- Report: #90723
Complaint Review: Tax Incorporated (aka) Tax INC. - Los Angeles California
-
Author Confirmed
Why?
Tax Incorporated (aka) Tax INC.
8075 West Third Street, Suite 407 Los Angeles, 90048 California, U.S.A.
Phone:
800-817-6682
Web:
N/A
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Tax Incorporated AKA Tax INC. ripoff Buyer beware bad tax advice Los Angeles California
In July of 2003 I received a post card from a company called Tax Incorporated. They claimed to be able to help people who have back taxes owed to the IRS and State taxing authorities.
After going on the web to the Better Buisness Bureau to check this company out,I decided to give them a call (they were a member of the better buisness bureau and had maintained a satisfactory record).
When I called Tax Inc. I was directed to a Rebecca Sando. She explained to me that there are guidelines in place that the IRS and Local Taxing Authrities must follow when paperwork for tax relief is requested. I told Rebecca the amounts of money that was owed to the IRS and my local tax authority (State of Michigan). Rebecca told me that I did not owe enough money to the IRS, but they could definitely handle the State of Michigan.
Rebecca explained to me the process that is used to relieve some of the tax debt, it is a form called an "Offer in Compromise". I asked Rebecca how long does this process usually take to be completed, she told me usually 3 to 6 months. I explained to Rebecca that if a final review took up to 6 months for the state to complete, with the amount of monthly payments I was making plus Tax Inc's fee, it would not make it worth my time to attempt this procedure. Rebecca told me that if I decided to hire Tax Inc that I didn't have to continue the monthly payments. I asked her why, she stated that all collection activity would be stopped while the offer was being considered.
On July 18th I decided to hire Tax Inc. I did a check by phone for 1500 dollars for them to represent me.
Within a few days of hiring Tax Inc, I received a questionnaire form, which I promptly completed and returned.
In August of 2003 I received a package from Tax Inc containing a completed Offer in Compromise with instructions. The letter stated that although the State of Michigan does not have their own Offer in Compromise forms, the IRS forms were acceptable.
After a final review of the forms for correctness, I was instructed by Rebecca to sign, date and mail a copy to the State of Michigan in the envelope provided. She also had me mail a copy back to Tax Inc.
In January of 2004 I received a notice of intent to levy or place lein against me by the State of Michigan, I promptedly notified Rebecca. Rebecca had me fax a copy of the letter to her. I spoke to Rebecca later on that day and she informed me that the notice had been forwarded to one of their attorneys and she would contact me when the attorney got back to her. Rebecca called me the next day to say that one of their attorneys had talked to the State of Michigan and everything was cleard up, she also informed me that my offer was currently under review and not to worry I should be hearing from the state sometime in March.
On March 22, 2004 I received a notice of levy against my wages from my employer, not the response I was expecting. I called Rebecca and left several detailed messages on her voice mail and with her receptioness. In the middle of the evening I was finally told that Rebecca had went home early without returning my call.
On March 23 I left more messages with Rebecca, after not receiving a return call, I asked to speak to anyone who could attend to this matter. One lady told me she would make sure that I received a call back from Rebecca.
Rebecca Sando called me back on March 23 to tell me that she had received the notice of Levy order against my wages and forwarded it to the department that handles levy orders. She said they would have this corrected promptly.
On March 26 my entire paycheck was taken by Levy ordered to the State of Michigan. I called Rebecca and notified her that my paycheck had been levied. She asked me to fax proof that I had actually mailed the offer in compromise. I told her it was mailed certified and that I sent the proof of receipt from the state with the information that was faxed to her on the 22nd. She then told me that I hired Tax Inc to prepare an Offer in Compromise and that handling levies is a seperate service provided for another fee. I reminded her that I was not in levy status when I hired Tax Inc, I had a payment plan worked out with the state which was in good standing, and the only reason that the payment plan was discontinued was because she had advised it. Rebecca then told me that their was more than one branch within my state taxing authority, one had received the offer one had not. I then told Rebecca that if she could not give me proof that the levy had been lifted by the following week I would like a complete refund, at this time she offered her supervisor, a Mr Paul Valentine, as someone who could help me further.
