On this page13 sections
- Ratings and complaints
- Tax Hardship Center vs. competitors
- Step by step
- Tax Hardship Center legitimacy and licensing
- Tax Hardship Center cost
- What the IRS lets you do yourself
- How Tax Hardship Center Works
- Tax Hardship Center complaints and reviews
- Questions to ask before you sign
- Who should skip Tax Hardship Center
- What customers say
- Alternatives
- FAQ
Tax Hardship Center LLC's marketing is louder than its paperwork: it advertises "GUARANTEED Resolution" and "No Resolution, No Fee" and promises a refund if phase one runs past 7 to 10 days, yet publishes no fees or written refund terms and gives three different ages for the business. It is a real, BBB-accredited tax resolution company that handles IRS and state debt, unfiled returns, audits and payroll tax, plus tax preparation and bookkeeping. Reviews are mixed (3.7 on Trustpilot, 21% one star), with complaints about slow communication and cases that ran far longer than promised. Get the fee, the refund conditions and your enrolled agent's name in writing before you pay.
Your options
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Tax Hardship Center 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 Individuals or small business owners with IRS or state debt and unfiled returns who want one firm for resolution, filing and bookkeeping.
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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.
- Company
- Tax Hardship Center LLC, 30700 Russell Ranch Rd, Suite 250, Westlake Village, CA 91362; managing partner Arian Azimzadeh, per the BBB4
- In business since
- BBB lists September 1, 2016; the company's About page says established 2012, and its home page says both "14+ years" and "20+ years"2
- Fees
- Not published; the site advertises "No Resolution, No Fee"1
- Refund promise
- Says it gets cases through phase one in 7 to 10 days and will refund your fee if you don't think it kept that promise; no written terms or window posted1
- Credentials
- Says it uses IRS enrolled agents, CPAs and attorneys; no credentialed staff are named1
- Coverage
- Individuals and businesses in all 50 states, federal and state tax2
- Marketing consent
- Its consultation form asks you to agree to autodialed, AI or prerecorded marketing calls and texts1
- Phone
- 844-427-5100 on the website; (877) 829-7099 on the BBB profile1
Pros
- BBB accredited since 2018
- Handles personal and business tax problems, including payroll tax
- Tax preparation and catch-up bookkeeping in-house
- Free 15 to 30 minute consultation
- Stated refund if the first phase runs late
Cons
- No fees or written refund terms published
- "GUARANTEED Resolution" marketing for outcomes only the IRS controls
- Conflicting claims about how long it has been in business
- 56 BBB complaints in three years; 21% one-star Trustpilot reviews
- No credentialed staff named on the site
Best for: Individuals or small business owners with IRS or state debt and unfiled returns who want one firm for resolution, filing and bookkeeping.
Skip it if: You owe under $50,000 and can request an IRS payment plan yourself, or you want published fees and named professionals before you call.
Tax Hardship Center vs. competitors
| Company | BBB rating | BBB complaints, last 3 years | Fees published | Refund or fee promise | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tax Hardship Center | A-, accredited since 2018 | 56 | No | Refund if phase one misses 7 to 10 days; no written terms posted | Visit site |
| Anthem Tax Services | A+, accredited since 2017 | 83 | No | Refund if it can't improve your position, minus deposit | Read review |
| Optima Tax Relief | A+, accredited since 2012 | 805 | No | Investigation fee refundable within 15 days | Visit site |
| Tax Law Advocates | A+, accredited since 2011 | 30 | No | None documented | Visit site |
Tax relief companies we reviewed
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Tax Hardship Center 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: 4.5 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: Individuals or small business owners with IRS or state debt and unfiled returns who want one firm for resolution, filing and bookkeeping. -
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. -
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. -
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. 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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
Tax Hardship Center, step by step
Free consultation
A 15 to 30 minute call to review your IRS notices, what you owe and which taxes are involved. The web form also opts you into marketing calls and texts.
IRS and state review
The firm pulls your account status and filing compliance. It says it moves cases through this first phase in 7 to 10 days.
Strategy and fee
It recommends options such as a payment plan, Currently Not Collectible status or an Offer in Compromise. Get the total fee and refund terms in writing at this step.
Representation
An enrolled agent files your power of attorney (Form 2848), handles IRS contact and prepares any missing returns.
