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Tax Law Advocates Review

Tax Law Advocates is an Irvine, California tax resolution firm with a BBB A+ rating since 2011 and a named, State Bar-verified lead tax attorney. It doesn't publish fees.

By Krystine Carneiro, Contributor. See their work.Published October 1, 2025Updated October 16, 2026This page was compiled from primary sources: company disclosures and terms, the BBB and regulators. Our ratings method is described on the methodology page.
Tax Law 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 rating
4.5/5 BestGuide rating: 4.5 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 or business owners with larger or complex IRS problems, such as payroll tax or levies, who want an attorney involved and a firm with a long BBB record.

Visit site
Compare tax relief companies
On this page14 sections
  1. Ratings and complaints
  2. Tax Law Advocates vs. competitors
  3. Step by step
  4. Tax Law Advocates legitimacy and licensing
  5. Tax Law Advocates cost
  6. What the IRS lets you do yourself
  7. Introduction
  8. How Tax Law Advocates Works
  9. Tax Law Advocates complaints and reviews
  10. Questions to ask before you sign
  11. Who should skip Tax Law Advocates
  12. What customers say
  13. Alternatives
  14. FAQ
Our verdict

Tax Law Advocates is one of the few firms in this space that names its attorney and enrolled agent. It is a legitimate tax resolution firm: BBB accredited since January 2011 with an A+ rating and 30 complaints in three years, and its lead tax attorney, Yongho David Cho, holds an active California law license with no discipline. The catches are no published fees, no money-back guarantee, and marketing claims that outrun what we could verify, such as "100% handled by tax attorneys" and "over two decades" for a business the BBB dates to 2010. Get a written fee agreement and ask who will actually work your case.

Your options

  • Tax Law 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. This review Taxpayers or business owners with larger or complex IRS problems, such as payroll tax or levies, who want an attorney involved and a firm with a long BBB record.
    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
Tax Law Advocates, 4 Park Plaza #300, Irvine, CA 92614; second office at 9100 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA1
In business since
March 18, 2010, per the BBB; the site claims both "16+ years" and "over two decades"4
Leadership
Reem Khatib, CEO; Scott Mullerleile, lead enrolled agent; Yongho David Cho, lead tax attorney; Jamie Roman, case management2
Attorney license
Yongho Cho, California State Bar #342229, active, admitted December 5, 2021, no discipline listed6
Fees
Not published; the firm's own guide says tax attorneys charge flat fees for defined work or hourly rates7
Guarantee
None; its terms say it doesn't guarantee debt reduction, Offer in Compromise acceptance or any outcome3
Coverage
Individuals and businesses in all 50 states; IRS and state tax2
Contact
(855) 612-7777, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.1

Tax Law Advocates ratings and complaint records

  • BBB A+ Accredited since January 14, 2011; 30 complaints in the last 3 years; 111 customer reviews; principal Moe Khatib and attorney Yongho Cho listed View source
  • Trustpilot 4.5 out of 5 53 reviews (43 in the last 12 months); 92% five star, 6% one star; claimed August 2025; no replies to negative reviews View source
  • State Bar of California Active, no discipline Lead tax attorney Yongho Cho, #342229, admitted 2021, address listed at Tax Law Advocates in Irvine View source
  • CFPB complaints 0 No complaints matching "Tax Law Advocates" in the CFPB database as of October 13, 2026 View source

Pros

  • Names its lead tax attorney, whose California license we verified, and its lead enrolled agent
  • BBB A+ and accredited since 2011, with 30 complaints in three years
  • Handles business problems such as payroll tax and trust fund recovery penalties
  • Terms state plainly that no outcome is guaranteed
  • Represents clients in all 50 states

Cons

  • No fees published
  • No money-back guarantee
  • "100% handled by tax attorneys" conflicts with its use of enrolled agents and case managers
  • Conflicting claims about years in business
  • Lead attorney admitted to the bar in 2021

Best for: Taxpayers or business owners with larger or complex IRS problems, such as payroll tax or levies, who want an attorney involved and a firm with a long BBB record.

Skip it if: You owe under $50,000 and can set up an IRS payment plan yourself, or you want a written money-back guarantee.

Tax Law Advocates vs. competitors

Tax Law Advocates compared with competitors
CompanyBBB ratingBBB complaints, last 3 yearsNamed attorney or EAGuaranteeNext step
Tax Law Advocates A+, accredited since 201130Yes, bothNone Visit site
Anthem Tax Services A+, accredited since 201783YesRefund if it can't improve your position, minus deposit Read review
Tax Hardship Center A-, accredited since 201856NoRefund if phase one misses 7 to 10 days; no written terms posted Visit site
Optima Tax Relief A+, accredited since 2012805Investigation fee refundable within 15 days Visit site

Tax relief companies we reviewed

  1. Tax Law 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. 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: Taxpayers or business owners with larger or complex IRS problems, such as payroll tax or levies, who want an attorney involved and a firm with a long BBB record.
    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. 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.
    Visit site Read review
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
See all tax relief companies, ranked

Tax Law Advocates, step by step

  1. Free consultation

    You call or submit a form and describe your notices and balance. The firm's terms say a consultation doesn't create an attorney-client relationship or guarantee representation.

