estimated costs and customer review ratings.
To provide accurate information, we researched each company online and read reviews on consumer sites, including the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. We also reached out to each company directly and included their responses, when applicable.
There are many variables that determine how unresolved tax balances and back debt are resolved. For that reason, companies within the tax relief industry don’t typically adhere to a published price list of services. This can make blind cost comparisons challenging. With this in mind, we attempted to validate claims and costs that consumers who have worked with each company reference. Do keep in mind that the price estimates we provided may be higher or lower than what you are quoted by each company.
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- A+ BBB rating
- Two BBB Torch Awards for Ethics
- Retain in-house attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents
- A BBB rating
- Provides tax planning, tax return preparation, and back tax resolution
- Lower starting fee than some competitors
- B- BBB rating
- Sole proprietorship operating since 2016
- Free, no-obligation consultations offered
- BBB accredited with an A+ rating
- IRS Power of Attorney in 50 states
- Handles larger, more complex debt cases for individuals and businesses
- Money-back guarantees provided in eligible cases
- Exact costs are stated to each potential client, without obligation to proceed
- A dedicated point person is assigned to each case
Contents
It’s not unusual to owe back taxes. Whether you’re flush, or a senior attempting to budget on a fixed income, getting an IRS or state taxation letter can be highly stressful. Tax relief companies can help seniors and their families navigate these waters. They may also be able to reduce the amount owed.
Our goal is to help you choose the right tax relief company for your specific situation. To do that, we’ve compared five well-known providers on price, features, and online input from clients.
>>Related Reading: Wondering when and how to sign up for Social Security? Our Guide to Social Security for Seniors answers these questions and more.
Did You Know? Seniors can reduce their annual tax burden by taking healthcare and medical expense tax deductions. Read our guide for more information.
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1. Tax Relief Advocates - Best for Attorney-Led Support
Learn More Links to Tax Relief AdvocatesWhat we like most
- A+ BBB rating
- Two BBB Torch Awards for Ethics
- Retain in-house attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents
Tax Relief AdvocatesLearn More Links to Tax Relief AdvocatesOverview:TRA is licensed to represent taxpayers with IRS or state tax debt in all 50 states. Their staff includes tax attorneys, certified public accounts (CPAs), and enrolled agents. This sets TRA apart from case manager-only tax relief firms.
Tax Relief Advocates (TRA) is an Irvine, California firm, founded in 2017. Clients mention that TRA provides them with the opportunity to work with professional, licensed, tax attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents.
Did You Know? In the world of tax relief companies, an enrolled agent is defined as a federally-licensed tax practitioner who has unlimited rights to legally represent taxpayers to the IRS.1
Pros & Cons:Pros About Tax Relief Advocates
- Attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents in-house
- Strong ethics track record with the BBB
Cons About Tax Relief Advocates
- Retainer fee is above the industry average
- No published minimum debt or flat pricing
Summary:Pricing
TRA offers a free consultation to potential clients. The company doesn’t publish a fixed price list due to various factors unique to each individual that may impact costs. While their pricing ranges depending on case complexity, they typically charge around $600 for an investigation fee. While this is generally higher than the industry-standard ballpark of $250-$500, we recommend contacting TRA directly to get costs based on your unique needs. Resolution fees reportedly range from $2,500–$5,000, based on the amount owed and case complexity.
Note: Fees are estimates, not guarantees. To get the specifics for your situation, contact TRA directly.
Did You Know? It may feel intimidating to contact the IRS directly, but doing so can put you on the road to resolving back debt. Seniors who owe smaller sums can request an easy-to-handle monthly payment plan. This typically halts both levying and collection.
Customer Reviews
TRA is BBB-accredited with an A+ rating. The company has also earned a 4.17 out of five-star customer review rating on BBB’s website. This rating is based on the current body of approx.1,600 reviews. They’ve also won BBB Torch Awards for Ethics in 2021 and 2024. However, there have been some complaints about their service, including lags in communication and resolution of some cases. Currently, TRA has a 3.2 out of five-star rating on TrustPilot.
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2. Guardian Tax - Best for Full-Service Tax Planning
Read More Links to Guardian TaxWhat we like most
- A BBB rating
- Provides tax planning, tax return preparation, and back tax resolution
- Lower starting fee than some competitors
Guardian TaxRead More Links to Guardian TaxOverview:Guardian Tax is a California-based firm that provides full-service tax support and planning. Seniors can use Guardian Tax to file their income taxes annually. Taxpayers can also hire Guardian solely for the purpose of reducing back tax and delinquent tax debt.