Resolution and compliance
The firm submits the request and follows up. The IRS or state decides the outcome, and you must stay current on future filings to keep it.
Tax Hardship Center legitimacy and licensing
Yes, it is a real company. Tax Hardship Center LLC operates from Westlake Village, California, has been BBB accredited since April 30, 2018 and holds an A- rating, with Arian Azimzadeh listed as managing partner. Our search of news and regulator sites found no FTC, CFPB or state attorney general action against it.
Its claims don’t line up, though. The BBB says the business started in 2016, the About page says “2012 Established,” and the home page says both “14+ years” and “20+ years.” It advertises “$500M+ in tax debt resolved” and “10,000+ cases,” which we could not verify. It says its team includes enrolled agents, CPAs and attorneys, but it names none of them.
Tax Hardship Center cost
Tax Hardship Center doesn’t publish prices. Its site says “No Resolution, No Fee, you only pay when we deliver results” and “100% Risk-Free Process,” and promises to refund your fee if you feel it didn’t get your case through phase one in 7 to 10 days. None of these promises come with posted written terms, a refund window or a definition of “resolution.” Earlier descriptions of a 14-day money-back guarantee don’t appear on the current site.
One Trustpilot reviewer reports paying nearly $8,000 before disputing the charge. The FTC warns against paying large fees before work is done. Ask for a written agreement that lists the total fee, when each payment is due, what counts as a resolution and exactly when you get money back.
What the IRS lets you do yourself
- Payment plans: individuals who owe $50,000 or less and have filed all returns can apply online for a $69 setup fee, or $29 with direct debit; short-term plans of 180 days or less have no setup fee.
- Offer in compromise. An IRS agreement to settle tax debt for less than the full amount when you cannot pay. Compare tax relief companies: $205 application fee plus a first payment, waived for low-income applicants; the IRS Pre-Qualifier tool is free.
- Currently not collectible. An IRS status that pauses collection because of financial hardship; the debt remains. Compare tax relief companies: you can ask the IRS to pause collection if paying would leave you unable to cover basic living costs.
- Free help: Low Income Taxpayer Clinics and the Taxpayer Advocate Service.
Tax Hardship Center’s own FAQ notes that “Fresh Start” is not a single program and warns against companies that promise a settlement before reviewing your finances.
How Tax Hardship Center Works
Free Consultation
Tax Hardship Center starts new clients with a free consultation, either by phone or through an online form, to review the total tax problem, whether it is a wage garnishment, bank levy, unfiled return, or IRS audit.
Working the Case
The firm’s team then establishes communication with the IRS on the client’s behalf, collects the relevant case information, and determines the best path to compliance, which can include an Offer in Compromise, an Installment agreement. An IRS payment plan that lets you pay a balance over time. Compare tax relief companies, or Currently Non Collectible status.
Resolution
In the final stage, Tax Hardship Center puts the resolution plan into action and helps the client establish good standing with the IRS going forward. The company backs the first phase of its process with a 14-day money-back guarantee and states it typically completes phase one within 7 to 10 days.
Ongoing Services
Beyond negotiation, Tax Hardship Center also offers personal and business tax preparation, catch-up bookkeeping, and payroll tax resolution for business clients.
What customers say about Tax Hardship Center
Recurring themes across the review sites and complaint records listed above, not individual quotes.
Common praise
- Empathetic, non-judgmental intake staff
- Clear explanations and regular updates
- Payment plans and Currently Not Collectible status obtained for some clients
- Fast filing of back returns
Common complaints
- Unreturned calls and emails once the case starts
- Cases taking far longer than the salesperson promised
- Large fees with little visible work, leading to card disputes
- Slow, templated replies to negative reviews
Tax Hardship Center complaints and reviews
The BBB lists 56 complaints in three years alongside 111 customer reviews. On Trustpilot the company scores 3.7 out of 5 from 79 reviews: most are five star and praise kind intake staff and resolved cases, but 21% are one star. Those describe unreturned calls, a process the salesperson said would take 6 to 12 months stretching to two years, and fees paid with little visible work. The company replied to 41% of negative reviews, typically more than a month later, and several reviews and replies share near-identical wording.
Its consultation form also asks for consent to autodialed, AI or prerecorded marketing calls and texts, so read it before you submit, or call instead.
