Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/23/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Its been about a year. I was initially told about 6 months. I have a tax debit of $18,000. I was told repeatedly that they can eliminate that. I sent them back statements income statements. They assured me they could handle it. And if not there was a full refund (of the $2000). A year later all they came up with was a payment plan. AND the *** never implemented said plan. Now Im getting intent to levy letters and Alleviate tax continues to give me the runaround. They are 100% a scam company.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/28/2025

  *****, thank you for sharing your reaching out. We are committed to providing quality service and achieving the best possible results. We will review the outcome of your resolution to ensure that all your concerns are addressed, including any pending issues with the ***. We have reached out to offer further assistance and look forward to your response.
  
  In the meantime, if you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us at ****************************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/09/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I paid Alleviate Tax LLC $495 on June 4 to speak with me and parents regarding their back taxes owed to the *** and to help with a tax resolution. The initial consultation lasted less than 30-mins. ****** at Alleviate stated that if we didnt hire them that I could be held responsible for my parents back taxes should something happen to them, which I told her was incorrect as I didnt and never have filed taxes with my parents. She quickly changed her tone, and the conversation continued we were told Alleviate could help them to significantly reduce their taxes owed and a follow-up meeting was then scheduled with a Case Manager for 3-days from the initial consultation, where the real bait and switch took place. When spoke with Alleviate again 3-days later, were we discussed again my parents financial situation (they owe almost $17,000 in back taxes, interest and late fees) and we were told it would cost an additional $3,400, based on my parents situation, to continue; however, Alleviate had various payment plans to choose from or if we paid everything up front they would give a discount of $2,800.On June 9, I charged $2,800 to my credit card to hire Alleviate to help my parents, as we were told that Alleviate, with their group of tax attorneys, would be able to reduce or eliminate some if not all the tax burden my parents have. Fast forward 1-month later (July 8) and the following options were proposed to my parent, and I was ********* $600/mth for 36 months (3-yrs) = $21,600.00 or Pay $275/mth for 108-months (9-yrs) = $29,700.00 We were told this is the best they could do. I told them they were crazy as Id already paid ********************** $3300 to work with the *** to help reduce or eliminate my parents tax and all they did was give some outrageous options. They stated this is the best that they could do for now (which is a lie that can be verified on the *** website). I told them they're a fraud and that I will dispute the charges with my credit card company.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/09/2025

  ******, thank you for sharing your and your parents experience with us. Unfortunately, we were unable to locate your parents case using the personal information you provided. We understand your concerns and take them seriously and welcome the opportunity to address your concerns further. Please feel free to contact us anytime at *************************************** with updated contact information(s), so that we can investigate the matter promptly. We look forward to assisting you and hearing from you soon.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/13/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I spoke with Alleviate Tax about my back taxes; however, I determined this was a scam and declined the services and asked for my account to be closed. I was told so many lies regarding my closed account & now I'm being forced to pay ****************** for services I was told was cancelled and never used.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/19/2025

  *********, we are sorry to hear you do not wish to continue with services. should you change your mind we will keep the lines of communication open. Thank you.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/19/2025

  This piece of an apology over a year later is RIDICULOUS! 

  The attached email trail shows that I asked, begged and demanded, ultimately having to threaten with legal actions and now having to take time out of my day(s) to write the BBB regarding this faux apology.

  Just do right by people AT ALL TIMES! 

  I also received an email from ****** ****** as well. His name is all over the cancelled emails. Playing games with my money, credit, intelligence and my valued time! 

  I am glad that Monterey Finance finally did right by me and rectifying my concern immediately. 

  Now that Alleviate Tax wants to play games, as though they did not know I wanted my account cancelled over a year ago, I'm requesting the money I spent on this fraugelent company returned to me via check at the address below. 

  I believe the amount is $199. Refund me if you are so sorry! 

   

  ***************

  ******************

   

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/03/2025

  *********, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. It seems we've been able to resolve your concerns. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please dont hesitate to reach out at ****************************************

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/07/2025

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  ********* *****
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/11/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I owe the *** over $23,000 and I came across Alleviate Tax and they assured me that they could help me they charged me 195 for initiationfee and then told me that they could help me get my Tax debt forgiven. Then they told me it would cost me $4700 for them to work on my case and then I would be represented by a legal expert whospecializes in these cases.. I didnt have the $4700 upfront so they told me that they were payment arrangement options and I guess they went through a third-party lender I agreed to making $170 payments a month to the company ******************* About a month later I received an email from Alleviate Tax case manager saying congratulations my Tax that with the *** had been forgiven and my balance was zero. Come to find out this false information because I received a letter from the *** last week saying that I still owe them and more than what I originally owed.. now I am stuck paying $4700 for services and nothing was resolved. This was a scam. This was completely a waste of time and now Im in the whole $4700 on top of the $23,000 that I owethe *** and all thanks to Alleviate Tax.. Im writing this because I know people become desperate and I dont want this to happen to anyone else and I also would like the money that I have spent with Alleviate Tax back and hopefully somehow get out of paying the $4700 back to *******************