Guardian offers tax filing services and back tax debt resolution under one roof. They also provide taxable-income guidance and execution of amended tax returns.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Guardian Tax
- Full-service tax preparation is available, as well as debt resolution services
- Prompt answers to complaints on the BBB website
Cons About Guardian Tax
- Need to contact the company directly for information about process and money-back guarantees
Summary:Pricing
Guardian's fees are unpublished. Their investigation and resolution fees are customized, based on the amount of tax owed and the complexity of each case.
Customer Reviews
Guardian Tax is accredited by the BBB and has an A rating. They also have a 4.08 out of five-star customer review track record on that site.
Did You Know: Seniors who own their own homes qualify for property tax relief programs in many states. Talk to your local representatives to find out more info.
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3. Fidelity Tax Defense - Best for Post-Divorce Tax Debt Resolution
Read More Links to Fidelity Tax DefenseWhat we like most
- B- BBB rating
- Sole proprietorship operating since 2016
- Free, no-obligation consultations offered
Fidelity Tax DefenseRead More Links to Fidelity Tax DefenseOverview:Fidelity Tax Defense is listed as a sole proprietorship, based in Southern California. According to the BBB, this company, which offers tax-consulting services, has been in operation for 10 years.
Fidelity Tax Defense advertises services that include back tax resolution and support for ex-spouses after divorce. They also provide services such as IRS negotiations, removal of liens and levies, and cessation of wage garnishment.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Fidelity Tax Defense
- Handles personal and business cases
Cons About Fidelity Tax Defense
- No published pricing or listed guarantees
Summary:Pricing
Fidelity Tax Defense doesn’t publish an online fee schedule. As previously mentioned, pricing for many debt resolution companies is based on the complexity of each individual’s case. We recommend contacting the company directly for fee information.
Customer Reviews
While Fidelity is not accredited by the BBB, they hold a B- BBB rating based on only a single complaint.
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4. Optima Tax Relief - Best for Large, Complex Debts
What we like most
- BBB accredited with an A+ rating
- IRS Power of Attorney in 50 states
- Handles larger, more complex debt cases for individuals and businesses
Overview:Optima Tax Relief is a highly trusted and affordable tax resolution firm with a solid track record.
Like TRA, Optima has a large in-house staff of tax resolution professionals, including attorneys, licensed enrolled agents, and certified public accountants (CPAs).Optima’s services include audit representation, innocent spouse relief (defined below), penalty abatement, and IRS negotiations.
Did You Know? In most states, the IRS considers spouses who have filed a joint tax return to be liable for their entire tax bill, even if a divorce has taken place since the return was filed. Innocent Spouse Relief is an IRS provision that removes liability for back taxes, as well as interest and penalties, if your spouse, not you, understated the tax due without your knowledge or consent.2[/citatiaon]
Pros & Cons:Pros About Optima Tax Relief
- Lower entry fee than several attorney-led competitors
- Strong, well-established reputation and reviews
Cons About Optima Tax Relief
- $10,000 minimum debt excludes smaller cases
- Total resolution cost not published upfront
Summary:Pricing
Optima offers a free initial consultation. If you choose to continue working with Optima, they’ll require a $295 upfront investigation fee.
Optima doesn’t list their standard costs. However, they do offer a 15-day money-back guarantee for the investigation phase. A $10,000 debt minimum applies.
Customer Reviews
Optima is accredited by the BBB with an A+ rating. They’ve also earned a 4.05 out of five-star customer review rating on the BBB website.
At Trustpilot, Optima has a 4.4 out of five-star review rating. They’ve been reviewed on this site by over 5,000 people. Clients mention having informative, helpful interactions with staff members who are friendly, patient, and professional. This level of service is important for seniors, so we give Optima high marks for their customer interaction.
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5. Anthem Tax Services - Best Money-Back Guarantee
What we like most
- Money-back guarantees provided in eligible cases
- Exact costs are stated to each potential client, without obligation to proceed
- A dedicated point person is assigned to each case
Overview:Anthem Tax Services is a nationwide firm that stands out for having a strong refund guarantee. Anthem will refund your initial phase deposit if it’s determined early on that their services will not provide debt resolution or be a fit for you.
Anthem’s process is structured via a risk-free process. First, you’ll meet with an Anthem representative to determine your eligibility. During this initial no-obligation meeting, your options for tax debt resolution will be clearly outlined.
You’ll then meet with a tax specialist who will review your tax history, as well as your transcripts and correspondence with the IRS.
