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:06/30/2024

  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.

  Summary of Issues:1. Incompetence and Lack of Professionalism: - My case manager, ***********************, and his assistant, *************************, are not tax professionals. Throughout our interactions, it became evident that they lacked the necessary expertise to handle my tax issues effectively. ********************** frequently forgot details of my case and repeatedly requested the same documents, demonstrating a lack of organization and understanding.2. Misleading Promotional Tactics: - Upon payment of their fee, ************** requested that I provide a testimonial video praising Alleviate Taxs services. In exchange, I received a $100 Amazon gift card. This request was made before any substantial work on my case had begun, which now seems to be a deceptive practice to generate positive reviews under false pretenses.3. Errors in Tax Filing: - The initial problem I sought help with involved my 2018 tax return, where I incurred over $26,000 in taxes due to a retirement account withdrawal used for moving expenses. Despite this, Alleviate Tax unnecessarily re-filed my 2022 tax return, which was already correctly filed and fully paid. Their accountant incorrectly handled the 2022 return, resulting in further complications. I provided proof of payment through cancelled checks, but the company failed to address these issues properly.4. Failure to Resolve Issues: - Despite numerous attempts to resolve these issues over the past six weeks, I have been unable to get a satisfactory response from *********************** or *************************. The company has not delivered on their promises, and I am left with a higher tax burden than before.This situation is unacceptable, and according to the Better Business Bureau, Alleviate Tax has been receiving numerous complaints due to similar non-compliance issues. I urge you to take appropriate action to address this matter and prevent other consumers from experiencing similar hardships.Sincerely,SFC(ret) ******************************* ************ ****************

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/02/2024

  We believe we have come to a resolution.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/27/2024

  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.

  Ive paid a total of $345. First charge was for $295 second was for $50. Was told by ***** that they could not help me due to my balance lower than my initial sign up so they would refund me but needs to speak to his supervisor but it didnt seem like they could help me. Spoke to ***** on 6/19/24. Since then I have called them everyday since the appointment for a follow up and have been told by numerous employees. That ***** would call me and a Supervisor **** would call me and no one has called me back to state if they can help my case or they will be sending back my money. Today is Wednesday 6/26/24 and nothing. For the last 3 days *** been told ***** will call then he will call first thing tomorrow and then again he will call you first thing tomorrow and still nothing. Ive complained to at least 4 different employees. *************, ***** and ***. Still no call from ***** or a supervisor. Please help me get thru for my refund.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/28/2024

  We believe we have resolved this issue with consumer.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/01/2024

  It was not resolved. I was not sent a copy of the agreement I signed until today. Which is more than 30 days. I signed the contract on May 15, 2024 and a copy was finally sent to me on July 1, 2024. I wasnt aware of the withdraw stipulation. I am still requesting for a refund of $345. After speaking to the **** I was able to resolve the matter and was completely misdirected by this company. $345 was taken and the services was not needed and I disclosed my entire situation and not in any point in time I told that I had an option to cancel. I live in ****** where it is very expensive and I cant afford to pay for a service that is not transparent from the beginning. I believed I was scammed into services that wasnt needed. I was taken advantage of due to lack of knowledge that they should have provided during my consultation. I am continuing to seek a refund of $345. And this matter was not resolved they continued to give me the run arounds. It was not told to me in the beginning that if I accept the services I would still need to pay back the taxes I owe in the future. I was misguided and was under the impression that they could help me with lowering to paying nothing of what I owe. Why would I pay an extra $1500 to this company and then still have to owe $7000+ after paying for their services. They only disclose this after you have paid $295 to get a copy of what I owe from the *** which I could have requested that for free. And then they charged me $50 for missing my appointment because I went to the emergency and was on Medication. I explained this all to them. Then I was told by ****** one of their employees they couldnt  help me and I would get all $345 refunded because the amount of $7000+ I owed the *** went down because I filed my 2023 taxes which I was suppose to get a refund for $3771. Ending up that $3771 paid for the $7000+ I owed.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/07/2024

  We believe we have resolved this issue with consumer.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/12/2024

  
  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.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  ***************************
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/26/2024

  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.

  I had an investigation done by the company for misleading and misrepresentation they closed the account and upon speaking with director ***************** was told the refund was issued June 11 2024 but have not receieved it or the 237 dollars from Monterey the other side of this scam together whom i also made a comolaint for the total 432 dollars nobody will answer or return any of my calls although the email says they paid it back but then confusingly states im not entitled although my case was closed due to fraudulent and misleading information by *************************

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/09/2024

  We here at Alleviate Tax take consumer concerns very seriously.  Our third-party mediator has reached out to consumer to try to resolve the issue. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/09/2024

  
  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.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  *****************************
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/21/2024

  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.