  2. Case evaluation

    Attorneys and enrolled agents review your IRS transcripts, filings and finances to see which programs you may qualify for.

  3. Signed engagement

    Representation starts only with a signed written agreement. That is where the fee, payment schedule and scope must be spelled out.

  4. Representation and filings

    The firm files your power of attorney, prepares missing returns and requests an installment agreement, Offer in Compromise, penalty relief or Currently Not Collectible status.

  5. Resolution

    The IRS or state decides. Afterward you must file and pay on time to keep the agreement in place.

Tax Law Advocates legitimacy and licensing

Yes. Tax Law Advocates has been BBB accredited since January 14, 2011, holds an A+ rating, and shows 30 complaints in three years against 111 customer reviews. Its lead tax attorney, Yongho David Cho, is listed by the State Bar of California as active (bar #342229, admitted December 2021) with no discipline, and his bar address is the firm’s Irvine office. Our search of news and regulator sites found no FTC, CFPB or state attorney general action against the firm.

Some marketing claims need a grain of salt. The home page says cases are “100% handled by tax attorneys,” but the firm also names an enrolled agent and case managers, and client reviews mostly mention case staff. It claims “$800M+” resolved and a 98% success rate, which we could not verify, and it says both “16+ years” and “over two decades” in business while the BBB lists a 2010 start.

Tax Law Advocates cost

Tax Law Advocates doesn’t publish prices. Its own guide to attorney fees says most tax attorneys charge either a flat fee for a defined task, such as preparing an Offer in compromise. An IRS agreement to settle tax debt for less than the full amount when you cannot pay. Compare tax relief companies, or an hourly rate for open-ended work like audit defense, and that you should get a written fee structure before signing. That’s good advice to hold the firm to.

One Trustpilot reviewer reports paying more than $6,000 in monthly installments and ending with the same balance and a collection hold. Ask what the total fee is, what it covers, whether it’s refundable if the IRS rejects the request, and whether payments are spread over the case.

Checked the fees?Visit siteCompare all

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: $205 application fee plus a first payment, waived for low-income applicants; try the free IRS Pre-Qualifier first.
  • Penalty relief: first-time abatement can often be requested by phone.
  • Free help: Low Income Taxpayer Clinics and the Taxpayer Advocate Service.

The firm itself notes that simple notices and payment plans often don’t need an attorney.

Introduction

When you owe back taxes, it can feel like the walls are closing in. Penalties, interest, and IRS collection actions like wage garnishments or liens add stress and uncertainty. Many taxpayers search for reliable solutions, which brings us to Tax Law Advocates.

This article is a detailed Tax Law Advocates review, designed to help U.S. readers understand whether this company is a trustworthy partner in solving IRS-related tax issues. We’ll explore the services they offer, look at real customer reviews, and analyze their credibility using reliable sources like the IRS and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

A key question many people ask is: Is Tax Law Advocates legit? This review will answer that by looking at both their offerings and their reputation.

Compare Tax Relief Companies

How Tax Law Advocates Works

Tax Law Advocates positions itself as a nationwide firm specializing in tax resolution and debt relief. They assist individuals and businesses with IRS problems, ranging from wage garnishment removal to audit representation.

Here’s an overview of how their process works:

  1. Free Consultation – A call with their team to discuss your tax issues.
  2. Case Evaluation – Tax attorneys and enrolled agents review your financial situation.
  3. Program Matching – Depending on your eligibility, you may qualify for IRS programs like Fresh Start, Offer in Compromise, or hardship relief.
  4. Resolution Plan – Tax Law Advocates creates a step-by-step strategy to resolve your debt.
  5. Execution and Monitoring – Their attorneys negotiate with the IRS and keep you updated throughout the process.

Their goal is to reduce or eliminate tax debt while protecting taxpayers from aggressive IRS collection tactics.

In addition, the firm places a strong emphasis on attorney-led representation. Unlike companies that rely solely on case managers, Tax Law Advocates ensures that tax attorneys are directly involved in developing and executing strategies. This legal-first approach appeals to clients who want the assurance of working with licensed professionals throughout their case.

What customers say about Tax Law Advocates

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

Common praise

  • Courteous, patient case staff, often named by clients
  • Regular updates and quick callbacks
  • Clients who switched from another tax relief firm after a bad experience

Common complaints

  • Thousands paid in installments with the balance unchanged at the end
  • Cases placed in collection hold rather than reduced
  • Long timelines on complex cases

Tax Law Advocates complaints and reviews

Public feedback is mostly positive. Trustpilot shows 4.5 out of 5 from 53 reviews, 92% five star, many naming case staff and some from people who switched from another tax relief company. The negative reviews are few but serious: one reviewer says they paid over $6,000 and ended with the same balance and a 10-year hold on their account, and the company hasn’t replied to negative Trustpilot reviews. The BBB lists 30 complaints in three years.

