Legitimate tax relief is real and is governed by official IRS programs such as installment agreements, Offers in Compromise, penalty abatement, and Currently Not Collectible status. The "scam" reputation comes from firms that charge large up-front fees and promise outcomes they can't deliver. The key is to work with a firm that staffs your case with licensed Enrolled Agents, CPAs, or tax attorneys and that reviews your IRS transcripts before promising anything. See our honest guide on how to choose a tax relief company.
Your initial consultation is free. Beyond that, fees depend on the complexity of your case — the type of resolution, how many years are involved, and whether returns need to be filed. We explain the scope and cost up front before you engage us, so there are no surprises. Read more about our transparent pricing commitment.
No honest firm can guarantee a specific outcome. Eligibility for relief programs — and the size of any reduction — is determined by the IRS based on your financial circumstances and applicable law. What we do commit to is an honest assessment of your options and diligent, credentialed representation. Be cautious of any company that promises to "settle for pennies on the dollar" before reviewing your IRS transcripts.
An Offer in Compromise (OIC) is an IRS program that lets qualifying taxpayers settle their tax debt for less than the full amount owed, when paying in full would create financial hardship or there is doubt about collectibility. Not everyone qualifies — the IRS evaluates your income, expenses, assets, and ability to pay. Learn more on our Offer in Compromise page.
In many cases, yes. Once we are authorized to represent you, we can contact the IRS to request a release or reduction of a wage garnishment or bank levy, typically by establishing a resolution such as a payment plan or demonstrating financial hardship. Timing matters, so it's important to act quickly when you receive an IRS notice.
You're not alone, and it's fixable. Filing your unfiled returns is usually the first step toward any resolution — the IRS generally won't negotiate while returns are missing. Our CPAs and Enrolled Agents can help reconstruct your records, file the missing years accurately, and then pursue the right resolution for your situation.
It varies widely. Stopping an active garnishment or levy can sometimes happen quickly, while a full resolution such as an Offer in Compromise can take several months to over a year, depending on IRS processing times and the complexity of your case. We'll give you a realistic timeline after reviewing your specific situation.
No. US Certified Tax Services is a private tax resolution firm and is independent from and not affiliated with the IRS or any government agency. We represent taxpayers in their dealings with the IRS — we don't work for the government.
There's no single legal minimum, but tax relief services make the most financial sense when the debt is substantial enough that professional representation provides real value — often when balances reach several thousand dollars or more, or when you're facing collection actions like a garnishment, lien, or levy. We'll tell you honestly during your free consultation whether professional help is worthwhile for your situation.
Yes. We treat your information as confidential and use it only to evaluate and handle your case. We do not sell your personal information. You can read the details in our Privacy Policy.
When you sign IRS Form 2848 (Power of Attorney), you authorize a credentialed representative — an Enrolled Agent, CPA, or tax attorney — to communicate with the IRS on your behalf. From that point, the IRS deals with your representative instead of you, which removes a huge source of stress and ensures the people negotiating know the rules.
We handle the full range of IRS and state tax issues, including back taxes, unfiled returns, wage garnishments, liens and levies, Offers in Compromise, installment agreements, and audit representation. Browse all of our tax relief services.
Still have questions? Contact us or call (888) 866-8802 for a free, confidential consultation. US Certified Tax Services is independent from and not affiliated with the IRS. Results vary by case, and nothing here is legal or tax advice.