I left several voicemail messages with Paul Valentine. He returned a call on March 29th to quickly say they were working on my case, that he had to go because he had other clients on hold. I responded by asking him were all of these clients in levy status also, he replied goodbye gotta go and hung-up the phone.
On March 30th I filed a complaint with the Better Buisness Bureau against Tax Inc. They notified me that they allow 2 to 4 weeks for the member company to respond.
On April 1st I called tax inc to speak to Rebecca Sando, after the receptionist asked who I was she forwarded my call to Paul Valentine. I asked Paul had the levy been lifted against my wages, he responded that he had received the complaint from the Better Buisness Bureau and because of that all correspondense would be handled through the Bureau. After Paul stated that everthing should be handled through the bureau, I asked for a refund of fees, Paul hung-up.
On April 23rd I contacted the Better Buisness Bureau again to see if there was a response from Tax Inc. The response was that they were hired to prepare an offer in compromise,generally this will stop all collections,the client has since been levied at no fault of our own, In good faith they were trying to have the levy removed although this is normally a seperate fee. I responded that this was unsatisfactory, that my levy status was a result of me following the advice they had given.
On April 28th I went to the better buisness bureau to see if there had been a response to my follow-up complaint, at this time I found that the case had been closed and that I couldn't view the response.
On April 29th I called the Better Buisness Bureau to state that the case had been closed and I was never notified. The Bureau attendent then read the final response, which restated their original response. At this time I requested to use the arbitration service to settle the case. The attendant then informed me that Tax Inc was not a member of the Bureau and that because of this I couldn't use the arbitration service. Totally shocked I asked how long had Tax Inc not been a member, she told me they let their membership go on April 22nd.
For those of you who do not know, when a taxing authority levies your wages it can be for the entire amount. I have been trying since March 30th to have the state levy lifted against my wages by explaining my situation and filing paperwork to re-enter into a payment plan. Several agents have told me that Offers in Compromise are not acceptable by the state unless they are offering an amnesty program.
Buyer beware, because of my dealings with Tax Inc. I have gone 2 MONTHS WITHOUT PAY. Also note that all the harmful information that the Better Buisness Bureau had against Tax Inc was not devulged until their membership with the bureau was released.
This company operates under three different names, Tax INC. Tax Incorporated, and Tax alleviation experts. Their principle contact is David Urbas, CEO. There are complaints listed against this company with the bureau now. Just knowing that they operated under 3 different names would have been enough for me not to consider them.
Buyer beware, Companies like these may not be abreast of the laws that your state abides by and could give you very bad advice.
Andre
Detroit, Michigan
U.S.A.
STOP! ..before you think about using the Better Business Bureau (BBB)... CLICK HERE to see how other consumers were victimized by the BBB's false or misleading information. Don't be fooled! It has been reported, when there are thousands of complaints and other investigations underway by authorities, the BBB has no choice but to finally give an UNsatisfactory rating to a BBB member business that is paying the BBB big membership fees every year. When a business is reported that is NOT a BBB member, BBB files WILL more likely show an UNsatisfactory rating, then reportedly shake down that company to become a member of the BBB. One positive thing about the BBB is, either way, if a business has an unsatisfactory rating with the BBB, you can be sure, the business is bad. But what about all those BBB member businesses that had complaints filed against them? Consumers never get to hear about them. What about the BBB advertising to the public? Is this a false and misleading perception they are giving about consumer confidence when dealing with a business? Click here to understand more of what consumers and business alike are saying about the BBB. You decide. ..Remember. The BBB membership is not earned, it's paid for!
