Tax Break
Founded in Irvine, California, TaxRise assists companies and individuals with their IRS and state tax obligations.
- minimum tax debt requirement of $5,000 is relatively lower than its competitors.
- Drawbacks: Many critics noted the company’s inexperience with tax debts and failure to answer phone calls/emails. The business also has a vague guarantee policy.
Ratings:
- Honesty: 3/10
- Responsiveness: 3/10
- Cost: 5/10
- Accessibility: 10/10
- Guarantee: 2/10
- Transparency: 3/10
Key Details:
- Minimum Debt Requirement: $5,000
- Location Availability: All 50 U.S. states
- Initial Fee: Around $500
- Year of Establishment: 2017
Having officially opened in 2017, the company is a relatively young firm in the tax relief sector. Despite its short existence, the company claims to use modern technology to transform the tax relief process and has reportedly saved its customers over $132 million in tax obligations.
How Does TaxRise Work?
claims to help settle tax obligations in two stages:
Phase I: Tax Discovery
- Free Consultation: Customers consult with a “tax expert” to assess eligibility for tax relief within 15 minutes.
- Tax Investigation Specialist: Reviews IRS files and determines available options.
- Case Discovery Analysis: A tax resolution expert evaluates and presents the best course of action for approval.
However, customer feedback suggests inconsistencies in service quality. Some clients reported difficulty reaching representatives and issues with document submission.
Phase II: Tax Resolution
Once the resolution plan is approved:
- submits the proposed solution to the IRS and files overdue tax returns.
- The firm outlines post-resolution tax responsibilities to ensure ongoing IRS compliance.
Several customer reviews claim TaxRise misleads clients about their likelihood of qualifying for tax savings programs. Some customers paid thousands of dollars only to be offered basic installment plans they could have set up themselves.
Eligibility for TaxRise Relief
- Free consultation required to review tax situations.
- Minimum tax debt: $5,000
- No additional requirements stated on the website.
TaxRise Overview
- Free Consultation: Yes
- Services: Tax resolution, tax compliance
- Fees: $2,700 – $7,500 (as per BBB client reviews)
- Minimum Debt: $5,000
- Refund Policy: Unclear
- Assigned Case Manager: Yes
- Service Duration: 3 to 8 months
- Availability: All U.S. states
- Contact: (833) 419-7473
Available Services
TaxRise offers services similar to competitors, including:
- Offer in Compromise
- Installment Agreements
- Currently Not Collectible Status
- Penalty Abatement
- Tax Preparation & Compliance
TaxRise Fees
TaxRise does not disclose specific pricing but states that fees are case-dependent. Based on customer feedback, estimated fees are:
- Discovery Analysis Fee: $500+
- Resolution Fee: $2,700 – $7,500 (potentially higher in some cases)
Many customers reported being charged substantial fees but received little to no assistance in return.
Customer Complaints & BBB Reviews
- Rating: 3.79 on BBB
- Complaints Resolved: 200 in the past three years
Example Complaints:
- Duane & Paulette: Paid fees, but TaxRise attempted to negotiate with the IRS instead of the California tax office, failing to resolve their issue.
- Sandie K: Experienced multiple case manager changes, poor communication, and ultimately discovered her case was not eligible for an Offer in Compromise.
- Sandy C: Paid over $15,000 but was later advised to arrange a payment plan directly with the IRS.
TaxRise Alternatives
| Feature | TaxRise | Choice Tax Relief | Tax Defense Network | Anthem Tax Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Consultation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Services | Tax Settlement, Compliance | Tax Settlement, Return Filing | Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping | Tax Settlement, Bookkeeping |
| Discovery Fee | $500+ | $395+ | None | $250+ |
| Resolution Fee | $2,700 – $7,500 | $3,000 (avg.) | $3,000 – $7,000 | $2,500 – $7,000 |
| Minimum Debt | $5,000 | $10,000 | $5,000 – $7,500 | $10,000 |
| Refund Policy | Vague Guarantee | 100% Money-Back Guarantee | None | Full Money-Back Guarantee if No Savings Achieved |
| Dedicated Case Manager | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Service Speed | 3-8 months | 2-6 months | 2-6 months | 2-6 months |
| Availability | All 50 States | All 50 States | All 50 States | All 50 States |
| Contact | (833) 419-7473 | 1-866-XXX-XXXX | (833) 365-1233 | (880) 548-478 |
Is TaxRise Worth It?
Verdict: TaxRise does not provide sufficient value for the cost.
- Poor customer service and lack of expertise were frequently reported.
- Some clients claimed they were misled about their eligibility for tax relief programs.
- Aggressive sales tactics were mentioned in reviews.
Best Fit for TaxRise
- Clients with simple tax cases and smaller debt amounts who prefer a hands-off approach.
Who Should Avoid TaxRise?
- Individuals with complex tax cases and large debts needing skilled IRS representation.
- Clients who expect responsive customer service and transparency in pricing.
Final Thoughts
Many former clients reported poor service and lack of expertise when dealing with TaxRise. If these reviews are accurate, the company’s drawbacks far outweigh any potential benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is TaxRise a legitimate company? Yes, but customer reviews suggest issues with service quality.
- Does the IRS have a Fresh Start program? Yes, but eligibility depends on individual circumstances.
- Can I negotiate directly with the IRS? Yes, many taxpayers can set up installment plans without third-party assistance.
- Who owns TaxRise? TaxRise’s ownership details are not explicitly disclosed.