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Tax Relief Advocates

Tax Relief Advocates

Name: Tax Relief Advocates
Rating: 3.4

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3.4

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43 User Reviews

5.6

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3.4

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43 User Reviews

5.6

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LAST UPDATED: April 16th, 2024

Tax Relief Advocates is a tax relief company founded in 2017 in Brea, California. The company offers a variety of services, from preparing taxes to negotiating with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to settling disputes related to tax debt.

Tax Relief Advocates (TRA) offers these tax relief services at 15 office locations in 8 states across the country.

Continue reading to learn more about the company, as well as see verified Tax Relief Advocates reviews.

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The Good

Free Consultations
Variety of Services Offered
Locations Across the Country
3-Step Process to Tax Relief

Free Consultations

Tax Relief Advocates offers free consultations to its potential clients, so they can get an idea of the options available to them before paying any money.

Variety of Services Offered

Tax Relief Advocates provides a wide range of solutions for tax debt, including help with negotiation; penalty abatement; currently not collectible status; installment plans; offers in compromise; innocent spouse relief; unfiled tax returns; and relief from wage garnishment, tax levies, and tax liens.

Beyond help with taxes owed to the IRS, Tax Relief Advocates also offers tax preparation services and consultation services from tax relief experts.

Locations Across the Country

While some tax relief firms only have one physical location, there are 15 Tax Relief Advocates offices across the United States:

Arizona — Scottsdale, Tucson
California — Brea, Irvine, Orange
Kentucky — Louisville
Nevada — Las Vegas, Reno
New Mexico — Albuquerque
Pennsylvania — Chadsford, Pittsburgh
Texas — Austin, Garland
Washington — Tacoma, Vancouver

3-Step Process to Tax Relief

Tax Relief Advocates offers a simple, three-step process to resolving tax debt or solving your tax issue.

The first step is your consultation, where you will meet with a tax professional at TRA and discuss your situation as it stands. This helps your case manager at TRA gather the information they will need to effectively help you.

The second step is in-depth research, where you will agree to a plan of action and TRA will begin to work on your case. This will incluce notifying the correct tax authorities that you are now being represented by a tax attorney.

The third step is resolution, where the tax experts at TRA will help you start the process of obtaining tax debt forgiveness and negotiate with the IRS or state taxing authorities on your behalf.

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The Bad

Limited Online Information

Limited Online Information

While the Tax Relief Advocates website includes information about its services and locations, it doesn't have any information about its minimum debt requirement or the cost of any of its services. This forces potential customers to agree to a free consultation to find out whether Tax Relief Advocates is the right fit for them.

Some top competitors of Tax Relief Advocates make this information more widely known, especially a minimum debt requirement. For example, Community Tax has a minimum debt requirement of $3,000, while Anthem Tax Services has a minimum tax debt requirement of $10,000.

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The Bottom Line

If you need help with your tax problems, Tax Relief Advocates offers its customers a wide range of services at locations across eight states. If you live outside one of the eight states where Tax Relief Advocates has an office, you may want to look for a tax professional in your area who can assist you.

While Tax Relief Advocates doesn't provide any information about its minimum debt requirement or the cost of its services, it does offer free consultations, so customers can still get pricing information before spending any money on the company's services.

View Best Tax Relief Companies

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User Reviews

Star Rating

3.4

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43 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

53%

4 grade

3 grade

2 grade

1 grade

44%

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SUZIE PINAL

Thank You so much to Kyle who is helping me finally resolve my tax issues with the IRS. I was so stressed out but now I see a future without tax problems. I am so grateful to Kyle for taking time and explaining everything so thoroughly. I am recommending TRA to friends and family!

2 weeks ago

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Thomss Moffett

I liked how quickly they took care of my tax problems even when they were over a decade or more. I would highly recommend this company and chuck anguiano my case handler.

1 week ago

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Darcy Schultz

They keep taking my money for fees but will offer me no guarantee. They gaslight you on the phone, making you feel like you're crazy for wanting a guarantee for 8,000.00 when you're already flat broke and in crisis. I will be asking for my 600 dollars back and definitely am not going to pay them 8,000.00 with zero guarantee.