After going on the web to the Better Buisness Bureau to check this company out,I decided to give them a call (they were a member of the better buisness bureau and had maintained a satisfactory record).
When I called Tax Inc. I was directed to a Rebecca Sando. She explained to me that there are guidelines in place that the IRS and Local Taxing Authrities must follow when paperwork for tax relief is requested. I told Rebecca the amounts of money that was owed to the IRS and my local tax authority (State of Michigan). Rebecca told me that I did not owe enough money to the IRS, but they could definitely handle the State of Michigan.
Rebecca explained to me the process that is used to relieve some of the tax debt, it is a form called an "Offer in Compromise". I asked Rebecca how long does this process usually take to be completed, she told me usually 3 to 6 months. I explained to Rebecca that if a final review took up to 6 months for the state to complete, with the amount of monthly payments I was making plus Tax Inc's fee, it would not make it worth my time to attempt this procedure. Rebecca told me that if I decided to hire Tax Inc that I didn't have to continue the monthly payments. I asked her why, she stated that all collection activity would be stopped while the offer was being considered.
On July 18th I decided to hire Tax Inc. I did a check by phone for 1500 dollars for them to represent me.
Within a few days of hiring Tax Inc, I received a questionnaire form, which I promptly completed and returned.
In August of 2003 I received a package from Tax Inc containing a completed Offer in Compromise with instructions. The letter stated that although the State of Michigan does not have their own Offer in Compromise forms, the IRS forms were acceptable.
After a final review of the forms for correctness, I was instructed by Rebecca to sign, date and mail a copy to the State of Michigan in the envelope provided. She also had me mail a copy back to Tax Inc.
In January of 2004 I received a notice of intent to levy or place lein against me by the State of Michigan, I promptedly notified Rebecca. Rebecca had me fax a copy of the letter to her. I spoke to Rebecca later on that day and she informed me that the notice had been forwarded to one of their attorneys and she would contact me when the attorney got back to her. Rebecca called me the next day to say that one of their attorneys had talked to the State of Michigan and everything was cleard up, she also informed me that my offer was currently under review and not to worry I should be hearing from the state sometime in March.
On March 22, 2004 I received a notice of levy against my wages from my employer, not the response I was expecting. I called Rebecca and left several detailed messages on her voice mail and with her receptioness. In the middle of the evening I was finally told that Rebecca had went home early without returning my call.
On March 23 I left more messages with Rebecca, after not receiving a return call, I asked to speak to anyone who could attend to this matter. One lady told me she would make sure that I received a call back from Rebecca.
Rebecca Sando called me back on March 23 to tell me that she had received the notice of Levy order against my wages and forwarded it to the department that handles levy orders. She said they would have this corrected promptly.
On March 26 my entire paycheck was taken by Levy ordered to the State of Michigan. I called Rebecca and notified her that my paycheck had been levied. She asked me to fax proof that I had actually mailed the offer in compromise. I told her it was mailed certified and that I sent the proof of receipt from the state with the information that was faxed to her on the 22nd. She then told me that I hired Tax Inc to prepare an Offer in Compromise and that handling levies is a seperate service provided for another fee. I reminded her that I was not in levy status when I hired Tax Inc, I had a payment plan worked out with the state which was in good standing, and the only reason that the payment plan was discontinued was because she had advised it. Rebecca then told me that their was more than one branch within my state taxing authority, one had received the offer one had not. I then told Rebecca that if she could not give me proof that the levy had been lifted by the following week I would like a complete refund, at this time she offered her supervisor, a Mr Paul Valentine, as someone who could help me further.
I left several voicemail messages with Paul Valentine. He returned a call on March 29th to quickly say they were working on my case, that he had to go because he had other clients on hold. I responded by asking him were all of these clients in levy status also, he replied goodbye gotta go and hung-up the phone.
On March 30th I filed a complaint with the Better Buisness Bureau against Tax Inc. They notified me that they allow 2 to 4 weeks for the member company to respond.
