TaxreliefadvocatesReviews 

In June 2024, I received a call from TRA (Tax Relief Advocates) offering to help me to resolve some late, unfiled, and unpaid taxes. Ironically, it's something I'd been interested in looking into so the call came at the right time. I decided to give it a try.
I was informed from the beginning that this wasn't going to be a quick process. But, all along the way they've made sure to text, call, or email me with updates or just to check in.
A year from the first time I spoke with TRA I had my first communication with Janine Solis, my case manager. She informed me that the first phase of getting past due taxes completed, filed, and processed by the IRS was complete and that we were beginning the resolution process. Janine was knowledgeable, professional, thorough, and consistent. She was really good about keeping in touch to make sure that I got my documents in on time and to make sure I knew that they hadn't forgotten about me. I felt well taken care of by Janine. I believe that she genuinely desired that I have an outstanding resolution.
About 15 months following first contact, I got a call from what sounded like a very pleased Janine. She informed me that if everything works out and the IRS accept the resolution, I will only have to pay approximately 17% of what I actually owe. That includes taking into account the fee for the service (16.7%) and the settlement (.3%). What an undeserved blessing that would be. I realize that it's all up to the IRS and what they are willing to accept. With the state of things at the federal level of government, I'm not as optimistic about the enormity of the settlement I can expect to receive. I'm just grateful that in the end, for the first time in a very long time, I'll be current on my taxes and that I'll never allow myself to get into thi be in this predicament again. I have learned my lesson.
Thank you, Janine, for caring and playing such a big part in making this process bearable!
And thank you for leaving me in good hands!

Called them to see if they can work with the IRS to reduce the amount of taxes I owed. Julian was who I spoke with. He told me once I signed with them, that the process would maybe take 4-5 days. Paid the retainer fee, signed the documents needed, and haven't received a single email, voicemail, or text back since I paid retainer fee and its been 2 weeks now. Ive called into their office and have spoke with 2 different people stating they were going to pass this onto their manager to escalate the situation of no communication. Total scam

On March 19, 2026, a representative named Drake Schmidt with Tax Relief Advocates contacted me, Janet Russo, via telephone and stated TRA could provide resolution for tax debt over $10,000. Mr. Schmidt's phone number is 9490505-5480. Mr. Schmidt took payment from my VISA debit card in the amount of $895.00 and had me sign all forms of documentation. Mr. Schmidt also stated he would contact my husband later that evening to get all the information that was needed to help complete the process. That contact never occurred. Also, on March 19, 2026, I received an email from Brenda Sourcing at TRA with information on where I should send any letters from the IRS. Also, Mr. Schmidt told me not to file my tax returns, not to pay the IRS any money, and that TRA would be filing my returns. I have received ZERO communication since March 19, 2026. I have tried to send documents and letters to the address they provided and the emails are being sent back to me as undelivered. I have emailed and called Mr. Schmidt with concerns that I have had no communication with TRA. He continues to state someone will follow up with me. The last call I had with Mr. Schmidt was on April 17, 2026. I told him I did not trust this process and wanted a refund. He stated the three-day window after signing contract has passed. I stated how would I know within three days if he had taken money from me and not provided anything in return? I told Mr. Schmidt on April 17, 2026, I wanted a refund. Mr. Schmidt told me no one from management was working that day and someone would follow up with me. I still have not received any communication from TRA. I want a full refund. I should ask for damages because I trusted Mr. Schmidt and did not file my tax return. They should pay the penalties also.

I worked with Tax Relief Advocates for about a year, during which I was repeatedly told they were working to reduce my 2024 tax liability. Throughout that time, I made monthly payments and regularly called for updates, but no one ever returned my calls or provided meaningful information about the status of my case.

The company’s advertising creates high expectations, but the actual service and follow‑through were far below what was promised. After months of silence and no visible progress, I requested a refund. Out of the $2,345 I paid toward this program, they refunded only $1,000.

Today, the IRS is still pursuing me for the full balance of $2,000 plus penalties. My initial debt increased due to interest, and Tax Relief Advocates still kept $845 on top of their $500 non‑refundable fee. In total, they kept $1,345 despite providing no meaningful help.

Based on my experience, I cannot recommend Tax Relief Advocates to anyone seeking reliable or responsive tax resolution services.

