Complaint Review: Tax Resolutions Services - Encino California

I entered into a contract with Tax Resolution Services for back taxes assistance; when I entered into the contract I paid up front fees with the amount balance to be paid in automatic installments. Upon the signing of the contract and making the initial payment to Tax Resolution Services Co their representative told me that they would manage all communications with the IRS on my behalf and prevent any enforced collection activity by the IRS, including levying of wages, or additional debt penalties. Tax Resolutions promised to settle the tax debts.

I have paid Tax Resolutions Services Co all but one payment and have yet to receive any of the services I paid for. I stopped the payment on my last installment to Tax Resolutions Service Co. What I have received from Tax Resolution Service Co, is a lot verbal hot air and the deaf and dumb treatment from the clerical help and I have absolutely not received any of what I contractor for or paid for.

Tax Resolutions Services Co method of operation is to use multimedia services for their advertising program to access customers into their sales department. Once into their sales department customers are qualified and seduced into a contract. Tax Resolution Services Co requires the paying of up substantial up front fees with the balance in automatic payments from a credit card or checking account before they initiate any work.

Tax Resolutions Co then uses their body shop of interns and copied simplified copied forms to work on your taxes. It is during this time Tax Resolutions Services Co uses sales tactics of guilt, intimidation, and coercion to up sell you into adding more fees to the contract with no proof of work completed.

In my case I went through three tax preparers I was never notified that they were no longer working on my case nor was I informed that some one else had been assigned to my case (note none of them was a enrolled agent). I repeatedly sent information by fax or e-mail I would then have to call to verify if it was received because I never received any response from Tax Resolution Services Co that what I sent was received. I would have to call and then resend the material.

Tax Resolutions Services Co deliberately uses your financial information you have given them and your situation to bully you into for more monies or to drop you. They hide behind their attorneys, their contract, the geographical distance between you and them and fear to extort more monies from you. For me Tax Resolution Services Co "failed to perform their obligation in any manner"

Note: To reduce a federal tax debt through an "offer in compromise" process. An offer in compromise is an agreement that is made between the IRS and a taxpayer in order to resolve the taxpayer's tax debt. If the taxpayer can demonstrate that the tax is unfair, inequitable or would create economic hardship, the IRS may settle, or compromise federal tax obligations for less. In 2003 the IRS granted only about 35 percent of the 128,000 offers submitted

In February of 2004 the IRS issued a consumer alert advising taxpayers to beware of promoters' claims that tax debts can be settled for "pennies on the dollar" through the offer in compromise program. The February 3, 2004 IRS warning stated, "This program serves an important purpose for a select group of taxpayers. But we are increasingly concerned about unscrupulous promoters charging excessive fees to taxpayers who have no chance of meeting the program's requirements. We urge taxpayers not to be duped by high-priced promises."

Buyer, beware!!! A professional asking for a retainer the retainer should not exceed 10% of the total cost.

Dissatisfied

carmel, California

U.S.A.