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Free and low-cost IRS options to try before paying a firm, then tax relief companies ranked on fees, who represents you, complaint records and guarantee terms.
By BestGuide Editorial Team, Editorial Team. See their work.Published October 1, 2025Updated October 27, 2026This page was compiled from primary sources: company disclosures and terms, the BBB and regulators. Our ratings method is described on the methodology page.
Before you hire a tax relief company, see whether you can fix the problem yourself for free or close to it. The IRS sets up short-term payment plans for $0 and long-term direct debit plans online for $29, its free Pre-Qualifier tool checks offer in compromise eligibility, and the Taxpayer Advocate Service and Low Income Taxpayer Clinics help at no cost. If you need representation, choose a firm whose enrolled agents, CPAs or tax attorneys will be named on your power of attorney, that explains fees in writing before you pay, and that does not promise a specific result.
Our top picks
Our top picks are verified BestGuide partners, scored on our partner verification program. Every other company we reviewed is listed below under Others we considered, scored from public records only. How we rate
Best for small business owners with payroll or sales tax debtPriority Tax ReliefThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.9 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.Founded1991Free consultationYes
Best for federal IRS debt with a flat-fee quoteAlleviate TaxThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.Founded2018Free consultationYes
Best for taxpayers who want an attorney-supervised caseFive Star Tax ResolutionThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.Founded2013
Best for Immediate ActionTax Relief AdvocatesThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.6 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.Founded2017Free consultationYes
Best for freelancers and 1099 contractors1099 Tax ProblemsThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.3 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.Free consultationYes
This guide is for anyone who owes the IRS or a state tax agency and is weighing whether to pay a company for help. That includes people facing a levy or wage garnishment, business owners with payroll tax debt, freelancers behind on estimated payments, and anyone with unfiled years.
The most important thing to check is who will actually represent you. Only enrolled agents, CPAs and attorneys can stand in for you before the IRS, and the best firms tell you that person's name before you pay. Fees matter next, and none of our picks publish a full price list, so a written estimate is essential.
Below you'll find the free IRS options to try first, our main picks with their credentials and guarantee terms, what each IRS relief program does, and the red flags the FTC warns about.
IRS offer in compromise fee
$205 application fee plus a first payment; both waived for low-income taxpayers10
Best for small business owners with payroll or sales tax debt: Priority Tax ReliefThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.9/5
Founded
1991
Free consultation
Yes
Money-back guarantee
Yes
Why we picked it. No dollar amounts are published on the official site; pricing is set during a free consultation and the fee process is not described in detail. The site claims tax attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents on staff and BBB names one attorney, but no EAs or CPAs are named or verifiable.
More details, pros and cons
Fees
Not disclosed
Investigation fee
Not disclosed
Minimum debt
None stated
BBB
A+, accredited
Guarantee terms: Official FAQ describes a 10-day money-back guarantee (refund on request if not satisfied within the first 10 days of service). The official services page instead says a refund applies if not satisfied within the first three days after signing an agreement. Written terms not published.
Pros
BBB A+ rating, accredited since May 2, 2025
Site states its team includes tax attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents
Handles business issues such as back payroll tax and back sales tax
Free consultation before any engagement
Cons
No fees, investigation fee or minimum debt published on the official site
Money-back guarantee window is described two different ways on the official site (10 days vs three days)
Company history is unclear: the site says 15+ years and nearly two decades, while BBB lists a 1991 start date
Caution: Get the refund window and every fee in the signed agreement, since the site gives two different guarantee periods.
Skip it if: You want written fee terms before you share your contact details.
More about Priority Tax Relief
Get the refund window and every fee in the signed agreement, since the site gives two different guarantee periods.
Best for federal IRS debt with a flat-fee quote: Alleviate TaxThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.7/5
Founded
2018
Free consultation
Yes
Why we picked it. No dollar amounts are published, but the site describes a flat fee for each phase, quoted at a free consultation and paid before each phase begins. The about page claims CPAs, enrolled agents and tax attorneys among 150+ professionals, but none are named or verifiable.
More details, pros and cons
Guarantee terms
Not published
Fees
Not disclosed
Investigation fee
Not disclosed
Minimum debt
None stated
BBB
A, accredited
Pros
BBB accredited since July 2019
Flat fee for each of two phases (investigation, then resolution), quoted during a free consultation
Publishes timelines: investigation 1 to 2 weeks, resolution 2 to 10 months
About page states 150+ tax professionals including CPAs, EAs and tax attorneys
Cons
No dollar fees or minimum debt published on the official site
Terms of service say the Phase 1 fee is non-refundable and fees are non-refundable once services begin
BBB shows 233 complaints in the last 3 years
Caution: Fees are paid in full before each phase starts and the investigation fee is non-refundable under the site terms, so get any guarantee in the signed agreement.
Skip it if: You want to know the license of the person on your case before you call.
More about Alleviate Tax
Fees are paid in full before each phase starts and the investigation fee is non-refundable under the site terms, so get any guarantee in the signed agreement.
