Tax Masters
Filed Under (TaxMasters) by dcc on 22-02-2006
(Editor’s note: If you are looking for information on TaxMasters business practices, refund policy, and general TaxMasters complaints, read the comments thoroughly. )
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This guy, Patrick Cox, President of Tax Masters, must have one hell of a big ego to feature his fat mug on an expensive television ad I just saw on FoxNews.
Sorry if that seems a bit crude, but in the world of marketing, sensitivity does not hew well with reality. In reality, obese people do not make good spokes people.
The URL on the screen during the commercial was something equally as stupid as putting Patrick’s rotund jowls on the screen. It was www. txmstrs.com, or something like that. I can’t find it. (Here it is. Wisely, Patrick is not featured on the website or there would be a pic here. Photo updated.)
After a cursory search, I can’t find anything on Patrick, the company, or the website. Yet they bought airtime for a commercial they must have produced in a garage. Very interesting execution of what is evidently a masterful business plan.
Anybody else see this commercial? It was so bad I am starting to think I imagined it.
UPDATE: Read all the TaxMasters Posts.
I saw the TaxMaster ads on CNN. We had some IRS issues after a disaster hit our business. We contracted Tax Masterst o handle the problem. They took our money, did absolutely nothing, except for getting us into more trouble with the IRS. I’m now trying to get my money back from them. TaxMasters is a complete rip off. I did search the Internet prior to hiring them & did not find any negative postings. There will definitely be plenty of posting after I’m finished with them.
I do not know anything about TaxMaster’s operation I was just making an observation of their marketing campaign. While I have no way to verify comments made on this blog, let this be a warning: caveat emptor!
On an editorial note I edited the above comment replacing the pronouns with the proper name so the search engines will be able to catalog the complaint against Tax Masters more accurately.
I contacted Tax Masters and thought I was going to use there services. There rep asked for my credit card info - SO HE COULD FAX THE AUTHORIZATION FORM - two hours later I rec’d their form but had decided against using them so I DID NOT return the authorization for to them. Didn’t think anything about it until a charge showed up several days later…they had gone ahead and processed my credit card WITHOUT my authorization. I’ve now been chasing TaxMasters for three months for a refund. THEY SUCK.
Why didn’t you just call the credit card company and have them take the charge off?
Just thought I would offer a little feedback from TaxMasters. We are always interested to hear what people think of our ads. Thank you for the observation, I will let Pat know.
I am sorry to hear that one of the folks that posted was dissatisfied. We have a pretty liberal refund policy. If you want to fix this problem I am happy to help. We take the work we do, and our customers satisfaction very seriously.
Best Regards,
Alex Clamon, VP
TaxMasters
alex.clamon@txmstr.com
If Pat doesn’t already know I’m thinking telling him is not going to do any good. You might want to hold off on that.
For whatever reason, this nearly two-year-old post has been getting a lot of hits the last couple of weeks. Either you all at TaxMasters did something really good or you all did something really bad.
Thanks for stopping by.
Dale,
The EXACT same thing just happened to me. They flat refused to give me a refund depsite the fact they do not have a contract with me. I just wrote Alex an email…lets see what happens.
[…] two year old TaxMasters post that started it […]
Regarding Tax Masters.
We have just had a horrible experience with J K Harris, which took $5500.00 from us and did nothing for us. Now 5 days before Christmas we get a letter from the IRS with intent to levy. I say this A.M. TAX MASTERS ad on the TV. I decided before I jump again I’ll search the web. I am glad I did. This web site is enought to tell me to keep looking for the proper help. I’m beginning to think there are NO honest people. Thanks again for your blog. I’ll keep this site informed.
Ok, I just faxed Patrick Cox another demand for my money THAT HE STOLE. I can’t put it any simpler than that…he is a thief, a fraud, an insult to honest tax help companies. I WANT MY MONEY MR. COX. I also emailed Alex…we’ll see what happens…maybe in the spirit of Christmas they’ll return their ill gotten (sp?) goods.
OH, MY MISTAKE: SECOND EMAIL TO ALEX; HE DID NOT RESPOND TO THE ONE I SENT ON THE 13TH.
Thanks, guys. I just received a retainer agreement from Taxmasters and I almost made the mistake of giving my checking account info. They are receiving a lot attention due to their current ad campaign.
Does anyone know of a LEGITIMATE tax assistance service?
@Dale - That’s odd. Since he left his email and all I assumed his intent was to respond to disgruntled customers. I wonder what’s up?
@Tony - You are welcome.
Pat is FAT!!! i don’t discriminate against fat people, i used to be fat. if i lost the weight, so could fat Pat. at least his beard covers his turkey neck. i don’t trust anyone, anywhere, at anytime. neither should you! NEVER give anyone your personal financial information, for any reason.
My staff and I have responded to each and every contact we received. I am not interested in airing a client or a prospects dirty laundry about their IRS problems on the internet. However if someone chooses to lie in this venue I will publish the recorded portion of the phone conversation where they agreed to pay the fee. I did not receive emails mentioned here by ‘Chris’.
