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Five Star Tax Resolution Review: Cost, Legitimacy, and Who It’s Best For

Five Star Tax Resolution is a California tax relief firm with a named supervising attorney and an A+ BBB rating. It publishes no fees, and its site says no result is guaranteed.

By Krystine Carneiro, Contributor. See their work.Published November 10, 2025Updated October 17, 2026This page was compiled from primary sources: company disclosures and terms, the BBB and regulators. Our ratings method is described on the methodology page.
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. Cost, Legitimacy, and Who It’s Best For BestGuide rating
4.8/5 BestGuide rating: 4.8 out of 5. Set by our editors from reputation, services, transparency, customer satisfaction and scale. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.

Best for: Taxpayers with a complex IRS case who want an attorney supervising the work and are willing to negotiate fees on a call.

Visit siteCall (866) 787-5459
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On this page11 sections
  1. Ratings and complaints
  2. Five Star Tax Resolution vs. competitors
  3. Step by step
  4. Five Star Tax Resolution legitimacy and licensing
  5. How much Five Star Tax Resolution costs
  6. How Five Star Tax Resolution works
  7. Five Star Tax Resolution complaints
  8. What you can do yourself for free
  9. What customers say
  10. Alternatives
  11. FAQ
Our verdict

Five Star Tax Resolution's site names three people: supervising attorney Andy J. It is a real, BBB-accredited tax resolution firm with profiles in Pasadena, Costa Mesa and Las Vegas and an A+ rating with 25 complaints in three years. Epstein, whose California bar license is active with no discipline listed, a legal consultant and a tax analyst. It doesn't publish fees, a minimum debt or a money-back guarantee, and its homepage shows 'Ranked #1' badges without saying by whom.

Your options

  • Five Star Tax Resolution This 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. This review Taxpayers with a complex IRS case who want an attorney supervising the work and are willing to negotiate fees on a call.
    Visit site
  • Priority Tax Relief This 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. Alternative People with larger or more complex IRS or state tax debt, such as payroll or sales tax, who want a firm to handle the IRS calls and paperwork.
    Visit site
Company
Five Star Tax Resolution, Inc.; BBB profiles in Pasadena and Costa Mesa, CA and Las Vegas, NV; BBB lists a business start date of July 30, 2013; CEO Marco Pineda1
Named team
Andy J. Epstein, Supervising Attorney; Randy Salter, Supervisor Legal Consultant; Edward Korducki, Tax Analyst3
Attorney license
Andy Jay Epstein, California State Bar #220402, active, admitted July 21, 2002; no disciplinary history listed4
Services
Tax relief, penalty abatement, wage garnishment help, installment agreements, offers in compromise and Fresh Start help3
Fees
Not published; the site says fees vary by service and complexity3
Guarantee
None published; the site says no specific result is guaranteed and it isn’t affiliated with the IRS3
Process
Four steps: consultation and assessment, strategy, implementation and filing, ongoing support and review3

Five Star Tax Resolution ratings and complaint records

  • BBB A+ Five Star Tax Resolution, Inc., Pasadena; accredited since July 22, 2011; 25 complaints in the last 3 years; 80 customer reviews (shared across its profiles) View source
  • Trustpilot 4.0 out of 5 45 reviews; 78% five star and 20% one star; claimed profile View source
  • State Bar of California Active Supervising attorney Andy Jay Epstein, #220402, admitted 2002, no discipline listed View source
  • CFPB complaints 0 No complaints in the CFPB database mention Five Star Tax Resolution in the last 3 years; tax relief isn’t a main CFPB category View source

Pros

  • Supervising attorney named, with an active California bar license and no listed discipline
  • BBB A+ and accredited, with 25 complaints in three years
  • Clear disclaimer that results vary and nothing is guaranteed
  • Published four-step process

Cons

  • No fees, minimum debt or states served published
  • No money-back guarantee
  • Only three people named on the site
  • Homepage 'Ranked #1' badges don't name a source or year
  • Every service page repeats the same Fresh Start wording

Best for: Taxpayers with a complex IRS case who want an attorney supervising the work and are willing to negotiate fees on a call.

Skip it if: You can handle a simple payment plan yourself, or you want flat fees posted before you call.