  Alleviate tax credit contacted me because I had was on *** disability and the government had overpaid me and they sent me a piece of paper saying that they were going to garnish my wages for the money that I had spent that was over. They said they contact me and said that they could stop the garnishment. Make sure that nobody else could garnish my wages and all that and then take over the Account and make sure that it was all good if I paid them the $350 and at that time I was being addicted from my home and they knew this I was being I didnt have any money at all, and I didnt want my garnished my wages be garnished, and they took full advantage of me. They gave me nothing, not one single thing in return, except except for the fact that I didnt know any taxes which I know I dont owe taxes. I owed the *** people for my back payment and they were very, very, very clear on this. I did not owe back taxes, but they told me they could help me with this anyways And I got nothing for my money now Ive been trying to call to get my refund back refund me refund me refund me and they just now blocked me from all of my numbers. I cant call him. I cant take him. I cant email. I cant do anything and that is OK because I called to talk to somebody and she says hello hello I cant hear you. I cant hear you and I know that she heard me. I know that she know I was talking about, but then they blocked me. I would like them to be reprimanded. I would like to have my money back in full refund if not that plus damages this is ridiculous. The people can do this to people in ******* . I am a white American woman and I know my right and I will get an attorney if something is not done about this.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/07/2024

  We are in the process of resolving this issue with consumer.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/19/2024

  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 told *************** of the **************** my problem on a recorded line he put me on hold said yes they could help me .he never ask for any papers I had just said yes . And could do half of original price after they took the $ out bank now ***** cont a *** me didn't know what I was talking about said it wasn't its it was state and thats that I'm out 300 . I live on fixed income disability. I would like a refund !

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/03/2024

  We here at Alleviate Tax take consumer concerns very seriously. We have left numerous messages and emails for this consumer that have gone unresponded to. We want to resolve this but simply cannot if the consumer refuses to talk to us.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/01/2024

  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.

  ************ is basically a fraud. From the very first phone call . They told me in the first 30 min of the first phone call that i had a great case, and they will be able to save me thousands of dollars. The young man asked me for a small bit of information about my finances, in 5 minutes they came back on the phone and assured me they will severely reduce my debt. Of course they wanted $500 immediately to continue, The man assured me there would be know more money asked, No such luck, They followed up with the next call to discuss how much it would cost to do the real work now. I was already stuck for five hundred, they said it would be $4,000 do finish the job, They put there closer on the phone and i settled for $2,800.They claimed they have all these tax attorney's although they refused to EVER let me speak to any one of them, For four months i was talking to a 22 year old junior college employee. There is much more to this story, but after my anger with there very slight attention to me, they said the *** wanted full payment , or a installment agreement with NO money to be saved, ************ obviously tells there "*****'' what they want to hear, and get as much money as they can. Im quite sure i got conned, They promise the moon, This is a very suspicous company,

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/13/2024

  We believe we have resolved this issue with consumer. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/28/2024

  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.

  I called this company seeking help for a tax resolution. On my first call, I was very specific as to why I was calling and explained I made an early withdrawal from my 401 and my CPA made a mistake on my 2021 Taxes I was looking for a settlement resolution where I was asked to pay for a 495 amount for a consult and for my case to be processed to the next phase the investigation phase. then I was contacted about 10 days later by a "case manager which at that point I had to explain again everything. I also emailed the documents I had previously received from the *** to show what the issue was and see what resolutions and or options I have I spoke very clear with ******************************* in Spanish and explained what my problem was. I never ever said I needed help filling my 2023 or 2021 taxes, I have always filed my taxes timely which he stated he could see from my records. . I was told I qualified for programs that can reduce my debt up to an 80%. I was told again that my case was given to another case manager and I had to complete a questionnaire. When I am contacted by *************************** after my many texts, emails and calls she was quickly to pass down the bucket to a *************************** and stated that until he fills out the questionnaire she wasn't able to help me. After many text messages and emails to ******* he called me on 5/23 looking to help me file my ************************************************************************************* the first place, at that moment he passed the file back to *************************** who calls me on 5/28 blaming me for providing the wrong information. I am tired of this scam and I would like a refund since they knew from the beginning what thsi is all about and can't help me. and I hope this results in a quick resolution. I kept asking ****** for her manager or who was above her because I am not explaining to a 6th person what they should have in file from day 1 for them to help me.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/03/2024

  Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or frustration you may have experienced during your interaction with our company. We take feedback from our clients very seriously, and we are committed to ensuring that all concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately.
  

  We have thoroughly reviewed your case and taken steps to address the issues you raised. We appreciate your patience and understanding throughout this process. If you have any further concerns or questions, please don't hesitate to contact us directly. We are here to assist you in any way we can.
  