3 days ago

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Jeff Persi

For any potential customer who is interested in working with TRA, I would highly recommend that you read the customer reviews, as well as the customer complaints. You will see a visible pattern of all parties who’s been sold on a service for a “discounted” nominal fee and who’s been guaranteed a positive outcome for lowering their tax debt “by 90%”. You will also see the common practice of paying for a service that leaves most customers having to take the reigns and do the majority of phone calls and emails to their assigned “case managers” to get any information. You will also see the common TRA responses that “ensure customer satisfaction” and that an associate has already been in contact with them regarding their concerns/complaints/issues - Note the timelines of when the customers contracted with TRA, their financial investment involved, and the general consensus of TRA not doing the job they sold the customers. Then look at the generic responses from the TRA Customer Service Team which states all has been taken care of and they’re apologetic for the customer’s confusion over the agreement. You’ll also come across them saying that they always suggest their customers call the customer service line if they’re experiencing any problems - Paying no attention to the initial customer complaints of placing several phone calls and emails in with zero response from TRA. We all have our own unique experiences with TRA, yet you’ll see that the common ground is always the service they were guaranteed is not the service they’re receiving. And the financial obligations, for one of the “excellent five customer options”, is a major problem for the customers who haven’t qualified for what they were guaranteed and sold on. Sure they offer a money back guarantee…less the initial deposit which is based on used car lots sales tactics, and often times less 20% of the “service rate”. All experiences are different, yet so similar! Protect yourself and do your research. Read Reviews! Read reviews on the BBB (Better Business Bureau) website.

2 weeks ago

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Karen Renee Lamb

Stay Away!!! They offer a refund of $695 initial payment if they are unable to get a refund for you from IRS. They fail to mention that they can keep your case open for years until they unilaterally decide that they are unable to help. And they then ask for $200 a month to keep case open. So, you may get a refund of the $695 if you're still alive when they decide to end their investigation. They do not have a 15-day refund period like Optima or other tax relief companies. If you request cancellation within 8 hours, they're emails and phone #s become obsolete.

1 month ago

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brittany grinnell San Francisco, CA

ABSOLUTLEY DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH TAX RELIEF ADVOCATES. I was laid off from my job in 2020 and received a tax bill from the IRS for penalties for an early withdrawal from a 401k. I also had not yet filed a return for 2021. It was a very incredibly stressful time. I called this company to seek honest help and advice. The people you speak with first are nothing but condescending salesmen. I had to deal with a man named Khoa L, who was more interested in hearing his own voice then answering my questions. I felt like I needed to try something and this being the first company I talked to I gave in and paid a fee for them to start the investigation. I paid $600 for them to start the investigation. This was ridiculous to do on my part, as there are many other companies out there that will not charge you this fee. The salesman got back to me a week later and pressured me into believing that I owed over 26,000 on both years and a good portion of that was a projected estimate. However, and this is the best part, my fee for them to represent me with this "projected estimate" was over $6,000 dollars and THAT INCLUDED A $600 DOLLAR CREDIT for the retaining fee. I could not breath. How do you estimate a fee based on a tax projection!?!?!? I immediately got the gut wrenching feeling I was being taken advantage of ended the phone 600 dollars poorer. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, do your research and do not do business with Tax Relief Advocates!!

2 months ago

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Tonya Mitchell CA

My experience has been overwhelming, but Adam H has shown me how his knowledge and expertise can put an end to this traumatic situation. He is very knowledgeable and professional. This has brought my anxiety almost to a halt. Thanks Adam. Tonya Mitchell

4 months ago

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Gregory Thompson

Abraham was very professional and thorough obtaining my information and suggesting possible routes to take care of our current tax debt. We were able to come to a solution very quickly and efficiently to get the process started. I’ll be very happy to be working with Abraham in the future and would highly suggest his expertise if you have issues.

