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:08/12/2024

  Type:Order 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 LLC Contacted me stating that they could help me significantly reduce my IRS debt (Lie).I habitually explained to Alleviate Tax LLC I was living check to check, I owed over $12,000 in tax debt, the debt was contributing to extreme stress that was impacting my mental health. Alleviate Tax LLC Reassured me time and time again that I "qualified for a catch-all solution" prior to requesting any of my financial data. They told me that my case was just like so many others and went on to tell me that they gain over a thousand clients a month of people in this exact situation whom they significantly reduced or eliminated their tax debt and they could do the same for me. They asked me about my current situation with my children and my dreams, then used my answers against me to emotionally manipulate me to hire them. Making statements like "I know you want to get out of tax debt ****, so you can build a business and buy home for your family, this is what's holding you back and we are here to get rid of this tax burden for you." ********* is what they're selling, to poor desperate people in real need of relief. Their business model walks you through a tier system. The first tier is apparently to see if you're a sucker. If so, They request a retainer from you, Then they put you with somebody who asks about your financial status And creates the illusion that they're going to be able to help you. At this point is where they charge an additional $3600.00 Next, they request documentation from you and immediately let you know you don't qualify for anything and they are keeping your money. When I told them I felt manipulated and extorted. I endured extremely selfish, defensive, childish attitude from *******, who scolded me and made me feel like I was stupid, before being hung up on. I spoke with the manager, ****. who told me that a 72 month payment plan at a 40% interest rate for the debt was the best they could do which was a flat out lie. IRS site verified this lie

  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/19/2024

  We here at Alleviate Tax take consumer concerns very seriously.  We are working towards a resolution.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/07/2024

  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 began receiving 20+ calls a day from Alleviate Tax telemarketers in April 2024. I did not search out their services and while trying to figure out their purpose and angle of contacting me, it became apparent I was not their best candidate for making moneymy particulars make me less collectible than other bigger accounts to go after. Despite all of this pre exchange between myself and Alleviate Tax, the telemarketer *** had claimed in our first call that I needed to sign a form so she could hold my file for me to look further into my personal situation and whether or not we fit. When we spoke two weeks later I told them that I wouldnt proceed because I met with my accountant who confirmed my position. A week later Alleviate Tax attempted to withdraw $495 from my bank account as an initial payment for services! I immediately stopped payment and then spent almost a FULL WEEK trying to speak with a person who would hear what I was saying and correct the issues and close any acct I may have in their system. Not only did the original ***, her manager, and another supposed manager ignore me, the one manager who said she agreed and would correct things, has now spent three weeks waiting for me to sign a Non -disparaging Agreement that DOESNT APPLY to me in order to issue a refund for money I stopped payment on them withdrawing from my account! So this morning I received a note from that manager about calling my bank because she cant issue my refund??!!! And these are the people who are supposed to help us with our finances??!!

  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/13/2024

  We here at Alleviate Tax take consumer concerns very seriously. This matter is being investigated internally. No further outbound contact from the business will occur.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/15/2024

  This reply was expected and does nothing more than the company's prior promises did in addressing the original issues causing my complaint!  The disorganization and breakdown in their internal communications are huge issues that'll prevent this newest promise to investigate internally from being productive.  Due to the wide spread nature of my poor experiences with Alleviate Tax, I feel it's HIGHLY likely many other consumers have been, and will continue to be, negatively impacted by using their services. I feel it would be unconscionable to ignore the direct and negative impact of the experiences and remain silent - others would be impacted unnecessarily. I am not asking for anything from this formally filed complaint - my intention is to provide information so others can make their own choice in contracting this company.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/20/2024

  Company reached out to client to hear from ****** and provided information on her tax situation via her tax transcripts and recommendations from an Enrolled Agent.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/06/2024

  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 signed up with Alleviate tax due to the *** coming after me and my inability to pay what I owe to the ***. I have paid Alleviate the initial required fee and $300 per month since signing up around March of 2024. The *** is still collecting $300 per month from me and Alleviate has not yet completed and filed my 2023 taxes. No matter what time I call their contact line I get the message that the company is closed and they hang up. Money is still coming out of my account to them and i have not been ale to speak with anyone.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/12/2024

  We here at Alleviate Tax take consumer concerns very seriously.  We are working towards a resolution with the client. Contact has been established with client and are progressing with their case.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/13/2024

