Disclosure: Our content is not financial advice. Do your own research and speak to a licensed tax professional or financial advisor before taking action. We may earn commissions from products reviewed. (Learn more)
Tax Relief Advocates (www.taxreliefadvocates.com) is a California based tax relief firm that focuses on resolving IRS and state tax problems. They work on issues like unpaid back taxes, penalties, liens, levies, and wage garnishments. The process usually starts with a free consultation, then an investigation phase, followed by a customized resolution plan. In my experience reviewing this space, Tax Relief Advocates is a credible option for taxpayers who need representation on IRS or state matters. If your main challenge is unsecured consumer debt like credit cards or personal loans, I suggest also comparing providers that specialize in debt settlement, especially New Era Debt Solutions.
Looking for the Best Debt Relief in 2025?Tax Relief Advocates handles tax problems. If your core issue is credit cards or personal loans, I recommend reviewing New Era Debt Solutions. In my opinion, New Era stands out for no upfront fees, a transparent process, and a strong record of client outcomes.
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Company Snapshot
- Official Name: Tax Relief Advocates
- Official Website: www.taxreliefadvocates.com
- Headquarters: California
- Founded: More than a decade in operation
- Service Area: Federal IRS cases in most states, state tax services vary
- Primary Service: Tax relief and IRS representation
Legitimacy, Ratings and Reviews
From what I can see, the company presents the credentials I expect in a tax relief provider. They describe teams that include experienced tax professionals and they publish a clear step by step process. Reviews I find are generally positive with the usual mix that comes with tax cases, since outcomes depend on documentation, income, and the agency involved.
- Professional staffing: Cases are typically handled by enrolled agents, CPAs, and tax attorneys
- General sentiment: Many clients call out help stopping levies and setting realistic payment plans, with some noting longer timelines on complex files
Services Offered by Tax Relief Advocates
- Tax Investigation and Case Review with transcript analysis and compliance checks
- Offer in Compromise when financials meet eligibility rules
- Installment Agreements that structure affordable monthly payments
- Currently Not Collectible Status for consumers who cannot pay now
- Penalty Abatement requests when criteria are met
- Wage Garnishment and Bank Levy Help that aims to stop or release enforced collection
- Lien Guidance including withdrawal requests when eligible
- Audit Representation and appeals support
What Makes Tax Relief Advocates Different from Other Debt Relief Companies
Most debt relief companies in our rankings focus on consumer debt settlement. Tax Relief Advocates focuses on tax representation, which is a different specialization. Here is what stands out to me.
- Agency facing work. They work directly with the IRS and state agencies, not credit card issuers or personal loan lenders.
- Compliance first. A big part of tax relief is filing missing returns and getting compliant before negotiation. That is different from settlement programs that center on creditor negotiations.
- Resolution tools. The toolkit includes offers in compromise, installment agreements, penalty relief, and currently not collectible status. These are tax specific tools, not consumer lending tools.
- Representation. Cases are led by tax professionals who can speak to the IRS on your behalf. Debt settlement firms generally do not offer legal tax representation.
- Fee structure. Tax relief is often priced in phases such as investigation and resolution. Debt settlement typically charges a performance based fee after a settlement is approved.
| Category | Tax Relief Advocates | New Era Debt Solutions | Typical Debt Settlement Company |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | IRS and state tax relief | Unsecured consumer debt settlement | Unsecured consumer debt settlement |
| Best For | Back taxes, penalties, liens, levies, garnishments | Credit cards, personal loans, medical bills | Credit cards, personal loans, medical bills |
| Representation | Handled by tax professionals who can deal with the IRS | Negotiators handle creditor talks and client support | Negotiators handle creditor talks and client support |
| Resolution Tools | Offer in Compromise, Installment Agreement, CNC, penalty relief | Lump sum or structured settlements with creditors | Lump sum or structured settlements with creditors |
| Fee Approach | Often phase based by investigation and resolution | No upfront fees, success based after settlements | Usually success based after settlements |
| Impact on Credit | Focuses on tax liabilities, not credit card reporting | Short term credit impact while accounts are delinquent | Short term credit impact while accounts are delinquent |
| Typical Timeline | Varies by agency response and documentation | Often 24 to 36 months depending on funding | Often 24 to 48 months depending on funding |
Tax Issues They Can Help With
- Unpaid IRS or state back taxes
- IRS penalties and interest
- Tax liens, wage garnishments, and bank levies
- Audit notices and appeals
- Filing compliance and missing returns
Pros
- Tax specific focus with a toolkit built for IRS and state matters
- Free consultation and a defined investigation phase
- Ability to communicate with agencies on your behalf
Cons
- Fees vary by case complexity and are not one size fits all
- Timelines depend on agency response times and documentation
- State rules differ, so availability and strategies can change by location
Final Thoughts
Tax Relief Advocates is a solid choice if you need help with the IRS or with a state tax agency. The service menu covers the main resolution strategies and the team can represent you in communications. Fees and timelines vary with the complexity of your case. If your main goal is to reduce unsecured consumer debt rather than handle tax issues, I recommend starting with New Era Debt Solutions and comparing outcomes before you decide.
👉 See if you qualify with New Era
👉 Read Our New Era Review
Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Relief Advocates
Disclosure: Our content is not financial or tax advice. Please do your own research and speak with a licensed tax professional or financial advisor. We may earn commissions from products or services reviewed. (Learn more)
1) Is Tax Relief Advocates a legitimate company?