On April 1st I called tax inc to speak to Rebecca Sando, after the receptionist asked who I was she forwarded my call to Paul Valentine. I asked Paul had the levy been lifted against my wages, he responded that he had received the complaint from the Better Buisness Bureau and because of that all correspondense would be handled through the Bureau. After Paul stated that everthing should be handled through the bureau, I asked for a refund of fees, Paul hung-up.
On April 23rd I contacted the Better Buisness Bureau again to see if there was a response from Tax Inc. The response was that they were hired to prepare an offer in compromise,generally this will stop all collections,the client has since been levied at no fault of our own, In good faith they were trying to have the levy removed although this is normally a seperate fee. I responded that this was unsatisfactory, that my levy status was a result of me following the advice they had given.
On April 28th I went to the better buisness bureau to see if there had been a response to my follow-up complaint, at this time I found that the case had been closed and that I couldn't view the response.
On April 29th I called the Better Buisness Bureau to state that the case had been closed and I was never notified. The Bureau attendent then read the final response, which restated their original response. At this time I requested to use the arbitration service to settle the case. The attendant then informed me that Tax Inc was not a member of the Bureau and that because of this I couldn't use the arbitration service. Totally shocked I asked how long had Tax Inc not been a member, she told me they let their membership go on April 22nd.
For those of you who do not know, when a taxing authority levies your wages it can be for the entire amount. I have been trying since March 30th to have the state levy lifted against my wages by explaining my situation and filing paperwork to re-enter into a payment plan. Several agents have told me that Offers in Compromise are not acceptable by the state unless they are offering an amnesty program.
Buyer beware, because of my dealings with Tax Inc. I have gone 2 MONTHS WITHOUT PAY. Also note that all the harmful information that the Better Buisness Bureau had against Tax Inc was not devulged until their membership with the bureau was released.
This company operates under three different names, Tax INC. Tax Incorporated, and Tax alleviation experts. Their principle contact is David Urbas, CEO. There are complaints listed against this company with the bureau now. Just knowing that they operated under 3 different names would have been enough for me not to consider them.
Buyer beware, Companies like these may not be abreast of the laws that your state abides by and could give you very bad advice.
Andre
Detroit, Michigan
U.S.A.
STOP! ..before you think about using the Better Business Bureau (BBB)... CLICK HERE to see how other consumers were victimized by the BBB's false or misleading information. Don't be fooled! It has been reported, when there are thousands of complaints and other investigations underway by authorities, the BBB has no choice but to finally give an UNsatisfactory rating to a BBB member business that is paying the BBB big membership fees every year. When a business is reported that is NOT a BBB member, BBB files WILL more likely show an UNsatisfactory rating, then reportedly shake down that company to become a member of the BBB. One positive thing about the BBB is, either way, if a business has an unsatisfactory rating with the BBB, you can be sure, the business is bad. But what about all those BBB member businesses that had complaints filed against them? Consumers never get to hear about them. What about the BBB advertising to the public? Is this a false and misleading perception they are giving about consumer confidence when dealing with a business? Click here to understand more of what consumers and business alike are saying about the BBB. You decide. ..Remember. The BBB membership is not earned, it's paid for!
5 Updates & Rebuttals
Kim
Blairstown,New Jersey,
J Silver is a liar - stole 9500
#2Consumer Comment
Tue, August 27, 2013
I have filed a report on here a couple of times about the same experience everyone else is writing about. I have sent certified letters, emails, called, and anytime I have been able to get anyone to take my call I have been screamed at and told they did everything for the 9500.00 I paid them and have also never sent me a receipt for one thing because they know they never did one thing. This company truly is extorting money from people.
I can't believe the attorney general has not shut them down yet. I live in NJ. As many of the others complaining if you live out of state they know you have to fly to Los Angeles to fight them and to pay fees and attorneys to do that they know most people wont and so they continue to rip people off. Below is the letter I sent them back in 2010 to Mr. Silver and never received a response. This is just one of many of my letters that have gone unanswered.