In response to Dale- I did get an email dated the 23rd. I did respond to it. Dale acknowledged that response and I have acted as I promised, despite his slander. I did not get an email on the 13th. This refund request is slated for a review board meeting early next week. This has all been communicated separately. I would not normally make even the nature of any communications with a client public, but I did not choose this forum, and for his own reasons Dale has chosen not to be a client.
I would like to elaborate on what exactly our refund policy is at this time. First it is spelled out clearly in our contract and that always prevails. We do observe a 3 day rescission rule. That means if someone decides to cancel for any reason within the first 3 days of hiring us, we issue a refund. It might not happen that day, but it will happen. No one requires this of us. It is of our choosing.
Where we have already done the work, this would not be the case. This is the nature of our business, that our clients are in crisis, and sometimes the work has to proceed immediately. When you owe the IRS money, people with Badges and Guns are likely to become involved. In some cases our clients are even being investigated for serious criminal matters. A small percentage of our client base intends for us to do the work and to not pay us, or the IRS. We cannot tell who this client is upfront. This requires us to be paid prior to completing work.
In all cases we make absolutely sure someone intends to hire us including using a third party to verify the transaction. All that being said we still have a self imposed 3 day rescission. This is my commitment to being completely sure that no one takes advantage of the great trust that our client places in us.
Best Regards,
Alex Clamon, VP
TaxMasters
alex.clamon@txmstr.com
The taxmasters commercial is so bad, that every time it comes on, I call my wife in and say, “Honey, look - the Assmasters commercial is on!” I hope that it stays on the air, because it reminds me that if Patrick Cox can make enough money to air commercials on Fox News, I can do it!
After reading the response from TaxMasters VP Alex Clamon on here, I decided to write him to see if he could FINALLY get my case resolved. Whether or not he does remains to be seen… but the following letter is food for thought for anyone considering hiring TaxMasters of Houston,TX to resolve their tax problems.
Dear Mr. Clamon,
I read the above blog on the internet and decided to write you, as I’ve had absolutely no luck dealing with your staff.
I retained TaxMasters’ services on 5/21/07, after speaking with Ken Pratt, for a cost of $4550.00. I was told by Mr. Pratt that your company would quickly resolve my IRS issues, get me “in compliance”, and get the lien on my house removed.
My problems with TaxMasters began a couple months later, when Mr. Pratt called and told me I needed to fax another copy of the authorization to bill my credit card (after 2 payments had already been charged on the card…. I found this odd). So, I re-faxed the credit card authorization (I have a copy here, along with the verification).
3 months went by, during which I called TaxMasters several times to find out the progress of my case. I was rarely able to speak with anyone besides the operator….. typical responses were whoever I needed to speak to was “not in the office” or “at lunch”. My phone calls were not returned. I finally spoke to Abdul Usmani, who claimed my back returns were being completed.
On October 11th, 2007, Pamela Amburgy from the IRS office in Toledo, OH called and told me she, after attempting several times, had been unable to contact or receive a response from TaxMasters, who was supposed to act as my power-of-attorney in this matter. On October 15th, 2007, I received a letter from the IRS stating that, unless my back returns were filed by 10/31/07, they were going to seize my house.
I immediately contacted Ken Pratt to relay this information, to which he very smugly responded that I could expect no help from TaxMasters, since I “don’t pay my bills”. Mr. Pratt claimed he never received my fax authorizing credit card payment (to which I have verification it was sent and received). He, nor anyone else in your organization, ever bothered to inform me of the ‘non-payment’ until I called Mr. Pratt that evening.
The next day, I sent a cashiers check for the balance, and shortly thereafter received the completed tax returns I needed to file, along with instructions to file the returns in person at my local IRS office. On 10/27/07, after driving an hour to the IRS office and waiting in line for 2 hours, I was told that the returns had to be filed with Pamela Amburgy in the Toledo office. I shipped them overnight the same day.
I thought my Tax problems were finally behind me, until Pamela Amburgy contacted me in late November and told me that the 2004 Tax Return TaxMasters prepared for me included many omissions, was incorrect, and had to be re-filed.
I sent a letter to TaxMasters (Attn: Ken Pratt/Abdul Usmani) explaining the situation, along with copies of my 2004 tax information and incorrect 2004 tax return. It was received by your company on 12/5/07, according to USPS delivery confirmation, and I have yet to receive the corrected return as of today, 1/7/08.
Mr. Clamon, I cannot believe I have to write this letter nearly 8 months after hiring your company to resolve my tax issues, especially since all that my case required was to correctly file 3 back tax returns. I am currently living in Florida and have been unable to sell my house in Ohio because of the tax lien imposed on it. I need to resolve the tax issues in order to move on with my life, and I am asking for your help in doing so promptly. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Douglas A. Weaver
Tony asked if anyone knows a LEGITIMATE tax assistance company. I have worked for two. Jackson-Hewitt and (currently) H&R Block. H&R Block gets my vote for competence and professionalism. I can’t understand why anyone would pay hefty fees ($5,000+) to a fledgling tax service of unknown reputation when they can walk into a local H&R Block and be represented by Enrolled Agents with decades of experience dealing with IRS for far less money (starting @ $200).