  Once again, we apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced, and we thank you for your understanding.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/03/2024

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and please be advised this business has resolved the issue and refunded my account. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ***************************
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/03/2024

  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 markets itself as a holy grail solution for any tax-related debts you may have, but it's actually a complex scam designed to drain your hard earned dollars. I first engaged with them in April 2023 as a tax resolution company. Fast forward to May 2024, NONE of my tax debts or situation has been resolved with them despite their promises.Their process involves charging a few hundred dollars upfront for an assessment during the "discovery" phase, which takes weeks to complete as they gather information and file power of attorney forms to access your tax files. Then, they lure you into "stage two," demanding several thousand dollars more with assurances of resolving your tax problems based on their findings from the previous phase.I left screenshots detailing experience with them and can provide further PDF attachments of our full conversation if needed. The most recent action item they promised to deliver on was getting my Penalty Abatement approved, but as of today, it's been almost 3 months of radio silence. This is just one instance of their unfulfilled promises; there are numerous other services that they've promised me, but have failed to deliver on.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 05/07/2024

  I'm sorry to hear about your experience with Alleviate Tax. We understand your frustration and disappointment, especially when dealing with tax-related matters. Your feedback is valuable, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused.
  

  We take such concerns seriously and would like to address them promptly. We are reviewing your case to better understand the situation and take appropriate actions to resolve it.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/30/2024

  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.

  Engaged in October 2023 to get resolution with IRS on past taxes owed. Paid in full over $3,000 to Alleviate to complete tax return and negotiate lower payment in taxes owed. After full payment was made to Alleviate, they have changed my case manager 4 times and no reply to emails and phone calls. No progress has been made and my case is still not resolved. I even hired an admin to help facilitate my case and work with Alleviate to resolve my case. This company will not return my emails or calls now and they have not refunded me or resolved my case.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/30/2024

  I'm terribly sorry for the inconvenience and frustration you've experienced with Alleviate regarding your tax resolution case. Your concerns are completely understandable, and I want to assure you that resolving this issue is our top priority. 
  

  We deeply value your trust in our services and it's disheartening to hear that we've fallen short of your expectations. Changing your case manager multiple times and failing to respond to your emails and calls is unacceptable, and I apologize for the lack of communication and progress on your case.  
  

  Once again, I apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to resolve this matter swiftly and effectively.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/30/2024

  If this is unacceptable and you are sorry, then why have I not heard from anyone yet to resolve this issue?  And I have not received the refund requested or an email of any kind indicating a resolution or refund is in the works.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 05/07/2024

  Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. We truly value your feedback and are committed to resolving any issues you may have encountered.

  Rest assured, your satisfaction is our top priority. In response to your query, I want to inform you that your case manager has been notified and is personally reviewing your case.  

  Please be assured that we are dedicated to finding a solution that meets your expectations and resolves any dissatisfaction you may have experienced. Your patience and understanding during this process are greatly appreciated. 
  If you have any further questions or concerns in the meantime, please don't hesitate to reach out. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/27/2024

  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.

  Had the worst tax resolution experience. I was promised the world and ended up having to pay the full tax liability in payments over a shortened amount of time. Previously I was making payments to the *** and they were satisfied with the installment payment. I paid Alleviate tax $5000 and the only thing they accomplished on my behalf was increase my installment payment by 400%. A payment I could no longer afford. Additionallymy total tax liability increased 25% because I was instructed not to pay my previous installment payment agreement. Alleviates excuse was and I quoteSorryeverything is on a case by case basis and you should really sign this agreement where we screwed you over its the best option for you. Thanks for nothing alleviate tax! You guys are demonic and of the devil. You seek only to harm, not help. I got scammed out of $5K! You will reap what you sow!

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/30/2024

  I'm truly sorry to hear about your frustrating experience with Alleviate Tax. It's incredibly disheartening to feel misled and let down, especially when dealing with something as sensitive as tax resolution. Your disappointment and frustration are completely understandable, and it's clear that the outcome fell far short of your expectations. 
  

  I want to assure you that your feedback is incredibly valuable. We take complaints like yours seriously and strive to ensure that all our clients receive the level of service they deserve. 
  

  We are committed to investigating the matter thoroughly to understand what transpired and to take appropriate actions to prevent such occurrences in the future. Once again, we apologize for any inconvenience or distress this situation may have caused you. We truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to make things right. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/30/2024

  That is the most disingenuous response I have ever heard. It honestly sounds like they have that response copied and pasted for all the customers they have screwed over in the past. 

  I want a refund. I got cheated and scammed by Alleviate Tax. I cant afford the tax resolution that they provided. They negotiated an installment agreement that is 400% more than what I was previously paying prior to hiring this company. AdditionallyI have to pay my FULL tax liability. The company did nothing except scam me out of $5000. 

  

  Business Response

  Date: 05/07/2024

  Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. Our team is currently reviewing the details of your case thoroughly to ensure we address all aspects effectively. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this situation may have caused you.