Best for taxpayers who want an attorney-supervised case: Five Star Tax ResolutionThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.7/5
Founded
2013
Why we picked it. The site publishes no fee numbers and only says fees vary by service and complexity, and it does not state that the initial consultation is free. One credential type is documented: a named Supervising Attorney (Andy J. Epstein) on the official team section.
More details, pros and cons
Guarantee terms
Not published
Fees
Not disclosed
Investigation fee
Not disclosed
Minimum debt
None stated
BBB
A+, accredited
Pros
Supervising attorney named on the official site
BBB A+ rating and BBB accredited
Published 4-step process from consultation to ongoing review
Cons
No fees, minimum debt or state coverage published on the official site
No money-back guarantee published; the site says no specific result is guaranteed
Small named team (3 people) on the site
Caution: The homepage shows a 'Ranked #1 by Forbes' badge without naming the list or year, so do not weigh it in your decision.
Skip it if: You want published flat fees.
More about Five Star Tax Resolution
The homepage shows a 'Ranked #1 by Forbes' badge without naming the list or year, so do not weigh it in your decision.
Best for Immediate Action: Tax Relief AdvocatesThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.6/5
Founded
2017
Free consultation
Yes
Why we picked it. No fee amounts could be confirmed from a primary source; the official site was unreachable. No enrolled agents, CPAs or attorneys could be confirmed from a primary source, and no named licensed staff were documented.
More details, pros and cons
Guarantee terms
No guarantee or refund terms published (checked 2026-10-13).
Investigation fee
Not published (checked 2026-10-13).
Minimum debt
None stated
BBB
A+, accredited
Fees: Not published (checked 2026-10-13); the site describes free consultation, investigation and resolution phases.
Pros
BBB A+ rating, accredited since September 2018
Free consultation per their website
No FTC, CFPB or state AG action found
Cons
633 BBB complaints in the last 3 years
Fees, refund terms and staff credentials are not published
Binding JAMS arbitration with a 30-day written opt-out
Caution: Get the fee schedule, any refund terms and the names of the licensed professionals on your case in writing before paying.
Skip it if: You want published fees or named, licensed professionals before you call.
More about Tax Relief Advocates
Get the fee schedule, any refund terms and the names of the licensed professionals on your case in writing before paying.
Best for freelancers and 1099 contractors: 1099 Tax ProblemsThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.3/5
Free consultation
Yes
Why we picked it. No fees are published on the site, but a free consultation is offered. The site names no EAs, CPAs or attorneys; only the servicing company's BBB description claims those credential types.
More details, pros and cons
Guarantee terms
Not published
Fees
Not disclosed
Investigation fee
Not disclosed
Minimum debt
None stated
BBB
Not rated
Pros
Content and intake built specifically for 1099 contractors and freelancers
Free consultation offered on the site
Privacy policy discloses that Priority Tax Relief is the primary entity providing services
Cons
No fees, minimum debt or guarantee published on the site
No named staff or professional credentials on the site
No BBB profile under the 1099 Tax Problems name
Caution: Your case is handled by Priority Tax Relief, so review Priority Tax Relief's fee agreement and credentials before you pay.
Skip it if: You are a W-2 employee or need a named attorney or CPA.
More about 1099 Tax Problems
Your case is handled by Priority Tax Relief, so review Priority Tax Relief's fee agreement and credentials before you pay.
We score every tax relief company on the same six factors, weighted as shown, using the company's own disclosures, its terms of service, BBB records and regulator actions. A company is ranked only when at least 60% of the score rests on verified facts; the rest are listed separately until we can verify them. Partners that complete BestGuide verification are scored on that program. Companies we have not verified directly are scored from public records only. Partner status is why a verified partner can sit above a company with a stronger public record. Read our full methodology.
Cost and fee transparency25%
Credentials and representation20%
Reputation and complaints20%
Customer experience15%
Services and coverage10%
Guarantees and contract terms10%
Free IRS options to try first
Short-term payment plan. Up to 180 days to pay, with a $0 setup fee.
Long-term payment plan. $29 online with direct debit, or $107 by phone or mail; setup fees are waived or reduced for low-income taxpayers. Penalties and interest keep adding up until you pay in full.
Offer in compromise. Use the IRS Pre-Qualifier tool to see if you are eligible. The application costs $205 plus a first payment, both waived for low-income taxpayers.
Taxpayer Advocate Service. An independent office within the IRS that helps when normal channels fail. Call 877-777-4778.
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics. Free or low-cost representation in IRS disputes.
These are the same programs tax relief companies apply for on your behalf.
What tax relief companies charge
None of our main picks publish a full price list on their homepages. Fees usually depend on how much you owe, how many years are unfiled and which IRS program you need. Ask for a written estimate that separates the investigation fee from the resolution fee, and ask what you get back if you cancel. The FTC warns against anyone who asks for the whole fee upfront or charges ongoing maintenance fees that never end.