Unless you have committed fraud or encouraged others not to file or otherwise defy IRS, they are generally very willing to work with you. Don’t get me wrong, you have to be PREPARED when dealing with IRS. Best to be represented by a company with the resources to do it. H&R Block and other well known tax preparation companies can represent you very well. Stick with the tried and true.
Sounds like Assmasters is a crappy tax company!! Yikes. Sorry to hear about that.
Update:
In a message dated 1/7/2008 4:41:03 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, alex.clamon@txmstr.com writes:
Mr. Weaver-
I will get this to my counterpart in the tax operations side of our business. I will follow up in a day to be sure you have been contacted.
Best Regards,
Alex Clamon
1/10/08
I have not been contacted, Mr. Clamon, nor have my phone calls been returned. I’m taking the incorrect 2004 return to H&R Block next week. Tell your “counterpart in the tax operations side” of your business I will see him or her in court.
As you were the only person to respond to my correspondence, I will do you the favor of suggesting you begin distributing your resume’……… TaxMasters is obviously a fraudulent operation which will be uncovered and out of business soon.
Best Regards,
Douglas Weaver
Thank you dcc for your insight. I have already registered a complaint with the Houston BBB… I doubt they will get anything accomplished as far as refunding my money, but at least there will be a complaint on file against TaxMasters. Perhaps this will save someone else the trouble I’ve been through. My attorney sees this as a blatant breach of contract on TaxMasters part, as well as fraud. In addition to a lawsuit, I will be posting my TaxMasters experience on every blog I can find. It is appalling a business would prey on people’s fears, then betray them, as TaxMasters obviously does.
The bad news is that you are not likely to get your money back unless these guys actually have any money to give back; they prolly all drive a Hummer and I bet there is a long line of people in the same spot as you. Not to mention, thanks to you guys sharing your experience, anyone who has enough sense to type TaxMasters into Google before doing business with TaxMasters is not likely to give them money so their prognosis is not so good either.
The good news is I just did a google search, and the disparaging comments on this site are located 3rd on the list, right below TaxMasters website link. Anyone searching for taxmasters will certainly see the unfavorable comments located directly below their site. Just think…. for every 22 people who see this site, TaxMasters just lost a potential $100,000 in gross revenue.
Hope you’ve enjoyed it while it lasted, TaxMasters!
Where was this site when I needed it. In July of ‘07 I contacted tax masters after being contacted by the IRS. I told tax masters that the IRS was about to garnish my wages, levy my acconts and put a lein on my property. I hear about tax masters on the talk radio show and began a search of the company. The Houston BBB at the time had no compliants on file and I didn’t any complaints on the google search.
I spoke to a Ron Sage at tax masters and he told me we need to act fast ( this was after I faxed the IRS letter to him). I explained to Ron SAge I needed this taken care to keep this from happening. I paid the fees, sent in the power of attorney, etc. My family and I went on our pre-planned vacation and once we returned I hadn’t heard anything from tax masters. When I called Ron Sage he was never available, then I received a letter from a Christy Staples that they were completing my tax returns and they would contact me about any deductions I might have. Ms. Staples said my contact would be a Quincy Shaw and I should forward any coorespondence to him. When I contacted Mr. Shaw after my wages had started to be garnished, he first said I only asked to have my back tax returns prepared. But, after explaining the conversation I had with Ron Sage Mr. Shaw looked into my file and saw that I did notify them that a garnishment was pending and that this was what I had contacted tax masters about. He said he had to talk to his boss Christy staples and he would call me back in 15 minutes. I’ve never spoke to him again.
Ms. Staples has never returned any call I’ve made to her as she’s never available when I call. The following week I receive prepared tax returns and a letter from Ms. Staples that i owed over 5,000.00 in taxes. Since no one had called about the deductions I have I didn’t understand how they could complete a tax return for me. when I tried to contact them I could only speak to their gatekeeper who appreciated that I wasn’t rude and wished he could help me, but he hated his job because of aal the angry people that call.
The returns that were sent are totally useless since they don’t give me credit for the mortgage interest, or the donations, and my child care credit.
I have associates that have contacted the IRS directly and have made out with a better deal than I have now. I have since been laid off and had all of my accounts levied and a lein has been placed on my house.
all I want is to have the returns done properly or refund my money. I am unable to have the returns done by another service at this time and fear I’ll lose my house.
Tax masters has been the worst experience I’ve ever had, and wish I never heard of them.
David J. Dinkins
Mr. Dinkins,
I’d suggest you immediately file a complaint with the Houston Better Business Bureau (www.bbbhou.org). I have a feeling the complaints are going to be mounting soon, thanks to this site and the Google search. This is looking less like bad business and more like outright fraud.