Five Star Tax Resolution vs. competitors

Five Star Tax Resolution compared with competitors
CompanyFees publishedWho handles casesGuaranteeBBBNext step
Five Star Tax Resolution NoOne supervising attorney, a legal consultant and a tax analyst namedNone; no result guaranteedA+, accredited Visit site
Optima Tax Relief Not publishedAttorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents namedInvestigation phase refund if requested within 15 daysA+, accredited Visit site
Community Tax Flat fees, amounts not publishedEnrolled agents, CPAs and tax attorneysNo result guaranteed for resolution workA+, accredited Visit site
Anthem Tax Services Explained before you commit; minimum deposit appliesIRS-licensed enrolled agentsLimited written money-back guarantee Read review

Tax relief companies we reviewed

  1. Five Star Tax Resolution This 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. This review BestGuide rating: 4.8 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. Best for: Taxpayers with a complex IRS case who want an attorney supervising the work and are willing to negotiate fees on a call.
    Visit site
  2. Priority Tax Relief This 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 rating: 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. Best for: People with larger or more complex IRS or state tax debt, such as payroll or sales tax, who want a firm to handle the IRS calls and paperwork.
    Visit site Read review
  3. Alleviate Tax This 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 rating: 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. Best for: People who owe the IRS a large balance, have unfiled years or face a levy or garnishment, and want a firm to pull transcripts and deal with the IRS for them.
    Visit site Read review
  4. Tax Relief Advocates This 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 rating: 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. Best for: Taxpayers who want a second or third quote from a large, BBB-accredited firm and will get the fee and refund terms in writing.
    Visit site Read review
  5. 1099 Tax Problems This 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 rating: 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. Best for: Self-employed workers with back taxes or unfiled returns who want a free call and are comfortable being served by Priority Tax Relief.
    Visit site Read review
  6. Optima Tax Relief BestGuide rating: 4.2 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. Best for: People with a large or complicated IRS or state tax problem, such as unfiled years, levies or an audit, who want one firm to handle the whole case.
    Visit site Read review
  7. Tax Rise BestGuide rating: 4.2 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. Best for: People with a large IRS or state balance, unfiled returns or an active levy who want a firm to prepare returns and negotiate for them.
    Visit site Read review
  8. Community Tax This 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 rating: 4.2 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. Best for: People who owe the IRS more than they can pay, face a levy or garnishment, or have several unfiled years and want licensed professionals to handle the IRS.
    Visit site Read review
See all tax relief companies, ranked

Five Star Tax Resolution, step by step

  1. Free or paid consultation

    Call to describe your tax debt; the site lists an initial consultation and assessment but doesn't say whether it is free.

  2. Get the fee in writing

    Ask for the total fee, what each phase costs, the refund policy and who will work your case.

  3. Strategy

    The firm proposes a plan such as an installment agreement, penalty abatement or an offer in compromise.

  4. Filing and IRS contact

    The firm files forms and works with the IRS or state tax agency, usually under a power of attorney you sign.

  5. Ongoing review

    The site lists continued support and periodic reviews after the case is resolved.

Five Star Tax Resolution legitimacy and licensing

Yes, it is a real, established firm. The BBB rates Five Star Tax Resolution A+ and shows accredited profiles in Pasadena (since 2011), Las Vegas (since 2023) and Costa Mesa (since December 2025), sharing 25 complaints and 80 reviews in three years. The BBB lists Marco Pineda as CEO.

The site names Andy J. Epstein as supervising attorney. The State Bar of California shows Andy Jay Epstein, license #220402, active since 2002 with no discipline listed. The firm says it is not affiliated with the IRS and that no result is guaranteed. Treat the homepage ‘Ranked #1’ badges with caution, since they don’t say who ranked it or when.

How much Five Star Tax Resolution costs

Five Star doesn’t publish prices. Its site says only that fees vary with the services and complexity of your case. It doesn’t list a minimum debt, a money-back guarantee or the states it serves. The FTC warns against companies that ask you to pay the whole fee upfront and notes that only the IRS can decide what relief you qualify for. Before signing, ask for:

  • The total fee, broken out by phase.
  • What happens to your money if the IRS rejects the plan.
  • Who will handle your case, by name and credential.
Checked the fees?Visit siteCompare all

How Five Star Tax Resolution works

The firm lists four steps: an initial consultation and assessment, a tailored strategy, implementation and filing, and ongoing support and review. Services include Penalty abatement. The IRS removal of penalties for reasonable cause or a first-time issue. Compare tax relief companies, stopping wage garnishments, installment agreements and offers in compromise. A tax relief firm usually works your case under a power of attorney, which lets it talk to the IRS for you. Only attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents can represent taxpayers broadly before the IRS, so ask who signs your power of attorney.

What customers say about Five Star Tax Resolution

Recurring themes across the review sites and complaint records listed above, not individual quotes.