4 months ago

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Rick Clark Carpentersville, IL

I just wanted to let you know that Corey y was a great help. At helping me with my taxes Very polite explaining everything to me He worked on with me on discounts too Plus now being a truck driver it's had to get me sometimes or I am busy doing something he worked great on me trying to get this done Great job Corey Y Hey what about taxes for 2023 can you help with that if not please Direct me where I can go thank you Rick clark

7 months ago

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Tonia Scott Baltimore, MD

I was lost when the IRS was asking for owed money. I didn’t know what to do. I seen Tax Relief Advocates and I called and the first person to answer was Ryan Lawrence he reassured me that everything would be taken care of. Ryan explained to me about their company and what it do to relieve me of my worst fears. Ryan also explained and made it clear I could set up a payment plan to help relieve majority of my debt. When I missed payment because of hardship Ryan noted it my files that way my account would be in good standard. TaxRelief Advocates well solved your fears of the IRS .

7 months ago

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Tresa

Howard Howard excellent skills in customer service. I am big on customer service no matter what it’s just I think a person should know how to treat another person. Especially over the phone. Well guess what how is it that for me yeah excellent skills polite. You had very very good manners, and I’m actually I’ve had talking to people before the tax relief and I would hang up on them just immediately they they desert me because of the way they would speak was not Howard, Howard got my attention and kept my attention and was able to help me and I said help me because I didn’t know I was in trouble but he helped and I really appreciate you Howard I would like for you to have a wonderful and pleasant rest of your life in Jesus name amen I gave Howard 10 stars but since there’s not a 10 up here, I’ll give you five continue on cheating people the way that you do. God bless you.

9 months ago

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Boss Boutique Irvine, CA

THIS IS ONE MASSIVE SCAM COMPANY! THIS PLACE SCAMMED me and my friend for $8,500 and $22,500!!!! Filter all of the lowest reviews and you’ll see they’ve done it to so many people. They told me I qualify for an ABC resolution and her an Offer in Compromise. It’s been three years and ever since we enrolled they never pick up or get back to us! How are they even open? We’re in the process of trying sue them and found out there’s many more lawsuits out there. Don’t fall for their scam!

2 months ago

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Pamela Price Lee's Summit, MO

Hi Kyle J Thank You!!! Very Much For you Support of Calling Me to make sure my Case is Not Forgotten and To Help Educate Me this is My First of hearing about Tax relief and My experience so far is Great Thank You!! Again Kyle BLESSINGS.MEDITATE 🙏🧘‍♀️

6 months ago

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Omar Gonzalez

Absolutely satisfied with Sir Skye excellent customer service I was very satisfied with his service very clear to understand I'm very very happy that I'm going to be able to work with your firm I'm looking forward to doing business with you thank you so much I really appreciate you have a blessed blessed wonderful wonderful time and a pleasure working with you blessings

11 months ago

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Nicholaus Aroko

Stay a way from them. This company are scam, they will take your money and do nothing. I contacted IRS personally and asked if they received any documents from Tax processing solutions but they said no.Everyone should find a way to sue them by any cost. All these good reviews I think they force employees to write for them

2 months ago

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Mary Lou Hudson

Three years in this now and they are claiming that my information is late, I’ve Annswered the same questions numerous times 1 car 2 cars really? I’ve already have four different contacts on my phone and they just keep passing the case around. They even have me forgetting I even have a tax advocate

2 months ago

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kreg custer Waterloo, IA

Avoid at all costs. I owed $8000 in back taxes. In March 2022 I contacted TRA and was told they would help me at a cost of $500. I paid it and was assured they would negotiate with IRS and get my debt reduced to $1000. After 2 months, they tell me that they have done all their reviews and it will cost me $2500 for them to negotiate with the IRS. I paid it thinking I will still come out $4000 ahead. 10 months go by with no word from them. I file my taxes and the IRS keeps my refund of $1200. TRA calls me in March 2023 and tells me that they can do an offer in compromise for $1300 with IRS. It will cost me $205 to apply and another $265 (1/5th of the proposed offer) up front. 6 months later, I get a call and was told IRS rejected my offer and I owe the entire $8000. I asked them if I will at least get credit for the $1200 refund and the $265 I already paid. They took another 2 months to inform me that my final balance owed is $7995 to the IRS. So at a cost of nearly $5000, I got my tax debt lowered by $5. I could have easily just paid the IRS 2 years ago and been done with this and saved myself a lot of money and headaches.