How to choose a tax relief company
Ask who will sign your Form 2848. Only enrolled agents, CPAs and attorneys can represent you before the IRS. Get the person’s name and license number.
Get fees and refund terms in writing. Do this before you pay anything.
Reject guarantees. The FTC says no company can promise a particular result.
Check complaints. Look up the firm with your state attorney general and the BBB, and search for regulatory actions.
Get current on your returns. The IRS requires all returns to be filed before it approves most relief.
What IRS relief programs actually do
Installment agreements spread payments over time. Offers in compromise settle for less only when your income, expenses and assets show you cannot pay in full. Currently not collectible status pauses collection if paying would leave you unable to cover basic living costs, but the debt remains. Penalty abatement can remove penalties for first-time issues or reasonable cause. Fresh Start is the name for a set of IRS rule changes, not a separate forgiveness program you can join.
Red flags to watch for
Promises to settle for a fraction of what you owe before anyone reviews your finances.
Mailers that look like government notices. Tax Network USA paid $400,000 in 2025 to settle a case brought by four California district attorney offices over this practice.
Pressure to pay the full fee upfront.
Claims of a special relationship with the IRS.
Unverified success stories offered as proof.
Report problem companies at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
How the answer changes by situation
If you owe a modest amount and can pay over time, apply for an IRS payment plan yourself. If you have unfiled years, a levy or garnishment, payroll tax debt, or a state tax agency involved, licensed representation can be worth the cost. State relief options and collection rules vary, so confirm the firm handles your state’s tax agency.
Terms to know
Offer in compromise
An IRS agreement to settle tax debt for less than the full amount when you cannot pay.
An IRS payment plan that lets you pay a balance over time.
Currently not collectible
An IRS status that pauses collection because of financial hardship; the debt remains.
Penalty abatement
The IRS removal of penalties for reasonable cause or a first-time issue.
Enrolled agent
A tax professional licensed by the IRS to represent taxpayers.
Form 2848
The power of attorney form that lets a representative deal with the IRS for you.
Levy
A legal seizure of wages, bank accounts or property to pay a tax debt.
Frequently asked questions
Are tax relief companies worth it?
Sometimes. They can help with complex cases such as unfiled years, levies or payroll tax debt. For simple balances, you can use the IRS payment plan and offer in compromise tools yourself for low or no fees.
Can I negotiate with the IRS myself?
Yes. You can apply for a payment plan online and check offer in compromise eligibility with the IRS Pre-Qualifier tool. If you get stuck, the Taxpayer Advocate Service can help.
How much do tax relief companies charge?
None of our picks publish full price lists. Get a written estimate and refund terms before you pay, and follow the FTC’s advice to avoid firms that want the whole fee upfront.
What is an offer in compromise?
It’s an IRS agreement to settle for less than you owe when you can’t pay in full. You pay a $205 application fee and a first payment unless you qualify as low income.
Is the IRS Fresh Start Program real?
Fresh Start refers to IRS policy changes that expanded payment plans and offers in compromise. It is not a separate forgiveness program, and no company can enroll you in guaranteed forgiveness.
Who can represent me before the IRS?
Enrolled agents, CPAs and attorneys have unlimited representation rights. Ask which one will sign your power of attorney (Form 2848), and get their name.
How long does tax relief take?
You can set up a payment plan online the same day. Offers in compromise often take many months. A firm’s timeline depends on how fast it gathers your records and how long the IRS takes to process them.
Can a tax relief company stop a wage garnishment?
A licensed representative can request a levy release once a payment plan or other resolution is in place. You can also call the IRS directly to set up a plan that releases a levy.
Do tax relief companies guarantee results?
They shouldn’t. The FTC says no company can promise a particular result, and several of our picks state that no outcome is guaranteed.
Sources (18)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
Priority Tax Relief: Home (accessed October 11, 2026)
Priority Tax Relief: About (accessed October 11, 2026)
Alleviate Tax: Home (accessed October 11, 2026)
Taxpayer Advocate Service: Home (accessed October 11, 2026)
1099 Tax Problems: Home (accessed October 11, 2026)
Five Star Tax Resolution: Home (accessed October 11, 2026)
Tax Network USA: Home (accessed October 11, 2026)
San Francisco District Attorney: Tax Network settles consumer protection action (Aug 26, 2025) (accessed October 11, 2026)
IRS: Payment plans; installment agreements (accessed October 11, 2026)
IRS: Offer in compromise (accessed October 11, 2026)
FTC Consumer Advice: Tax relief companies (accessed October 11, 2026)
BBB: Priority Tax Relief (accessed October 13, 2026)
Priority Tax Relief: FAQs (accessed October 13, 2026)
1099 Tax Problems: Privacy policy (affiliated business disclosure) (accessed October 13, 2026)
Tax Relief Advocates (TRA): Home page (accessed October 13, 2026)
BBB: Tax Relief Advocates, Irvine, CA (accessed October 13, 2026)
Tax Network USA: Cancellation policy (accessed October 13, 2026)
Tax Network USA: Terms of use (accessed October 13, 2026)
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