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
JR
Janet R.
I WAS SCAMMED
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.
AB
Aristide B.
Disapointed!
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.
CH
Christopher
Important to know before proceeding.
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.
YU
Yulonda
Julian was amazing and made the process…
Julian was amazing and made the process very easy
CL
Cassandra L.
Personality Matters
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
CI
C I.
No results
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.
FR
Francisco R.
I’m writing this review because TRA did…
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.