4 months ago

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Dennis Whitley Clarksville, TN

I like the service that I have received so far from Andrew H and his associates work closely with him overall five star service that I am most pleased with thank you

5 months ago

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Diane Donahue

So far So good, Mr. Danny S. You have been very understanding to my fears and sensitive to my lack of understanding my issues with the IRS you made me be able to breath the first time in 3yrs. Thank You. I look forward to getting this thing resolved and getting on with life.

10 months ago

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Melissa Wilson

Ron has been so HELPFUL to me ! I haven't paid taxes in about 10 Years ! I was super scared ! Butt he re assured me not to worry! He always answers his phone for me ! And rest assured he is your MAN" that you want to get your taxes straight without worry! Ty RON

10 months ago

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Kiki Carter Talladega, AL

I've learned a lot today. Thank you thank you thank you Abraham you were so awesome today. Now I am able to sleep at night. Keep up the good work 🥰.

7 months ago

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Bebe burnett Seattle, WA

Run while you can away from this business, I beg you. I am in more debt than I was when I hired this business to represent me with the IRS. TRA/TRS do not know what is going on with my case I have to repeat my story every time to different case managers because they do not stay long to know who you are or call you to get to know you as a paying client and they know little of what is happening with the case to provide the services they promised, Case managers get job and income promotions or move on while our lives are on hold waiting on them to represent our case. I found out that there had been new case managers assigned to my case when I called in to inquire about the status of my case. I am on the 5 or 6 case manager and every time I repeat my situation although it is said they have our information on file, this is not always the case. Can't talk to a 1st level manager because you must talk to the case manager in charge. I was able to get ahold of a 1st level manager after I threatened to turn them into BBB. And of course, they say that our calls and concerns are responded to in a timely manner. They will tell you whatever it takes to protect their entity. Keep your documentation in case it is needed in the future. Unhappy due to a lack of ethical business and trust and no results after years of waiting for resolutions, it does not matter there are no refunds on the thousands of dollars paid in full to this business, so I have been told by the manager. There is a lot more to this true story that it would take me days to write about it. Let me say this PLEASE stay away from this business run and don’t turn back. And do not trust a business website because it claims it is in great standing with the BBB. This business is not suitable for any stars.

7 months ago

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Christopher Moore Mount Olive, MS

Nyall at TRA was a great help in my uncertain time, he explained everything perfectly and he also listened to me and that’s huge in my book I would highly recommend him and the members at TRA 1000%

9 months ago

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Christopher Bien

Hey demetrius at tax advocates helped me with my state taxes ........saved me from a garneshment......hes a real professional in the tax game ....thank you demetrius....

9 months ago

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Cristian Ortega

Just wane to say that the customer service has great Jesus the guy that help me was a lot of help he told me step by step how the process was goin to get done really happy

11 months ago

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Matthew Laney Fontana, CA

Tax Relief Advocates helped me with an arrears problem that I had. They were honest and effective. They were fairly easy to communicate with on-line with decent response times to questions. They could have done better in terms of answering their phones and returning calls.

1 year ago

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Cornell Taylor South Pasadena, CA

I hate I gave my money to these people everyday I wake up with regret and malice was lied to and cohersed.take advantage of while in a bad situation,it’s simply the truth. This is my experience money gone not a lick of help no refund .$480 for promised mislead words

6 months ago Edited September 22, 2023

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Matin Ashooriyoun Woodland Hills, CA

THIS COMPANY IS SCAM.Please be aware of all these posting.They force people to write the good reviews right after you sign up with them when they promise the world to settle your debt with IRS and you only pay $100 for your balace to IRS. They charged me over $10,000 and after two years they told me that for your entire balance all they can do is payment paln.They were not settle anything NOT EVEN $1.Payment paln with you balance can easily done by anyone and nobady needs to pay anythings.Again,this company is A BIG SCAM.