Fully disabled combat veteran, got into tax pickle and downsizing due to declining health/income. GOOD NEWS: TRA said they could help. TRA was clear that my assets/property are still subject to liens and interest penalties during the 9mo. process. NOT GOOD NEWS: These details were discussed after the cancellation period (3 days). Almost 1 month later, my case is still in initial review. TRA is glad to help me with IRS payment plans, but these are readily available at irs gov/payment, and these are not TRA solutions, they are IRS solutions. I am out over $21,000. Refund has been denied. TRA should move faster to assess clients needs or extend the cancellation period. Note that TRA has offered to expedite, but the long pole/obstacle remains IRS, who moves when they are ready.

Edit#1. Supervisor Henry informed me TRA does not take state tax cases, though my initial advisors made sure to tell me they do, even collecting documents for state taxes. I'm sure their is a fee for this included with federal, but i cannot tell what that is.

Julian was amazing and made the process very easy

After having a meeting with my Business partner in support of the company and him personally I decided to give it a shot for myself due to Heidi Vitug! Heidi was social, made understanding things easy and had not problem engaging in humor with us. When we have calls it is personal we are not just another number or process. We say hello she asks how my children are we tell a few stories human to human before we get to business. I am a huge fan of relationships and not just being a check box and Heidi defiantly make us people to be cared about! you don't find that very often. Thank you Heidi Vitug

TRA of Irvine has had 2 years to resolve my tax case and has failed unfortunately. The Offer In Compromise was rejected and they did not follow up so it took my call to the IRS to find out it was closed. Then the appeal went nowhere and they did not follow up. There were a couple of good agents helping me, but then they disappear for weeks. I have not heard back from them for 6 months and they will not reply about their contract guarantee. I would not recommend, I'm afraid.

I’m writing this review because TRA did an excellent job at clearing a 28K debt I owed to the IRS. Megan Callon, Adam Madueno, and Trinh Nguyen did a very well job. TRA works as a team and in different stages. It took almost a year, but it was well worth it. Megan always was active in looking into my case even when it was out of her stage. I want to advice if you have any Tax issues call them and listen to them and what they are advising. Have your questions ready. Thanks TRA.

Heidi is doing a great job on my tax case. Thanks Heidi

The feeling that Hidi has taken a personal and professional look at my case one word Hero 😀😀😀😀😀

The person I worked with Anthony Ricks made it easy for me. He set a payment plan and took my information and got the ball rolling. This is something I needed to make happen and they made it easy.

I had a great experience great customer service. He thoroughly explained everything to me to where I can understand he took his time..

I have been really hesitant on taking phone calls that keep coming from tax forgiveness. Today was a lot different. I spoke with Anthony Ricks. He’s a settlement officer with tax advocates. He explained everything to me very clear and thorough. He made me feel a lot more comfortable about getting the help that I actually really needed. He said that he would be there with me through pretty much the whole process. That if I needed anything, not to hesitate to reach out to him. He is very amazing and professional. I would/will refer him to anyone that I know that needs this kind of assistance. I am very happy that I actually stand on the phone to listen to what he to say. I’m excited to get my tax situation all figured out and get back on track thanks to him.

I filed my 2024 Tax year with TRA and had fantastic result and a streamlined experience. My Tax pro Anthony was so easy to work with. I could not be happier. I used my CPA for 12 years and finally made the switch and it was well worth it. I owed less than ever before and can say that TRA's hand tailored approach saved me thousands this year. 5 stars.

Tax Relief Advocates are not there to help you! They are simply trying to help their bottom line at your expense. Unfortunately, after many months, I found out the truth about the people I was dealing with from start to finish. They are disreputable at best and I would make sure that I stayed away from them at all times.

Also know as tra.com. Worst company to deal with, on a Sunday night I set up an appointment for 8:00 a.m. Tuesday morning. I started getting calls at 6:20 a.m. Monday morning and they did not stop until I threatened to report them to the fcc. I must have received 15 calls, 20 text messages, and multiple incoming calls 100% from different phone numbers which tells me they outsource all my personal information to Independent people that work for them. If you're worried about your privacy with your personal information then definitely avoid this company they are a boiler room type of company that will take your personal information and pass it around to everyone who works for them in the entire country and don't care about your privacy or any of your personal information or even calling you at 6:20 in the morning.