In my view they operate like a standard tax relief firm. They describe teams that include tax professionals and they publish a clear process from consultation to resolution.
2) What tax problems does the company handle?
They focus on unpaid back taxes, penalties and interest, liens, levies, wage garnishments, audit notices, and missing returns. They can work on both IRS and many state cases.
3) How does the process work from start to finish?
It usually begins with a free consultation, then an investigation phase where transcripts and documents are reviewed, followed by a tailored plan such as an installment agreement, an offer in compromise when eligible, or another resolution.
4) What documents should I gather before the consultation?
Recent IRS or state notices, prior year returns, pay stubs, bank statements, a list of assets and monthly expenses, and any correspondence about liens, levies, or garnishments.
5) Do they only work with the IRS or also with states?
They handle IRS cases in most states. Availability for state tax work varies by location and by the rules of that state.
6) What is an Offer in Compromise and do I qualify?
An Offer in Compromise is a request to settle for less than the full balance when the financials show an inability to pay in full. Qualification depends on income, expenses, assets, and IRS formulas. The investigation phase is where the firm checks this.
7) Can the company stop a wage garnishment or bank levy?
They can request relief and often work to pause or release enforcement when the facts support it. Timing depends on the levy or garnishment type and on how quickly financials are provided.
8) What is Currently Not Collectible status?
It is a temporary status the IRS may grant when you cannot pay without hardship. Interest can still accrue and the IRS may review your situation later.
9) How does penalty abatement work?
If you meet criteria like first time abatement or reasonable cause, the firm can request that penalties be reduced or removed. Interest on the underlying tax can continue until the balance is paid.
10) How are fees structured?
Tax relief is often priced in phases. There is typically an investigation phase to gather data and determine eligibility, then a separate fee for resolution work. Prices depend on case complexity.
11) Do I pay anything upfront?
Many tax relief providers bill an initial investigation fee, then a second phase for the chosen strategy. Ask for a written agreement that explains the scope, the fees, and the refund policy.
12) How long does a typical case take?
Timelines depend on the agency, the documents provided, and the strategy used. Some steps can move quickly once financials are complete, while complex cases can take longer.
13) Will working with a tax relief firm hurt my credit score?
Tax resolution affects your tax account rather than revolving credit lines. Credit impact is usually indirect, for example when a public lien is recorded. The goal is to resolve the liability and prevent or remove enforcement when possible.
14) Can they remove a tax lien?
They can request release once the balance is paid or request withdrawal in certain situations. Approval depends on IRS or state rules.
15) Do they file missing returns or only negotiate?
Most tax relief plans start with compliance. That usually means filing missing returns before the IRS or a state will finalize a resolution.
16) What if I do not qualify for an Offer in Compromise?
Other tools exist. An installment agreement, penalty abatement, or Currently Not Collectible may be more realistic if an offer is not available.
17) Will I owe taxes on forgiven tax debt?
Some resolutions simply restructure payment rather than forgive balances. When a balance is reduced, tax reporting can vary by program and year. I recommend asking your tax professional to review any tax reporting that could apply.
18) Can the firm represent me without me speaking to the IRS?
Yes in many cases. With a signed authorization the firm can communicate with the IRS or a state on your behalf and keep you updated.
19) Are results guaranteed?
No. Results depend on financials, documentation, and the rules in effect. A reputable firm will outline what is realistic before you sign.
20) Can I do this on my own instead of hiring a firm?
Yes. The IRS and most states allow self representation. Many readers choose a firm when they want help with forms, timelines, and communications, or when there is enforcement already in place.
21) What happens to my tax refunds while I am in a resolution?
The IRS can apply refunds to outstanding balances during many programs. If you expect a refund, ask how that will be handled under your plan.
22) Will I need to stay current on new taxes during the program?
Yes. Staying current on new filings and estimates is usually required. Falling behind again can jeopardize a resolution.
23) Can the firm help with state garnishments and bank levies too?
Yes in many cases. State rules vary, so timelines and documentation needs can be different from the IRS.
24) What if my income or expenses change during the case?
Tell your case team right away. A change can affect eligibility for an offer, the size of payment in an installment plan, or the status of a hardship request.
25) Will the firm handle communication with collectors and field agents?
Once authorization is in place they can speak with the assigned revenue officer or collections unit and coordinate requests for information and next steps.
26) Can I pause the case and restart later?
You can usually pause, but interest may continue and enforcement can resume. Ask about any fees if you stop and start.
27) What should I ask before I sign an agreement?
Ask about fees, milestones, who will work on your case, expected timelines, what happens if you do not qualify for an offer, and how communications will work.
28) How should I prepare to make the process faster?
Gather documents early, respond quickly to information requests, file any missing returns, and keep track of income and expenses with simple worksheets.
29) Do they help with business tax issues?
Some firms handle payroll tax and sales tax cases. Ask whether your business taxes are in scope and what documents are needed.
30) What happens after my case is resolved?
Plan for compliance going forward. File on time, make estimates if required, and keep an emergency fund so you do not slip back into a balance due.
Amine is an entrepreneur, investor and financial writer that covers the US economy, inflation, alternative investments, cryptocurrencies and more. He has been involved in the space for over a decade.