Questions to ask before you sign
- Who will sign Form 2848 for me, and what is their enrolled agent, CPA or bar number?
- What is the total fee, and what exactly does “No Resolution, No Fee” cover?
- What is the refund window, and is the refund promise in my contract?
- How long do you expect my case to take, and how often will you update me?
- Will you file my missing returns and request a collection hold first?
You can check an enrolled agent’s status with the IRS and an attorney’s license with the state bar.
Who should skip Tax Hardship Center
If you owe $50,000 or less and your returns are filed, an IRS payment plan you set up yourself will cost far less. Low-income taxpayers should start with a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic. If you want to know who will represent you before calling, a firm that names its staff, such as Tax Law Advocates or Anthem Tax Services, or a local enrolled agent is a better fit.
Alternatives to Tax Hardship Center
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IRS Online Payment Agreement
If you owe $50,000 or less and have filed all returns, you can set up a long-term plan yourself for a $69 online fee, or $29 with direct debit.
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Low Income Taxpayer Clinic
Independent clinics represent eligible taxpayers for free or a small fee.
-
Names its lead tax attorney and enrolled agent and has fewer BBB complaints.
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A local enrolled agent or CPA
You know exactly who holds your power of attorney and can verify their license.
Next steps
Tax Hardship Center reviews
Written by readers, read by our moderators, never edited by the company.
No reader reviews yet. If you have used Tax Hardship Center, yours will be the first.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Tax Hardship Center legitimate?
Yes. It is a registered California LLC, BBB accredited since 2018 with an A- rating. It has 56 BBB complaints in three years and doesn't publish fees or name its staff.
How much does Tax Hardship Center charge?
It doesn't publish fees. It advertises "No Resolution, No Fee," but the written terms aren't posted, so get the total fee and conditions in your contract.
Does Tax Hardship Center offer a money-back guarantee?
Its site says it will refund your fee if you feel it didn't get your case through phase one in 7 to 10 days. No refund window or written conditions are posted.
Where is Tax Hardship Center located?
30700 Russell Ranch Road, Suite 250, Westlake Village, California 91362. It works with clients in all 50 states by phone and secure document sharing.
How long has Tax Hardship Center been in business?
The BBB lists a start date of September 1, 2016. The company's own pages say it was established in 2012 and elsewhere claim 14+ or 20+ years.
Does Tax Hardship Center use enrolled agents?
It says enrolled agents build each resolution plan and that it also has CPAs and attorneys, but no names are published. Ask for your representative's name and credential.
Can Tax Hardship Center guarantee my tax debt will be settled?
No. Despite its "GUARANTEED Resolution" marketing, only the IRS or your state decides whether you qualify for a settlement, payment plan or hardship status.
How long does Tax Hardship Center take?
It says phase one takes 7 to 10 days. Full resolution depends on the IRS; some reviewers report cases taking up to two years.
Does Tax Hardship Center help businesses?
Yes. It lists business and payroll tax relief, tax preparation, bookkeeping and catch-up bookkeeping.
Can I set up an IRS payment plan without Tax Hardship Center?
Yes. If you owe $50,000 or less and have filed all returns, apply online for a $69 setup fee, or $29 with direct debit.
Sources (15)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
- Tax Hardship Center: Home page (accessed October 13, 2026)
- Tax Hardship Center: About (accessed October 13, 2026)
- Tax Hardship Center: FAQs (accessed October 13, 2026)
- BBB: Tax Hardship Center LLC, Westlake Village, CA (accessed October 13, 2026)
- Trustpilot: Tax Hardship Center reviews (accessed October 13, 2026)
- CFPB: Consumer complaint database search (accessed October 13, 2026)
- FTC: Trouble paying your taxes? (accessed October 12, 2026)
- IRS: Payment plans (installment agreements) (accessed October 13, 2026)
- IRS: Offer in Compromise (accessed October 13, 2026)
- IRS: Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (accessed October 12, 2026)
- IRS: Verify the status of an enrolled agent (accessed October 12, 2026)
- IRS: Taxpayer Advocate Service (accessed October 12, 2026)
- BBB: Anthem Tax Services (accessed October 12, 2026)
- BBB: Optima Tax Relief (accessed October 12, 2026)
- BBB: Tax Law Advocates (accessed October 13, 2026)
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