I contacted Tax Masters over a year ago, they told me they would help me, stop garnishment other IRS Problems. Every instance I called I spoke with a different person who I had to tell the story all over again. This of course is after I had given them my credit card and they charged it. Finally after several month and Tax Masters having my power of attorney the IRS calls. They have nothing on record as tax masters representing me. I have called for a refund they refused. It took a local attorney 3 days to fix my problem. I am going to be launching a lawsuit against tax masters starting in the state of New Mexico, looks like it will turn into a class action by what Im finding on the web.
If you look at the BBB site for Houston, taxmasters has 76 complaints. It seems a class action lawsuit is the next likely step.
To Patrick Pennington: I too have been swindled by Tax Masters. Please email me at darcy345@wildblue.net. I would like to know if I can help in creating this class action. Please reply!
It’s a real “shocker” to see that Alex Clamon hasn’t responded to all the negative feedback on here concerning TaxMasters (he is either taking the 5th or took my advice and ’sought employment elsewhere’).
Apparently, he never contacted his “counterpart in the tax operations side of the business”, as he stated in his e-mail to me, because she, the “V.P. of Tax Operations” only contacted me after I filed a complaint w/the BBB of Houston. She ‘claims’ (and i emphasize the apostrophes, as it has yet to occur) that she will resolve my current issues. w/TaxMasters of Houston,TX.
The most amazing part of the entire conversation with her was that she seemed surprised at the fact that there are a slew of similar complaints to mine right here on this site, as well as various locations on the internet.
Perhaps, sooner or later, TaxMasters will acquire a meager understanding that they are in dire straits, business wise, as their name is associated with reprehensible business tactics and fraud.
Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston’s Report on TaxMasters:
“Based on BBB files, this company has an unsatisfactory record with the BBB due to unresolved complaint(s). This company has 9 pending complaints. The BBB reports on closed complaints only in the total number of complaints listed below. Please check back with us in 30 days to find out the outcome of these pending complaints.
This company has an unsatisfactory report for a pattern of complaint activity regarding refunds and service. Taxmasters has a very specific refund policy. Company officials have stated in replies to complaints that they do not issue refunds because the company provides immediate advice and information on how to address the client’s tax issues.
BBB complaints allege consumers are required to pay for the company’s service before the company releases a copy of the contract and their policies for the consumer to review and sign. Once the consumer’s account is charged they are then sent documents to review and are asked to sign the contract. According to the company, the $500 fee is for an IRS consultation. According to Taxmasters, the initial fee is not refunded unless company officials feel they “drop the ball”. Consumers have stated that they were not advised that the fees are nonrefundable in the initial call to the company. As a general rule, the BBB recommends consumers ask any company they are doing business with about their refund, return, and/or exchange policy in advance of authorizing payment. The company has stated that their refund policy is clearly outlined on the documents that are faxed to the consumers.
When evaluating complaint information, please consider the company’s size and volume of business. The number of complaints filed against the company may not be as important as the type of complaints and how the company handled them.
The BBB processed a total of 76 complaints about this company in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period.”
I would suggest using a CPA or Attorney because they each have a state Board which provides oversite and complaint resolution.
If anyone needs IRS represenation, feel free to give me a call at 281-997-6699. I am a CPA in the Houston area - our firm has been helping folks with IRS problems since the mid-90’s.
Tony Carbone, CPA
well, i wish i had seen this blog back in nov 07, that is when i enlisted the non-services of txmasters to help me resolve my problems with the irs.several themes are recurring in these posts that are making me ill.. the name -quincy shaw-, limited contact with anyone other than the operator, advance billing,etc.when i do get thru to someone they tell me what i already know, and after i explain my situation with garnishments and levies, they give the common statemnet ” well i will personnally fast track this for you”.then another 1-2 weeks go by and i have to re-explain the whole mess again.they have charged me for 2 installments,i am no closer today to getting my wages back or resolveing the tax problems than i was when i first called them.i am broke, facing forclosure and the only folks that have made out ok are the irs and txmasters.at this rate of no help from taxmasters i will have repaid the irs by feb thru wage garnishments and bank levies almost all that they claim i owe.
I contacted Tax Masters and spoke to a person telling me that my fee would be $ 850. I went to my appointment, the person was out sick. No one ever called and told me. I called the next day to speak to that person’s supervisor. I have an appointment today but I think I will now cancell! When I spoke to this new person, he was waffeling about the $ 850 that was quoted, incinuating that it could be more. Anyway, I am cancelling my meeting, don’t like the feel of this.
I would ego Tony Carbone’s comments. Hiring an Attorney or CPA is the better option here folks. They are regulated by the State and you don’t need the BBB(not to degrade them–they do a descent job)to air a complaint. I am puzzled how these operations assert “we have attorneys and cpas working for you” but yet — no recource? Having to file a BBB complaint?
An enrolled agent is probably ok. I believe they subject to regulation by the IRS.
Directly hire an Attorney or CPA.
I’ll help anyway I can.