Hi Mr. Silver, I saw your response to a report on Rip off Report .com I posted a rebuttal as I am one of the people that was scammed out of 9,500.00 From your response it seems that perhaps you are unaware of the unethical practices that your employees are employing to extort money. I would like to give you the opportunity to redeem your name and company name by returning my money so that I can make the offer in compromise that was never made to settle the tax lien that has now been placed against me by the IRS. With that money that I did not have to give up I can settle my tax debt and get the lien off of my credit report and rebuild my life.
I will be happy to post on Rip Off .com that you made this terrible situation right and redeem not only your reputation but your company reputation as well.
I look forward to your response
Update: Still no response ..... and I settled my large debt with the IRS with an OIC because I was only able to find a part time job and was rules uncollectible. I still had to pay another 3600.00 to settle and it was all done directly with the IRS. You do not have to use this or any other company claiming to settle your debt.
I intend to go to the Los Angeles police and charge Tax Inc with theft of money. At the same time I will be filing a complaint with the Attorney General in Los Angeles. Has anyone seen what the NYC Attorney General is doing to Donald Trump for supposedly stealing money from innocent people signing up for his university?? We can all do the same thing. If enough of us get on social media and start posting about this company everywhere and going to the Los Angelos Police and Attorney General they will have to take notice and get our money back and shut them down.
My name is Kim Gubernard Mr. Silver. So here is another chance to return my money and again I will be glad to come back on here with the fact you made things right. If not then I will be continuing to report how you continue to rip people off. I think a blog blasted out through twitter, instagram, google+, linkedin, and all tax blogs helping people will soon bring wide spread attention to your extortion of innocent people down on their luck.
Social media is a strong tool so to all who were extorted out of money lets band together. I can be reached at [email protected] for any wanting to start a class action suit and please find the link to Change.org here to sign the petition. http://chn.ge/1fmcHKr
jimmy l
statesville,North Carolina,
USA
then refund our money
#3Consumer Suggestion
Tue, July 26, 2011
If this makes any sense what so ever what this ceo is claiming,then I have rocks in my yard that came from Mars; free to those who believe his bologna.Plain and simple,I lost 7500.00 and received not so much as an invoice.They never offered a refund or even a plan to help.They took 7500.00 plain and simple.Do you get it.Who cares what he claims,he took 7500.00 and kept it and has no intentions of giving it back.What more needs to be said.TRUTH and wish I could tell you who I am because he took 7500.00 dollars and won't give it back..7500.00 DOLLARS...HELP ME PLEASE...I will never forget and maybe someday he will wake up and realize what he's doing to his fellow man...I will continue to update till I die.He is welcome to comment all he wants and I have his address if he really wants to work out a fair deal because as of now,I get no response from him personally.He hides like a crook...7500.00 DOLLARS WOW!!!! REALLY MR. HONEST MAN Call me I'm the client in Statesville NC,I can at least narrow it down for you...First name JAMES and not hiding like you are..
Los Angeles,
California,
U.S.A.
California,
U.S.A.
Letter from CEO
#4UPDATE Employee
Thu, April 14, 2011
To all of our valued clients, and to those considering;
Hiring a tax relief firm to settle your tax debt is one of the most important financial considerations of peoples lives. You need to be assured that the firm you hire will live up to your expectations and provide reliable support and outstanding results. The Ripoff Report (ROR) has been a popular, reflexive research tool for many consumers as it promises to bring clarity to the sometimes foggy hiring process by illuminating both bad service and poor results. The ROR has the potential to be a terrific, impartial forum to base decisions off of. Its shortcomings, however, are very important to consider.