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/17/2025

  *********, we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It was important for us to hear your concerns and work through them together. Thank you for your continued confidence in our team. If anything else comes up, you can always reach us at ****************************************

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/17/2025

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  ********* ******
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/10/2025

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Alleviate Tax intentionally scammed me. In the initial contact I explained to them that I had spoken with the *** and they gave me the option of a payment plan of $249 a month, or applying for a lesser amount that would require a property lien. I did not qualify for an offer and compromise, abatement, or any other forgiveness. A "currently not collectible" status was never an option as the balance would only continue to grow with interest continuing to accrue. Alleviate Tax told me they could definitely help me, and getting a reduction in the amount owed or abatement because of the tax experts they have on staff. The details of the resolution and amounts were not available. They told me I had to pay the fee of $4,000 before they could contact the *** on my behalf, which I applied and received financing for. The resolution Alleviate Taxes offered me was the same options given to me by the *** for free. The only thing Alleviate Tax succeeded in was adding $4,000 to my debt that is already owed. I submitted a request to Alleviate Tax, and UCFS finance cancelling client services and authorization for automatic payment withdrawal. I have not been able to speak with anyone from Alleviate Tax, and when I receive robot calls from them and select to #1 to speak with a live person as directed, the recording states the call cannot be connected. I spoke with the *** to obtain dates that Alleviate Tax contacted them on my behalf and was told Alleviate Tax had made only one call to the *** to informed them of their power of attorney status. No other contact had been made. They did not deliver as they assured me they would be able to obtain a better resolution than what was given by the *** representative. I want all services with Alleviate Tax and the *************** cancelled. Upon contacting the finance company, they informed me they will cancel the contract but will need the authorization from Alleviate Tax to do so.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/17/2025

  *******, thank you for your feedback. Based on our conversation and your current financial situation, we understand that the options presented, including an installment agreement, were not agreeable to you. We're committed to keeping communication open and are available to revisit your case at any time. Please feel free to reach out at *****************************************************************.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/25/2025

  Hello. 

  The resolution offered by Alleviate Tax is not acceptable. Therefore my complaint has not been resolved

  
  

  Thank you 

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/30/2025

  *******, were sorry to hear youve chosen not to proceed with the options best available for your case. Should you reconsider in the future, wed be happy to continue our conversation. Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/10/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I contacted Alleviate Tax in June of 2024 due to the outstanding debt I had with the ***. I advised the amount I had and they said they were professionals that work with *** and could represent on my behalf and significantly reduce my debt (some even said down to $***k based on "other" cases similar to mine, I owe about $*** to the **** They strung me along for almost 1 year, at times not being responsive at all to my numerous email contacts and phone calls. Finally I received a letter for lien and reached out, they said they would escalate it. My case manager finally reaches back out and just gives me payment options (no reduction whatsoever). I'm paying them in installments that total $**+ for their services. What was the point of going through them if I could of just set up a payment plan with the *** my self? This seems like false advertisement and scam. Till this last call, they all said the same thing - "oh based on your information, you will qualify for the govt programs and will have your debt significantly reduced." Even for my ************************************************************ pay $*** to "include" it in my debt, so they could reduce it even more. When I asked to escalate, the case manager said "well these are the only options, which one would you like to do?" This is unprofessional and feels like a money grab. I legit received NO benefit from going through this service.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/13/2025

  ******, thank you for your time. We understand your concerns regarding the outcome and response time of your case and are actively addressing them. Our representative will continue to reach out to you to ensure your concerns are resolved. In the meantime, should you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at *****************************************************************. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/13/2025

  I appreciate the call from ****** and looking forward to see what the findings and solution he comes up, I will follow up with this once I speak to him.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/03/2025

  Thank you for the follow up, ******.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/10/2025