A “hold” usually means Currently not collectible. An IRS status that pauses collection because of financial hardship; the debt remains. Compare tax relief companies status, which pauses collection but doesn’t reduce the debt; penalties and interest keep growing. Make sure you understand what result you’re paying for.

Questions to ask before you sign

  • Will a tax attorney or an enrolled agent sign my Form 2848, and who will I talk to day to day?
  • Is the fee flat or hourly, and what’s the total estimate in writing?
  • What happens to my fee if the IRS rejects my offer?
  • Is the goal to reduce my balance, set up a payment plan, or pause collection?

You can check any California attorney on the State Bar website and any enrolled agent through the IRS.

Who should skip Tax Law Advocates

If your problem is a straightforward balance under $50,000 with all returns filed, set up an IRS payment plan yourself. Low-income taxpayers should contact a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic. If a written money-back guarantee matters to you, compare Anthem Tax Services. If you face possible criminal charges, see a tax attorney in person.

Still deciding?Visit siteCompare all

Alternatives to Tax Law Advocates

  • IRS Online Payment Agreement

    If you owe $50,000 or less and have filed all returns, set up a long-term plan yourself for a $69 online fee, or $29 with direct debit.

  • Low Income Taxpayer Clinic

    Independent clinics, many at law schools, represent eligible taxpayers for free or a small fee.

  • Anthem Tax Services 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.

    Also names its staff and puts a refund guarantee in writing, if a guarantee matters to you.

    Read review
  • A local tax attorney billing hourly

    For criminal exposure, trust fund penalties or Tax Court, a local tax attorney you meet in person may be the better fit.

See all tax relief companies, ranked

Next steps

This review Tax Law 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. 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

Tax Law Advocates reviews

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

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Frequently asked questions

Is Tax Law Advocates a legitimate law firm?

It is a legitimate tax resolution firm, BBB accredited since 2011 with an A+ rating, and its lead tax attorney holds an active California license. It also uses enrolled agents and case managers.

How much does Tax Law Advocates charge?

It doesn't publish fees. Expect a quote after a free consultation, either a flat fee for defined work or hourly billing, and get it in writing.

Who is the attorney at Tax Law Advocates?

Yongho David Cho, J.D. and LL.M. in Taxation from UC Irvine School of Law, is the lead tax attorney. The State Bar lists him as active since December 2021 with no discipline.

Does Tax Law Advocates offer a money-back guarantee?

No. Its terms say it doesn't guarantee any outcome, including debt reduction or Offer in Compromise acceptance.

Where is Tax Law Advocates located?

Its headquarters are at 4 Park Plaza #300 in Irvine, California, with a second office on Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. It represents clients in all 50 states.

What is Tax Law Advocates' BBB rating?

A+, accredited since January 2011, with 30 complaints in the last three years and 111 customer reviews as of October 2026.

Can Tax Law Advocates help my business with payroll taxes?

Yes. It lists payroll tax (Forms 940 and 941), trust fund recovery penalties, business installment agreements and business audit defense.

What is the IRS Fresh Start Program Tax Law Advocates advertises?

Fresh Start is the IRS's name for 2011 expansions of payment plans, lien rules and Offers in Compromise, not a separate debt forgiveness program. You can use those options with or without a firm.

Does a free consultation make Tax Law Advocates my lawyer?

No. Its terms say representation starts only with a signed written agreement.

Can I resolve tax debt without hiring a firm?

Often, yes. Payment plans can be set up online, and the IRS has a free Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier. Low Income Taxpayer Clinics help eligible taxpayers for free.

Sources (17)

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

  1. Tax Law Advocates: Home page (accessed October 13, 2026)
  2. Tax Law Advocates: About (accessed October 13, 2026)
  3. Tax Law Advocates: Terms of Service (accessed October 13, 2026)
  4. BBB: Tax Law Advocates, Irvine, CA (accessed October 13, 2026)
  5. Trustpilot: Tax Law Advocates reviews (accessed October 13, 2026)
  6. State Bar of California: Yongho Cho, #342229 (accessed October 13, 2026)
  7. Tax Law Advocates: Are tax attorneys worth it? (fee structures) (accessed October 13, 2026)
  8. Tax Law Advocates: David Cho profile (accessed October 13, 2026)
  9. CFPB: Consumer complaint database search (accessed October 13, 2026)
  10. FTC: Trouble paying your taxes? (accessed October 12, 2026)
  11. IRS: Payment plans (installment agreements) (accessed October 13, 2026)
  12. IRS: Offer in Compromise (accessed October 13, 2026)
  13. IRS: Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (accessed October 12, 2026)
  14. IRS: Verify the status of an enrolled agent (accessed October 12, 2026)
  15. BBB: Anthem Tax Services (accessed October 12, 2026)
  16. BBB: Tax Hardship Center LLC (accessed October 13, 2026)
  17. BBB: Optima Tax Relief (accessed October 12, 2026)
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