  I have heard from the company concerning my 2023 tax return but the return they completed seems to be missing information. They are working with me concerning that tax return.  However, I still don't have any information on how they are resolving my case with the **** The *** still takes $300 from my account each month.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/22/2024

  Before any resolution can be provided by Alleviate Tax, the *** requires tax payers to be compliant filing wise with tax returns. Alleviate still has not received the e-signed copies of the tax returns. Please call *****, your assigned tax preparer to go over any questions you have and fix any issues with the returns sent.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/03/2024

  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 initially engaged with Alleviate Tax based on the information that their services could significantly reduce or eliminate my tax penalties and interest. Based on this promise, I paid $395 for the initial assessment. Following this assessment, I was advised that I had significant penalties and interest on my unpaid taxes and that the *** would aggressively pursue me. Due to the stress of going through a divorce and managing overlooked financial matters, I felt compelled to sign up for their $5,900 package, which was supposed to reduce my taxes, penalties, and interest, and provide protection. I was also told that if I was not satisfied, the amount would be refunded. Their contract clearly stated "Installment ******************* Abatement".After a year of back-and-forth communication, I was presented with a plan to negotiate an installment plan. This is something I could have done myself by directly contacting the ***. Contrary to the promises made, the proposed plan did not offer any discounts or removal of penalties. Even when I expressed a desire to make partial payments, I was advised against it and instead directed to set up an installment plan for the full amount of taxes owed.The primary reason I engaged with there services was to eliminate penalties, which did not happen. When I requested a refund and expressed my desire to discontinue the services, I was rudely informed that the contract was being canceled with no refund.Given that the services provided did not meet the agreed-upon terms and based on the assurance of a refund if unsatisfied and feel like bullied and cheated. I am requesting a full refund of the $5,900.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/16/2024

  We here at Alleviate Tax take consumer concerns very seriously.  We are working towards a resolution.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/30/2024

  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.

  On January 9th, 2024, I spoke with *************************** from Alleviate tax regarding the $15,000 I owed the **** I explained I was already in a payment agreement with the *** for $250 a month and that I was maxed out with my mortgage and other bills. I gave a detailed list of all my monthly expenses. I was told there was a $500 fee to get started, but that he would decrease it to $250 for me so he could evaluate my case. After paying that,a few days later ******* called and assured me due to my debt ratio, that they would definitely be able to help for a fee of $3149. I told him I could not really afford to pay that, but he assured me he could help. So, I paid the fee. I was directed to stop paying the *** my payment of $250/month as they would begin negotiating my tax debt. After several months of sending in all the documentation they required and several phone calls and emails trying to find out where we were at in the process, I was finally contacted only for them to say they were not able to help but were able to enroll me in a payment plan with the **** I was already in a payment plan with the *** when this started and now I am out the $3149 + $250 fees they charged me. I was told they could help me, not help me lose more money! I have not gained anything from them except tacking on more time that I did not pay on my tax debt because they told me to stop making my monthly payments. They did not apologize or offer any explanation, except to say that according to the *** I make too much money. ******* knew how much money I made at the beginning of this process. Having been in this business for so long, I would have expected him to say that I make too much money and they probably would not be able to help me, but he did not do that. I was assured they would be able to reduce my debt if not eliminate it. I am asking for a refund of my $3149 which I have paid in full now. I am not asking for the $250 back as they did file my taxes for this past tax season.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/05/2024

  Alleviate tax called client 8/5/2024 10:59 AM PT to resolve complaint directly. Alleviate Pending client call/response.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/26/2024

  Type:Order 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 contracted Alleviate to resolve ongoing tax issues. I explained the entire history of my problems with the **** including how they had incorrectly terminated my installment agreement, claiming that I had failed to file a tax return in a timely manner, in spite of the fact that the return in question was properly filed, and the *** cashed the accompanying check. Over the course of over a year, they repeatedly came back to me claiming that they had secured an offer for a new, more favorable installment agreement, and presented me with the appropriate papers to file, only to come back to me days or week later to say that the *** had not, in fact, agreed to that resolution, and was instead offering a NEW installment agreement at a higher monthly payment rate. This happened several times, and each time I eventually agreed to the terms, only to have the same thing happen. After this happened several times, the company then said that they would no longer represent my case, essentially giving up, and declining to honor their commitment. According to the terms of the contract I signed with them, "ATR will continue to represent the case, regardless of any prolonged time commitment."Throughout the process they were unprofessional, uncommunicative, and unhelpful. They didn't listen to the facts of the case as I presented, and they demonstrated no expertise at resolving my issues. I believe them to be a total fraud, and the single worst company I have ever done business with. I will be taking them to small claims court in *************, ********** for a full refund, which they have so far refused to issue.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/02/2024