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Hello,I reached out to Alleviate tax relief services about 4 months ago , 2/20/2025 in the hopes that they can assist me with my tax debts. In the initial conversation which was 2 hours, I explained my financial situation, how my husband was not working and the reason for reaching out was that my payment plan that I had in place with the *** was not lowering the amount due so I wanted a solution to help me be financially more free from this debt. They explained that they would have to gather my financial information and investigate to let me know if taking my case was feasible. I was told it was a case they can handle. In the midst of the investigation phase, one of their representative told me that because these taxes were old that a lot of them could of been dismissed and most likely may not have to owe them anything back or if I did would be very little. The debt to the *** was $26k. With that said to move forward, I had to sign a contract loan of $6,600 with the promise that they would be able to resolve my tax debts. Fast forward to now. They came back with the resolution options which defeats the purpose of incurring their services. They solutions were payments of $1600 and/ or $900 a month for 6yrs. to the *** aside from paying their monthly services fee. Now, I want to be clear that no one in the company stated that the resolution would entitle monthly payments, NO ONE. Furthermore, I had a payment plan of $500/month with the *** and I explained to Alleviate how I was not able to make these payments due to my financial hardship hence looking to them for a resolution. So what makes them think that these options offered are feasible? They took advantage of my vulnerability and situation. I cant move forward due to financial restrains but they want to still charge me the $6,600 for their full services when I am not moving forward with their services fully. I was misled and lied to. I am asking for the loan of $6,600 to be terminated. It is not fair.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/13/2025

  *******, thank you for speaking with us. We appreciate your time and are reviewing your financial situation to determine potential eligibility for a hardship program. Well keep you updated on our findings.  In the meantime, should you have any further questions feel free to contact us at ****************************************

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/13/2025

  Hello,

  I received a phone call from ******** from Alleviate tax on Wednesday , June 11th at 12pm due to the submission of my complaint. However , my meeting was suppose to be with their Team lead, **** ******* whom I never spoke to. Irregardless , I explained go ******** the situation at hand and advise that I wanted the contract loan to be terminated which they can do as their name is on that contract and Alleviate tax was the one to involved UCFS.

  ******** stated she will listen to the recordings from my phone conversations with the settlement officer , ***** and get back to me but I have not heard from anyone. The reason listening to the voice recording was suggested was because as I explained to her and have been saying no one explain the process or was transpwrent from the beginning. I told her I was not interested in moving forward them or any plan as they have lied and broken my trust. They also did not deliver as nothing was resolved. 

  The only interest I have is in loan being terminated. I should not be charge $6,600 when I am not moving with their solutions. I want to advise that them charging me $6,600 in 4 months is a scam. What was the work that they did when my debt is the same and nothing wad done as they promised? Sending emails to the *** and reaching out to them in a 4 month span does not amount to $6k in work. This company is a joke and a fraud.

  I will reach out to them next week because again no one followed up with me they are just concerned about my review and they really should be concerned about their work ethic. 
  

  Their response is rejected and truly a slap in the face. My reasoning for seeking their services was because of my financial hardship in the first place. I want out of the contract and want them out of my life. Ok

   

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/09/2025

  *******, were still working on your case and have reached out again to let you know were here to help resolve your concerns. Looking forward to your reply.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/10/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I used the services of Alleviate Tax to resolve years of IRS/tax issues. It was very costly for me, however- I thought my IRS problems were coming to an end. Alleviate had told me that *** would not be able to communicate with me, and that they would handle everything. I received my refunds and a couple weeks later- everything seemed fine. Now the *** is contacting me telling me something was not filed properly, and they want their money back from me. I have tried to contact Alleviate multiple times, by phone, and by email. They refuse to respond, thus i am unable to see where the mistake has been made. Alleviate charged me 15% of my annual income to resolve these issues, and the *** is asking for a lot of money back. I don't understand why they wont contact me to resolve these issues. I was under the impression they were going to actually resolve things, that this wouldnt be a problem.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/13/2025

  ******, we understand your concerns regarding the *** notification and have reached out to discuss this further. We look forward to your response. In the meantime, you can also contact us at ****************************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/07/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  To BBB Please see the upload for case problem. There is not enough space to explain the complaint.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/13/2025

  *******, thank you for your feedback. We truly appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns and are committed to continue working together toward a positive resolution of your case. In the meantime, should you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us at *****************************************************************. 
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/02/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  8/30/24 - services were purchased with alleviate tax to assist with filing 3 years of tax returns and helping me with penalties program. Here it is 8 months later and still no change from last August except that my bank account is smaller and I have letters from the *** with threats of levy. They say they will call - they dont. Set up appointment and they dont follow through. Say they need a pin for the *** - give it to them still nothing done.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/05/2025

   ****, thank you for sharing your thoughts and taking the time to speak with us. Im glad we could talk through your concerns and outline the path forward. Your continued trust is greatly appreciated. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at *****************************************************************.