In the nine years Tax Inc. has been in business, we have received roughly 30 anonymous statements on the RORs website. Some of these statements I'm sure are valid, while others seem to be less so. The problem is, the complaints are all anonymous. There is no verification process from the ROR to validate the source of the complaint and no feasible way for our firm to mediate the issue. The ROR is simply an open forum allowing anyone to post derogatory statements on our company with complete uncertainty that those statements are accurate or truthful. This contradicts the RORs ultimate agenda: to help consumers make impartial, informed hiring decisions. If the statements were verified, and mediation sought, it would better highlight the steps our company has taken to successfully manage complaints and allow for stronger decision making. It does not.
Though we strive to avoid complaints altogether, the unfortunate reality is that, as in any healthy company, complaints will invariably arise. This can be for a variety of reasons, and as we enter our tenth year of doing business and our 20,000th client, we've tried to isolate the causes and repair any inconsistencies within our organization that may have been a contributing factor. The complaints generally fall into one of several categories:
Not returning phone calls promptly
Poor handling of account
Errors on paperwork
Unhappy with outcome of the case
Admittedly there have been valid instances where we have not serviced the client to the standards we expect, and where appropriate have made every attempt to reconcile the mistake or oversight. But failures, fortunately, do have their importance. They allow us to better understand the service process within our firm and tighten the screws, thereby strengthening our approach to customer service.
On a final note, I have provided a few of the standout accomplishments this firm has achieved in the nine years since we first opened our doors. Im hopeful one day the ROR will provide a section for this alongside the disputes:
To date, our approval rating is greater than 99%. Thats better than GM, Apple
or H&R Block, combined.
The odds of having a poor experience with our firm are less than 1%.
We generate 30% of our business through referral. Happy clients happily promote.
We pioneered a proprietary information management system to expedite form
drafting and increase resolution response by 80%. We know of no other company to
provide this type of cutting-edge technology, and have been approached to license
the software numerous times.
We provide pro-bono work for the elderly and economically hardshipped.
We get letters from satisfied clients every month, and proudly post them in the office and list them as success stories on our website for inspiration. We hope to someday count yours among them.
Sincerely,
Josh Silver, CEO
Tax Inc.
jimmy l
statesville,North Carolina,
United States of America
several more scammed
#5Consumer Comment
Sun, January 30, 2011
Don't let this single report be your judge of this company.This guy received a refund 2 years later,when most of us that paid several thousands dollars,I mean 5000.00 to 9500.00 That I.m aware of,and were never offered a refund or even a paper to sign not to degrade this company. Shoot, they won't even send a receipt of services rendered because they know the didn't do the work they claim. I.ve tried... Call this company and get a quote,just see how much they want and the high pressure sales tactics they use. 1500.00 deals are highly unlikely.They only help a few so to stay in business,and the rest of us are screwed and left penniless with our tax problems increasingly worst. Be sure to investigate more than just this single complaint. They are numerous complaints against this company.Just goggle their address and see how many businesses are located at that very same address.
I really wish I'd done my homework before I got involved with this company.All I can do is try to help people make a better decision with the company they hire before they ruin your life and your last hope.We all just want to get you back into the tax system,so we can sleep at night,and this company will not do this for you.There is help out there, but do your research and only hire local companies that have a good track record.This is the internet world,so companies like this will soon be out of business if we all post our experiences.
The ceo will claim their company in not perfect, and post people he has helped,but don't let that fool you like it did me. Research,research, and research...Then you will see.I definitely have better things to do then waste my time bashing Tax Inc. as do all the other people who have been ripped off.So since is directly under their ad on google search,please join along and post your comments on this thread,even if you were ripped off a long time ago or posted on this before.Let's join together here, since sueing this company will be very hard and lets put these thieves out of business......
Andre
Detroit,Michigan,
U.S.A.
Tax inc reimbursement
#6Author of original report
Sun, March 05, 2006
I was refunded all of the fees that were paid to tax incorporated for the service they were retained for in January of 2006. They will request that you fill out a form stating that you will remove any actions taken against them.