  We here at Alleviate Tax take consumer concerns very seriously.  We are working towards a resolution directly with the client.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/25/2024

  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 Allivate $495 to do an initial investigation so they could help with Tax Resolution. An investigation takes approximately 30 days. They called me within 2 days saying it was done! They didnt have any information however wanted another $3400 to continue. They tried to pressure me to sign a contract, I asked for 24 hours to speak to my accountant first. When I would not sign the contract, I was told that they are not the people for me. They took $495 and did not do an investigation and when I would not give more money they chose not to continue. They were aggressive and rude during a time where I was trying to find a solution for past due taxes. This occurred July 2024.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/02/2024

  Complaint resolved with client. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/19/2024

  Type:Order 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.

  Phase 1 date March 4, 2024 $199 of Phase 2 date March 15, 2024 $5006.80 (loan thru consumer financial) 4 payments made in the amount of $133.55= $534.20 as of today 7/19/24 File my 2023 taxes Negotiate lower payments with 3 programs I qualified for. No payments or interest to be accrued during the negotiation period. Communication from a case manager explaining the steps and sending communications as the steps are completed.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/02/2024

  Company Supervisor of case managers reached out 8/2/2024 via outbound phone call and email.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/16/2024

  Type:Service or Repair 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.

  In April of 2024 I enlisted the help of Alleviate Tax to assist me with my *** taxes and filing issues. I have had nothing but trouble with them and trying to even get an update on my case. I have spent $3000 on this event and havent been able to speak to anyone. They claim they email me, not true. I have to make contact every time and have done so about 10 times. I was told at first this would take 3 months to complete and process. Im now waiting and still continue to not hear anything or get any information or responses when I email or call, when calling I always get a message about the person you are calling is unavailable please hold for someone to assist you. When this message is played I get someone who then just says Ill let the case worker or case manager know. Well this never happens and I have been paying them plus the irs, which theyre supposed to help with. I emailed asking for advice and they told me they cant determine if I should or should keep paying the *** and them as well.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/24/2024

  We here at Alleviate Tax take consumer concerns very seriously.  We are working towards a resolution.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/27/2024

  nothing has been done yet, Im still paying today $400 to IRS and $400 to Alleviate Tax this month. I understand theyre working towards a resolution, but it hasnt been done as of writing this.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/02/2024

  Resolution is not possible until client is filed up to date on their returns and compliant filing wise. Client's 2023 tax return was e-filed 7/31/24. We are pending confirmation and receipt from the ****

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/06/2024

  
  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, they have started the process and I will wait for the business to perform this action.
  
  Regards,
  
  ***************************************
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/12/2024

  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.

  They told me that they can get all of my federal taxes taken off but I would have to pay state they charged me $500 or $700 for initial payment to find out how much I owed and then $7,500 to finish. I gave them all the money up front .It's been a over a year and a half and they haven't done anything. they hand it down to one person to the next person and have gone through five people now that's supposed to be handling my case which they haven't done anything, they want documents which I told him that they got stolen out of my car when my car got stolen so I have no documents. they never contacted me to tell me what they're doing and if it's getting done and it's costing me more money in late fees from the *** .I just want my money back because they are not handling it professionally every time I call them and tell them to just send me my money back they give me a runaround saying they have somebody else on a case and they're supposed to be helping me with my taxes and I have to make an appointment to talk to them a month ahead of time. They're very unprofessional and they're scamming people out of their hard-earned money and it's not right they said there's going to get it all taken off and I wouldn't have to pay nothing for federal taxes so I paid him up front never got no responses back for months. I don't want anybody going through what I had to go through with these people. I call there phone and it is busy they won't answer their phone or they're not there or they're at lunch or some other excuse they put a different person on my case every time I talk to them okay the lady told me she would give me all my money back if they couldn't do my taxes so I told her that i want my money back and they don't want to refund my money now they say it's too late after they gave me a run around for a year and a half I just want my money back but they don't even want to do that. Nobody should go to them they are the worst people you could higher for your taxes.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/17/2024

  We here at Alleviate Tax take consumer concerns very seriously. We are working towards a resolution.