A path forward will then be solidified that may include negotiations with the IRS.Pros & Cons:Pros About Anthem Tax Services
- Strong money-back guarantee
- Large and impressive body of positive reviews
Cons About Anthem Tax Services
- Clients cannot be in active bankruptcy, and are required to earn a minimum monthly income of $2,000
- $10,000 debt minimum in most cases
Summary:Pricing
Fees generally start at around $500, with resolution fees starting at around $2,900. Cases usually require a minimum of $10,000 in debt, though exceptions have been reported, and generally start at around $7,500.
Customer Reviews
Anthem is BBB accredited with an A+ rating. They have a high customer review rating of 4.75 out of five stars on the BBB website. They also have a lower-than-average complaint rate on the site. They have 4.4 out of five stars on Trustpilot.
Customers on these and other review sites mention having confidence in Anthem, thanks to their professionalism and courteous personnel. Users say they make complicated tax issues clear and easy to understand, which seniors greatly appreciate.
Comparison Chart
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Tax Relief Advocates
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Guardian Tax
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Fidelity Tax Defense
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Optima Tax Relief
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Anthem Tax Services
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
| Upfront Fee | Price ranges around $600 for investigation fee | Not published | Not published | $295 investigation fee | $500 initial fee |
| Guarantee | Not published; contact company directly | Not published; contact company directly | Not published; contact company directly | 15-day money-back guarantee for investigation phase | Full refund of initial phase deposit if resolution is not possible |
| BBB Status | Accredited, A+ rating | Accredited, A rating | Non-accredited, B- rating | Accredited, A+ rating | Accredited, A+ rating |
Note: Upfront fee costs are estimates only and guarantees should be confirmed with each provider. Contact them directly to discuss your specific situation.
How to Choose a Tax Relief Company
Before you choose a tax relief company, we suggest contacting the IRS or your state taxation entity directly. If a payment plan or easy resolution avenue is available to you, you may save the most money without using a third party.
If you owe back taxes for many years, or your case is confusing or complicated, working with a tax relief company may save you money and give you peace of mind.
Since most companies offer a free consultation, take advantage of this service and meet with at least three companies.
Avoid any company that makes you an iron-clad guarantee. This is a red flag, since the final determination about your case will come directly from the IRS and/or your state taxation entity.
Read customer reviews, and weigh input from the Better Business Bureau. Make sure to check the company name on the BBB website exactly against the firm you are considering. There are many name variations that indicate different firms.
Look for a company whose services most closely match your case. And, trust your gut instinct. If a company representative is dismissive or rude, pass them by.
Common Tax Relief Programs
Tax relief companies work within established IRS debt relief programs. These include:
- Payment plans. These monthly installment plans can be long- or short-term.
- Offer in Compromise. If paying off your full tax liability is a financial hardship, this program lets eligible taxpayers settle their debt for less than they currently owe.
- Penalty Relief. If you were unable to comply with tax regulations or deadlines beyond your control, you may qualify for penalty relief. There are multiple conditions that can be applicable. They include serious illnesses, natural disasters, and system failure issues.
Red Flags to Watch For
As part of our research on tax relief companies in general, we identified a few red flags that seniors should be especially aware of. Among customer complaints were references to fees that escalated significantly beyond the company's initial quote. We also reviewed customer complaints about being unable to receive timely support throughout the process.
As a note of caution, be wary of any company that guarantees a settlement before reviewing your paperwork, pressures same-day signing, or asks for bank access before a deal is reached. This can help you avoid these red flags.
Conclusion
The number of tax relief companies operating in the U.S. has blossomed online. Not every company is a good fit for seniors. Before you pay any company a fee, make sure to protect yourself by getting a contract that contains an iron-clad fee schedule. Also, be sure to choose a company with a good reputation, high BBB rating, and licensed professionals on staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need a tax relief company?
Not always. Smaller debts and one-year debts can often be resolved directly with the IRS via a payment plan.
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How much do these companies charge?
Published upfront fees range from about $ to $600+, with total resolution costs reaching several thousand dollars.
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What's the difference between the investigation fee and resolution fee?
The investigation fee covers the review of your case. The resolution fee covers the actual negotiation work.
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How can I ensure I get timely updates from my company?
It’s important to get all the support you need throughout the process. It’s your money and future, after all. At your initial consultation, ask how communication is handled and how often you can be ensured of updates.
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What types of professionals should I look for?
Many tax relief companies hire unlicensed sales people to sell you on their services. These individuals may be good at what they do, but they’re not licensed to give you tax debt advice. The only professionals who can legitimately work with you on your taxes are licensed attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents.
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Internal Revenue Service. (2023). 2023 Instructions for Schedule A.
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Internal Revenue Service. (2021). Self-Employed Individuals Tax Center.
