THIS BUSINESS IS NOT BBB ACCREDITED

Associated Tax Relief, Inc.

(800) 560-2966 3303 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1200, Los Angeles, CA 90010

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Description

This company's business is providing tax negotiator services.

BBB Accreditation

This business is not BBB Accredited.

Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation.

To be accredited by BBB, a business must apply for accreditation and BBB must determine that the business meets BBB accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB Accredited Businesses must pay a fee for accreditation review/monitoring and for support of BBB services to the public.

Reason for Rating

BBB rating is based on 16 factors. Get the details about the factors considered.

Factors that lowered this business's rating include:

Length of time business has been operating92 complaint(s) filed against businessFailure to respond to 90 complaint(s) filed against business1 complaint(s) filed against business that were not resolved19 serious complaint(s) filed against businessOverall complaint history with BBBAdvertising issue(s) found by BBB

Customer Complaints Summary

92 complaints closed with BBB in last 3 years | 24 closed in last 12 months
Complaint Type Total Closed Complaints
Advertising / Sales Issues 14
Billing / Collection Issues 3
Problems with Product / Service 68
Delivery Issues 2
Guarantee / Warranty Issues 5
Total Closed Complaints 92

Additional Complaint Information

Our complaint history for this company shows that the company responded to and gave proper consideration to most complaints. However, some complaints are unresolved meaning the company failed to properly address the complaint allegations or their response was inadequate.

Complaint Details | Definitions | BBB Complaint Process | File a Complaint

  • Government Actions

    BBB has no information regarding government actions at this time.

    What government actions does BBB report on?

  • Advertising Review

    On September 7, 2006, we wrote the business about several statements we believed were misleading on their website: "Stop IRS Collections Today" and "Settle Tax Debt for a Fraction of what is Owed." The company has ceased using these statements. The company also listed customer testimonials on their website and we asked for information regarding the source of the testimonials to verify them. The company responded by removing the testimonials. On October 2, 2006, we wrote the business about the listing of several news stations and television shows on their home page, stating: "As seen on TV." We believe that the business is implying that it is endorsed or has been the subject of positive news stories. We've asked for substantiation of this or for modification. We are awaiting their reply.

    What is BBB Advertising Review?

Additional Information

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100038643
BBB file opened: 8/30/2006 Business started: 11/1/2005
Contact Information
Collie Wainer - President
    Lawrence Wainer (VP)Michelle Silver ()Monica Alvarez ()Collie Wainer (President)Linda Wilson ()
Number of Employees

2

Business Category

Tax Negotiator

Alternate Business Names
Associated Tax Relief, Inc.Authorized Tax
Alternate Web Sites
Industry Tips
Typically these companies advertise that they can settle tax related obligations for less than the amount owed. Many represent that they have attorneys or certified public accountants on staff that will work on your behalf to resolve these issues.

In some cases, the company will calculate what they believe will be the amount you save by utilizing their services. Generally the fee they charge will be based on the projected savings, while others charge a flat rate of several thousand dollars. Our complaint experience on many of these firms indicates that they exaggerate or misrepresent their ability and expertise in effecting settlements and often promise much more than they can deliver. They generally attribute their inability to obtain settlements on the fact that the customer provided inaccurate or incomplete information. None of the firms guarantee that anyone will be able to obtain a settlement of their tax debt.

We urge caution. Many taxpayers have been left with the original tax debt, along with additional interest and penalties.

If you have tax debt with the IRS, we suggest you first seek the advice of an IRS enrolled agent, CPA, or a tax attorney. You may also consult with the IRS to determine if you would qualify to file for an offer in compromise, or some other type of payment arrangement. To learn about the IRS’s rules for an offer in compromise, visit www.irs.gov.