Common praise

  • Patient staff who explain the process
  • Responsive case managers with regular updates
  • Help stopping levies and garnishments

Common complaints

  • Unreturned calls and slow follow-up
  • Results that fell short of what the sales call suggested
  • Refund limits clients didn’t expect
  • Disorganized document handling and delays

Five Star Tax Resolution complaints

Five Star has fewer reviews than large national firms. On Trustpilot, 20% of 45 reviews are one star. Complaints describe unreturned calls, results below what the sales call suggested, refund limits and slow document handling. Praise focuses on patient, responsive staff. The BBB shows 25 complaints in three years across its profiles.

Get every promise in your written agreement, keep copies of all documents you send, and check your IRS account online to confirm what has actually been filed.

What you can do yourself for free

Many tax debts don’t need a paid firm. You can apply for an IRS payment plan online, ask for penalty relief, and use the IRS’s Offer in compromise. An IRS agreement to settle tax debt for less than the full amount when you cannot pay. Compare tax relief companies pre-qualifier to see whether a settlement is realistic. If you can’t afford help, Low Income Taxpayer Clinics give free or low-cost representation to eligible taxpayers, and the Taxpayer Advocate Service can help when an IRS problem is causing hardship.

Still deciding?Visit siteCompare all

Alternatives to Five Star Tax Resolution

  • IRS Online Payment Agreement

    Free to apply yourself; many people who owe can set up a payment plan online without a paid firm.

  • Low Income Taxpayer Clinics

    Free or low-cost help with IRS disputes for eligible taxpayers, independent of the IRS.

  • Optima Tax Relief BestGuide rating: 4.2 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.Read review

    Names attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents and offers a 15-day refund on its investigation phase.

    Visit site
  • Community Tax BestGuide rating: 4.2 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.Read review

    A larger team of enrolled agents, CPAs and attorneys with flat fees for each phase.

    Visit site

See all tax relief companies, ranked

Next steps

This review Five Star Tax Resolution This 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. Visit site
Alternative Priority Tax Relief This 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. Visit site
Alternative Alleviate Tax This 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. Visit site

Five Star Tax Resolution reviews

Written by readers, read by our moderators, never edited by the company.

No reader reviews yet. If you have used Five Star Tax Resolution, yours will be the first.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Five Star Tax Resolution legitimate?

Yes. It has an A+ BBB rating with accreditation since 2011, and its supervising attorney holds an active California bar license with no discipline listed.

How much does Five Star Tax Resolution charge?

Fees are not published. The site says they vary by service and complexity, so get the full fee in writing before you pay.

Does Five Star Tax Resolution have a money-back guarantee?

None is published. The site states that no specific result is guaranteed.

Where is Five Star Tax Resolution located?

The BBB lists offices in Pasadena and Costa Mesa, California and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Who works at Five Star Tax Resolution?

The site names Andy J. Epstein, Supervising Attorney; Randy Salter, Supervisor Legal Consultant; and Edward Korducki, Tax Analyst.

Is Five Star Tax Resolution affiliated with the IRS?

No. It says it is an independent private firm, not affiliated with or endorsed by the IRS or any government agency.

What services does Five Star Tax Resolution offer?

Penalty abatement, wage garnishment help, installment agreements, offers in compromise and help with IRS Fresh Start options.

Can Five Star settle my tax debt for less?

Only the IRS decides whether to accept an offer in compromise, based on your income, expenses and assets. Use the IRS pre-qualifier before paying any firm.

What are the complaints about Five Star Tax Resolution?

Trustpilot complaints mention unreturned calls, outcomes below expectations, refund limits and slow document handling.

Do I need a tax relief company?

Not always. Many people can set up an IRS payment plan online or get free help from a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic.

Sources (11)

Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards

  1. BBB: Five Star Tax Resolution, Inc. (Pasadena, CA) (accessed October 12, 2026)
  2. BBB: Five Star Tax Resolution (Costa Mesa, CA) (accessed October 12, 2026)
  3. Five Star Tax Resolution: Home (accessed October 12, 2026)
  4. State Bar of California: Andy Jay Epstein #220402 (accessed October 12, 2026)
  5. Five Star Tax Resolution: About (accessed October 12, 2026)
  6. Trustpilot: Five Star Tax Resolution reviews (accessed October 12, 2026)
  7. FTC Consumer Advice: Tax relief companies (accessed October 12, 2026)
  8. IRS: Online payment agreement application (accessed October 12, 2026)
  9. IRS: Offer in compromise (accessed October 12, 2026)
  10. Taxpayer Advocate Service: Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (accessed October 12, 2026)
  11. IRS: Choosing a tax professional (accessed October 12, 2026)
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