281-598-0313
All who have been ripped-off should contact the Texas Attorney General’s office at (512) 463-2100.
Well….. Here’s more to add to the TaxMasters “saga”……. I filed a complaint with the Houston BBB and - go figure - TaxMasters called me the next day. The lady, Teresa Somethinganother, the “VP of Tax Operations” (apparantly the same person Alex Clamon claimed would contact me after I e-mailed him… yet it took a BBB complaint for her to do so) seemed befuddled at the fact that I had filed a complaint w/the BBB. I recanted my story, same as on here, and she was clueless to the fact that her company had not followed through on their contractual obligations. She said that she would straighten things out, and have her best CPA call me to go over my IRS submissions.
This conversation occured on January 14, and I’ve yet to hear another word from anyone at TaxMasters… a real “shocker”, eh??
Alex…thanks for the email reply 12-24 as referenced in your post above:
Dale-
I will be happy to help you. Our office will not be open until Thursday, December 26. I will forward your request then.
Happy Holidays,
Alex Clamon
TaxMasters
Did you forward the request? It’s been 30 days! I asked for a refund within 12 hours of my very first initial conversation with your company - DOES THAT FIT THE COMPANY 3 DAY RECISSION POLICY? I’ve been waiting for a reponse to my repeated calls and faxes since NOVEMBER…I thank you for your email response, Alex, but it really isn’t much of a response, considering my ongoing efforts with your company. I provided my banking information to your representative based on his request to fax me an authorization form for payment - I rec’d the authorization form the very next day AFTER your company had ALREADY debited my bank account - WITHOUT MY AUTHORIZATION - and after I had made other plans for tax assistance…I am at a loss to understand why my request has been ignored since NOVEMBER except that your company lies and cheats and has no intention of refunding my money…please prove me wrong.
I was advised by the IRS that I was to be audited for the 5th time in 15yrs! I’ve paid the bastards over $70K in the past and didn’t want to pay them any more. I did call Tax Masters and spoke with “Horace.” He sounded very experienced and knew all the right words and we bonded. I paid their fees because I was desperate for help. They sent me a lot of information which was helpfull, I felt they were helping to get the IRS off my back! But I have to say that I was the one who dropped the ball and didn’t communicate with them and let me problems get bigger when they were doing their job. I writing this to say “if you have a tax problem you can’t just give someone your information and forget it.” You’ve got to stay on top of your business and return email and phone calls. These people can’t do anything for you, if you don’t communicate with them. You can’t fault this company for not doing the job you paid them to do if you wait to the LAST minute or day before your audit (like I did) and expect instant results. I called “Horace” to file my complaint. He took the time to let me rant and rave, I’m not sure he heard all of it, he said he was pulling my record up, stated that the company had made several calls to me that according to their records, I had not responded to calls or emails. I checked my incoming mail; and there was several mails from them and I felt real stupid for what I had said to him. So, if you’ve got a IRS problem, don’t ignore it, that’s your first mistake. If you hire Tax Masters don’t ignore their communications for information like I did. After I started getting them what they needed, they founf I had a tax credit of $7500. that the IRS had made a mistake and had “over looked it.” Tax Masters got that credited for me. If you hire some one to help you and you don’t follow their advice and instructions, like I did in the beginning how can you blame them for not doing what you hired them to do? Art.
OMY! I hadn’t read any of this before I hired taxmasters to solve my problems. So far, I think they’ve done a good job since I tired for 6 mnts to settle my problems with the IRS on my own. My dad was the one who sent me to this site and I friked out over what I read! They’ve done a great job of cutting my taxes down to what I can afford to pay and have $ to live own.
There is indeed much insight in what Arthur says but I must point out that, according to the log information, Arthur and DMC are the same person.
omg.. now txbstrds is planting on the blogs?..desperate.Here is the long and short of it, i will file a complaint to day with bbb and state atty general..after sevral weeks of bumbling, txbstrds finally called to say they were ready to get my returns filed and just needed my signature and, ready for this?..just another 95 dollars to expedite forms..lmfao…i said no way, dont have it, and if they took the time to review my emails and v-mails they would have known that..i did what i should have done to begin with ..called the irs..2 calls 1 fax maybe 3 hours total.and the garnishment was lifted, the levies lifted,apologies flowed from them, payment plan setup, can still refile to get monies owed lowerd any overpayments will be credited..and it cost me…8.95 for the fax.thats all..recanted my woes with txbstrds to the irs folks, they said it didnt matter. if i owe , i owe, and no one is going to get the penalties and fines reduced.nor the amount i owe.maybe the interest , but thats it..so, make that call and get started to resolution for free…then get a competent cpa to back you up..i am not psychic, but i do forsee trouble, deep trouble ahead for …you know who
The 2 postings from “arthur” and “dmc” might be the most pathetic attempt at positive PR I’ve ever seen. The statements contradict every other posting on here…….. that TaxMasters is prompt in retuning correspondence and has solved ANYONE’S IRS problems. The grammar and spelling are comical……. it shows you the lengths TaxMasters will attempt to go to in order to mask their identity and incompetence if it was purposely butchered grammatically…. if not, this is the type of person ‘helping’ you when you hire TaxMasters. I suspect the latter
My letter is regarding a refund. Upon initial searching I found nothing locally that was derogatory about Tax Masters. After talking with them and “hiring” them I discovered the Better Business Bureau’s comments and this blog. I contacted them via telphone stating that I wished to cancel their service and requested a refund. I was told to send an email with my request, which I did and to follow that up with a faxed letter, which I did. The email and fax took place on Thursday, February 7th. Today is Monday, February 11th and the money charged to my credit card was returned. I had no problems with them as this blog lead me to believe I would have but I also wasn’t comfortable dealing with a company that has had so many complaints with the BBB that they found it necessary to create a form letter to explain. I believe I’d rather work with someone local also.
