4.3/5
Service Evaluation
Key Takeaways
Quick Answer: Yes, Five Star Tax Resolution is a legitimate, A-rated firm (BBB). Unlike many competitors run by salespeople, Five Star uses an Attorney-Led model, making them a top choice for complex legal tax issues.
- Best For: Taxpayers needing legal protection against aggressive IRS audits or levies.
- Trust Factor: High. Verified physical HQ in Pasadena, CA.
- Downside: Custom pricing only (requires a consultation).
Introduction
When tax debt becomes overwhelming, having experienced professionals on your side can make a world of difference. However, the tax relief industry is crowded, and distinguishing between a sales-heavy call center and a genuine law firm is difficult.
Five Star Tax Resolution is a California-based firm that positions itself differently: they focus on attorney-led representation. This means your case isn’t just managed by a case worker, but overseen by legal professionals.
This honest review explores how the company works, what services it offers, and critically answers the top question from searchers: is Five Star Tax Resolution legitimate?
Is Five Star Tax Resolution Legit?
Before diving into services, let’s address the most common search query: Is Five Star Tax Resolution legit?
Yes. Five Star Tax Resolution Inc. is a legitimate company with a verified physical headquarters in Pasadena, California. Unlike “fly-by-night” operations, they have:
- An A Rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- Active licensing for their attorneys and Enrolled Agents.
- A solid track record of operation since 2016.
While no company can guarantee that the IRS will accept an offer, Five Star’s accreditation and attorney-backed structure confirm their credibility.
How Five Star Tax Resolution Works
The process starts with a free consultation. During this initial call, a tax consultant reviews your financial details to see if you qualify for hardship programs like the IRS Fresh Start Initiative.
If you decide to move forward, here is the workflow:
- Investigation: Their team contacts the IRS to pull your transcripts and requests a temporary hold on collections (stopping wage garnishments or levies).
- Strategy: Their attorneys and CPAs develop a customized resolution plan (e.g., Offer in Compromise or Installment Agreement).
- Negotiation: They negotiate directly with IRS agents on your behalf.
- Resolution: You receive a final settlement plan to get back into compliance.
Services Offered Checklist
Five Star Tax Resolution provides a full suite of tax relief and legal representation services:
- Offer in Compromise (OIC): Negotiate to settle debt for less than you owe.
- Installment Agreements: Set up affordable monthly payments.
- Penalty Abatement: Request removal of penalties for “reasonable cause.”
- Wage Garnishment Release: Stop paycheck deductions immediately.
- Audit Representation: Legal defense during IRS audits (a key strength of their attorney model).
- Business Tax Help: Solutions for payroll tax issues and compliance.
Five Star vs. Standard Relief Firms
How does Five Star compare to the typical “1-800” tax relief companies? The main difference is the level of expertise.
| Feature | Five Star Tax Resolution | Typical Sales-Led Firms |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Contact | Attorneys & Licensed Pros | Sales Agents |
| Audit Defense | Strong (Legal Focus) | Basic / Outsourced |
| BBB Rating | A / A+ | Often C or Unrated |
| Best For | Complex Legal/Audit Cases | Simple Debt Settlement |
Pros and Cons
Before hiring, weigh these factors to see if they match your needs.
Pros
- Attorney-Led Team: Your case benefits from legal oversight, not just accounting.
- Personalized Service: Clients report consistent communication (not being passed around).
- Full Service: Handles both Federal (IRS) and State tax issues.
- Free Consultation: No upfront cost to see if they can help.
Cons
- No Online Pricing: Costs are customized, so you must call for a quote.
- Timeline: Like all firms, resolution depends on IRS speed, which can be slow.
- Manual Tracking: Fewer digital dashboard tools compared to tech-heavy competitors.
Final Verdict
Five Star Tax Resolution earns its name by providing clients with attorney-backed, transparent, and personalized tax relief services. While many competitors rely on high-pressure sales tactics, Five Star focuses on legal expertise and compliance.
If you are facing an IRS audit or have a complex tax situation that requires legal defense, their attorney-led model makes them a superior choice to standard debt settlement mills. While pricing transparency could be improved, their A-rating and positive client feedback make them a solid recommendation for 2026.
Reviews
Mark K
Sep 25, 2024
good this was years ago the date option is limited
Greg K
Jun 23, 2023
******* and her team lived up to the name of their company. I was patient with the process because I was told up front it would take many months. When the tax refunds came through, it was al...
******* and her team lived up to the name of their company. I was patient with the process because I was told up front it would take many months. When the tax refunds came through, it was all as planned. Plus, the service was friendly and they answered all questions in a timely manner.