9 months ago Edited July 10, 2023

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Karl Gantley Bloomington, IL

53% of reviews are 5 stars. 47% are 1 star. NOTHING in between. It stinks of manipulation. I guarantee there are no real reviews in the group that are 5 stars. The only real reviews are 1. These people called me. A Federal Crime, since I am on the Federal Do Not Call list. The person I talked to gave me the name of the company reluctantly. The phone number they called me from only took voice mail with no option to talk to a person. This is obviously a scam.

10 months ago

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Angela Long Austin, TX

Thank you so much for helping me find a better solution for paying off my taxes!! Mr. Danny, your awesome!

10 months ago

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Paul Bergeron

Horrible Horrible company. Stay away from doing any business with them. All they do is take your money and give you nothing in return. Service is so bad I had to contact the IRS myself to get any clarification. That’s when I found out they don’t even know what they are doing. The IRS informed me that they filed all the wrong paperwork. Unbelievable. What a waste of time with this company.

1 year ago

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Barbie Halbmaier Sanford, FL

Do not use them!! Let me repeat, do not use them! I called IRS and the last time they contacted IRS was 2/25/2021. A year and a half ago to request our information and then they did nothing. They are theives. They took our money and now they ignore us or tell us they are working on it still. IRS told me I would do better to make an appointment and personally go in and talk to them.

1 year ago

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Rodney Hills Charlotte, NC

I paid these guys $5000.00 to do a tax reduction with the IRS, however i was trying to close on a home and the IRS said that the back taxes had to be paid before i could close So I paid the IRS the back taxes, because TRA could not get it done in time for me to close. And now they are refusing to refund me my money. These guys are taking advantage of me and this is highway robbery.

1 year ago

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Jeremy Vick Burnet, TX

Great personal experience! Spencer helped to get everything taken care of in a fast and timely manner! Very professional!

2 years ago

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David Weeks Oakwood, GA

Terrible experience with this company. It has taken them nearly 3 months and I still dont have a resolution... Their communication with their customers is NON-Existent. I voiced concerns about a state tax issue and I was met with silence...once I called and spoke with Tim O about the issue of communication he assured me it would be taken care of. It was not. I had to call another company to get the answers I was looking for. If you want to spend 14k for your time being wasted then this is the company for you....

2 years ago

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William Lightner Anaheim, CA

It started out pretty good but when I got passed on the the tax professional it went down fast. They do not communicate or keep me informed and the next year taxes are getting ready to get done and I still haven't filed the previous year. 1 star is actually a bit to high of a rating if you ask me. I had to pay a lot to get nothing done so far. I would never recommend this company to anyone.

2 years ago

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Noa Ranoa San Diego, CA

I ended up getting educated and soon went with an Offer in Compromise. I ended up paying a little less than 20% of what I owed! I can't say enough about TRA . THANK YOU

1 year ago

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Anthony Scarbrough

They worked very hard and got me the best rates and explained everything

8 months ago

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VISANO NELSON Salt Lake City, UT

Greg B my representative is great. He's kept me up to date on everything. I couldn't have gotten a better person.

1 year ago

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Michele Abell Westerly, RI

Started off good as others said but the difference between what I owe the IRS and what they charged is only $1700.00. The IRS takes out $121.00 a month. I was told this wouldn’t happen. Now I have $2600.00 in credit card interest and they are still are taking out the $121.00. Don’t see the value in doing that. I was misled

1 year ago

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Tim Garbe WA

Outstanding customer service. Thank you Aubrey for your help.

11 months ago

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Renee Reynolds Macomb, MI

The agent I spoke to was extremely rude.

8 months ago Edited August 7, 2023

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Tammy Snyder Aurora, CO

lack of communication, does not return phone calls or emails

2 years ago

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