Do not do any business with TaxMasters! In March of 2007 I saw the commercial they ran on tv and called them. They faxed over the form to sign and I had them take the $4000.00 out of the account in two payments. They assured me they could get the work done very quickly if I paid in full. I filled out the income information and sent all verification to them. A few weeks went by and I did not hear from them so I called them. They needed updated information, I sent it. A few more weeks went by and I still did not hear from them. I called again. They needed more info. Over and over again I went through this.In December of 2007 the IRS filed leins against us. I called the IRS and they are working with me to resolve our tax issues. You are better off dealing with the IRS yourself. I have been trying to get my money back from Taxmasters. They keep refusing. I am ready to start legal proceedings against them. If anyone else would like to join please contact me at linnbarner@hotmail.com.
i’m sorry i could not agree more w/ Douglas
Tax Master’s literally fucked us. Back in November my boyfriend received notification from the IRS. Went down to our local IRS office and filed 2001-2006 taxes. IRS wanted they wanted to set him up on a monthly plan of like $600.00 a month for 5 years. (I think he owed 36000.00) We didn’t accept that then decided to find legal help. I had seen their commercial on CNN, FOX News etc………… so I figure it was an honest company .Called and spoke w/ Adele Moorehead (CPA) about the company she explained they’re their success rate. She was good. There probably wasn’t 1 question I didn’t ask and she was answering all of the correct. (So I had thought) she said if we couldn’t come up with the 4300.00 all at once then we could do 4 monthly payments of 937.00 So we decided to hire Tax Master’s. AFTER we paid the 1st monthly payments she sent us the contract. About 1 week later still have not received the contract call Adele and she faxed me a copy of the contract and I had to sign it and fax back. 2 WEEKS later I received the contract that was sent and my address was WRONG!! (RED FLAG) Tax Master had explained that it was important to send them the Power of attorney so we would be in this “umbrella of protection” About 1 week later I received another bill for 1500.00 dollars along with a letter that Sonya Green was our coordinator contact and if we had any questions contact her .So I call to inquire about the new charges. They had charged $800.00 to file his 2006 return and 750.00 because he was in ACS collections. Now remind you his 2006 returns were filed with the IRS. I advised her that 2006 was already filed she informed me that the when they did the consultation with the IRS they didn’t have a copy and for us to fax a copy of 2006 returns. Probably 1 week after that he received Notice of Levy. Called and faxed copy to TM would call to see if they received it nobody ever returned calls, even tho Sonya was my direct coordinator never spoke to her just who ever answered the phone, which was not that often the phones was always forward to the on call center. About 1 month past and we get a new letter saying that Shawn Quinn is now our case coordinator and that he can answer any concerns gave his e-mail, direct extension( which is extension was wrong ) . So I called now remind you were still receiving notice form the IRS about the Levy we probably got 3 @ this point and 2 months of payments that were still sitting in the bank. You guys know how the rest work. Never speak to Quincy speak to 20 other coordinators, no one returns calls. Fast-forward to January 16th. My boyfriend’s boss drives 2 hours to bring him this notice to garnish wages which will leave him 50 dollars a week. The IRS is going to garnish 775.00 week. Call Quincy and he explains that if I send him the 433 A form w/ all expenses and receipts (which isn’t suppose to be sent in until 2/5/08) by the end of the week he’ll stop the levy and also explains to me that TM really doesn’t start working on your case until all payment are paid in full) Again November’s is paid December and January are still sitting in my bank account. Go home I stay awake all night to get this paper work together the next morning fax a 60 page fax. Call and e-mail him to call me as soon as he receives it. 2 hours later I get an e-mail conformation that if received the fax and e-mail I sent. So I don’t think anything of it except they’re taking care of it. So that following Monday still doesn’t hear anything form TM so I call and follow up. Quincy didn’t ever REMEMBER seeing the 60 page fax. Didn’t know where it was, when I had sent it NOTHING. He finally finds it and reassures up the garnish won’t take place. On Wednesday my boyfriend’s payroll calls and say she has not heard anything from our TM and she needs to garnish his check. Tried to call TM all day. Left about 30 messages with on call center. No body ever called me back. The next call was to my bank to stop payments on those 2 checks. So finally that Wednesday Kristy calls my boyfriend and tells him that she did the “Offer in Compromise “and the IRS agreed upon$ 650.00 a week for 5 years. That was 50.00 more than what the IRS offered us back in November. So we paid 4300.00 to have an increase in what the IRS was asking in the first place. I went off. At one point I even had coordinator tell me I should’ve accepted the fist offer the IRS offered us. I was ugly I cussed everybody out and then Filed a compliant w/ HBBB, called General Attorney. I even wrote an e-mail to CNN, FOX etc………. about Tax Masters .Went back to the IRS and accepting 674.00 a month for 5 years. We all need to get together and seriously file a law suite against Tax Masters. There ripping people off.
Arthur you’re full of shit
I am not finished with Tax Masters, but if you are thinking of doing business with them, I would not recommend it. My experience so far: The $500 preliminary IRS meeting is a joke. I had an extension in place for the current year, and they wanted me to send in another $250 and my w-2 form to file the tax return. This is after sending in $4500 for 3 year audit. I have not had a w-2 in the past 10 years. As a small business person, If I could get my return done for $250 I would be very happy! I’m afraid it would take more than a w-2 to file the return. The first power of attorney document was rejected by the IRS because the person was not registered with them.
My local IRS office sent me letters stating that their calls were not being returned by Tax Masters. My personal experience of trying to communicate with Tax Masters has been very frustrating. I cannot simply return a call. The first step is to have my client records “brought up”. This can take from 3 to 5 minutes. Often, their request to “hold on moment, please” means you’re stuck listing to lousy piped in music for at least 20 minutes, without any contact back from the receptionist. Then, finally, “I’m sorry, they are not available at this time.” This happens when the party just called, and you are just trying to return the call. My email questions can go for more than two weeks, unanswered. I have had three different contact people assigned to the case.
They want another $96 to file an appeal, but have not done any real work, yet. I have directly asked for “strategy” feed back, but have not had as much as a return phone call from a key person….just another service rep.
Alex and the sales staff talk all the right talk, but the operations folks were not able to move the case to Houston, as suggested in the sales pitch. So, now I think I might need to start looking for a real Firm that at least knows what a customer is, and how a relationship works. Tax Masters has not put the customer in their Business Scam….I mean Plan.
Teresa-
Honestly…… are you kidding me? I spoke with you on February 4th. You claimed you would “expedite (my returns) immediately. 8 days later… no returns?? I think you and your “company” are as inept as you are fraudulent. Speaking with you clarified what I have thought all along…….. that TAXMasters is a group of bumbling halfwits who couldn’t resolve or negotiate their way out of a wet paper bag, let alone an IRS situation.
If, as I suspect, you have not “expedited” my returns - as you assured me - please keep them. I have already retained a local tax attorney (as I certainly should have done in the first place) to resolve my IRS issues.
Please return the $4550.00 I paid your “company”, as you have done absolutely nothing for me, besides waste nearly 9 months of my time.
Sincerely,
Douglas A. Weaver
Thank God I located this blog. I just called Tax Masters today and listened to this guy talk and talk and talk. He finally told me t would cost me $5500 payable in 4 months. I told him forget it I will try my luck again with either H&R Block or tax attorney. They do dangle a lot of carrots in front of you like you willonly have to pay 13 cents on the dollar you owe, etc.
He definitely wanted me to give him something today but I said I didn’t have it.
Good Luck to everyone and thanks so much as I do ot have money to waste on a scam.
Alex:
Rod, your billing supervisor, tells me you forwarded my refund request to him…I’VE BEEN SPEAKING WITH ROD SINCE SEPTEMBER - he has been telling me for months that the request has been ‘processed’ and is on Patrick Cox’s desk for signature…I was on hold just now while Rod went to Cox’s office to ask about the ’status’ but apparently he couldn’t get in to see him…more than you’ve done Alex.
This company is a fucking joke. They do nothing but rob people. Every supervisor I had ever spoken to was extremely uneducated and had a piss poor attitude, I cant believe the kind of people they answering the phones. Granted now, I know some of them are just doing their job and they are not at fault for working for a shitty company, and you have to feel sorry for these poor saps, they are just trying to make ends meat. But do it for a legit company.
You know the positive feedback placed on here was put on by a worker at tax masters, why the fuck else would something positive be on here about such a shitty company.
Yes, I pointed out the shill when he/she commented just like I’ll point out now that you sound like one of those employees you described who recently left TaxMasters. You’re not Alex are you?
I to have been ripped off by Taxmasters,
my audit date was Feb 6 2008 and after
numerous phone calls to taxmasters prior
to Feb 6 was assured by the staff everything was under control, but Feb 6
came and IRS called and said Taxmasters
had never contacted them in regards to my
audit, only after I called to complain
did the attorney (if he is an attorney)
called and rescheduled. I new then I was
in trouble and had been scammed. i called once again and said I wanted to
terminate and send me my money back.
Now they are trying to say they did
nothing wrong. Hopefully the Attorney
General will respond.
has anyone looked into civil action lawsuit?
I am disturbed by the numerous negative postings here but $200 per hour for an H&R Block representative? Please contact me at 310-704-2211 if you are having difficulties in dealing with the IRS or your state revenue service. Being a California State Certified Public Accountant (License #86876) I am bound to provide quality service or incur complaints filed with the California State Board of Accountancy. I have been negotiating with taxing authorities for ten years. Phone me and lets at least talk.
Steve
We received notice in June of 2007 that my husband was being audited. We retained Tax Masters to represent us since he did not have every receipt for all of the expenses that were deducted. They assured us that a reasonable amount has to be given if we could prove the supplies were used. We felt more comfortable having “someone who knew what they were doing” to take of everything for us.
We paid the initial $500 on a credit card and agreed to pay the rest in two installments. We sent all of our documentation and then the contact came to a screeching halt. We called and called and called to make sure they received everything and we did not need to do anything else. Ms. Sharp was alway out of the office, on another line or just not available.
Two days before out audit was to take place we received a call saying we had to pay another $500 for book keeping fees. We paid the fees and two days after the audit we received a letter from the IRS that nobody represented us at the audit and we owed over $60,000. the receptionis I spoke with at Tax Masters said Ms. Sharp was unavailable and that the letter had not come through mail therefore they did not have it yet. we were assured that we did not need to be alarmed and that everything was being taken care of.
We continued to call two or three times a week and never got a return phone call. In September Clyde Miller called and said he had been recently assigned to our case and we needed to pay an additional $500 book keeping fee. When I told him we had already paid that fee he looked and saw that we had paid but the book keeping had not been done. Imagine that! He had the book keeping done but the next deadline came and went and nothing was resolved. When I finally contacted Mr. Miller again he said he had applied for reconsideration and if they denied it we would have to go to appeals which would cost us another $5000. I told him if that is what it came to, I wanted our documentation back and we would go somewhere else, I was not going to pay more money when they hadn’t done anything yet.
We received a notice of deficiency from the IRS and had until Feb. 18 to respond or we would owe over $70,000.00. When we were finally able to get through to Mr. Miller he again said he had sent our file to the IRS and was waiting for a response.
We called the IRS auditor that sent the original letter and found that he had had the same problem getting them to get back to him and that they had received to documentation and had recalculated the figures. He overnighted the papers to us about three weeks ago. We looked them over and saw the Tax Masters had only sent them a file with our exact receipts and had not asked for the reasonable allowances we had paid them to ask for. So we paid Tax Masters $4000.00 to overnight our receipts and paperwork to them so they could in turn wait for almost eight months, allowing over $1500 in additional interest and penalties to accrue before turning around and mailing our receipts to the IRS. That’s pretty expensive mail service if you ask me.
i have been screwed too. i am a tax idiot and have gotten myself into trouble with the irs. no filing, non payment, etc. i want to fix things so i call tax masters. i get a great story from them and hire them thinking they are going to help , paying them 600.00 a month till 4000.00is paid. i keep getting letters from irs and i cant ever get through the company. i dont know what to do so i want to ask questions. i finally talk to someone and they say nothing really happens until i am paid in full. i have already given them 2400.00 and i should have mailed it to the irs. no return calls,bad advice,etc… i am barely making it as it is and i have been takrn advantage of. anyone who calls these people are desperate and apparantly are making this situations worse. i really feel stupid. can anyone help. thesuper_super@yahoo.com
I to have been ripped off. I’m filling a complaint with the HBBB. IT’S A DAMN SHAME TO SEE A SCUM BAG OPERATION LIKE TIS STILL IN BUSINESS . I,m going to write my congressman to get another angle on these SCUM BAGS. THEN I SUGGEST WE TRY TO GET ON TO AS MANY RADIO TALK SHOWS AS POSSIBLE TO GET THE WORD OUT ABOUT THESE ABSOLUTE SCUM BAGS. DO NOT BE EMBARRAST
If you scum bags at tax masters see this I will not rest until I see you out of business and behind bars with tiny,screaming in the showers. “presious” If there are any other good people out there who want to fight these scum bags contact me at jaytech4neri@yahoo.com
This is a copy of the letter sent to tax masters.
From: Jessica Goodenough [mailto:jessicagoodenough@comcast.net]
Sent: Monday, February 25, 2008 7:28 PM
To: ‘info@txmstr.com’
Cc: ‘alex.clamon@txmstr.com’
Subject: My issue with your company
My name is Jessica Goodenough I hired your company in July of 2007. I paid $1,000.00 that day and set up payments for the remaining balance of $687.50 for four months. I was told by Ken Pratt that you guys would negotiate with the IRS to get my 2005 taxes reduced from around $34,000 to %15 of that. I agreed to hire you as my attorneys. I paid the amount due by December 31, 2007 and completed your information. Ken Pratt also advised me not to talk to the IRS because Tax masters are my attorney. He also instructed me not to pay the IRS any more money. I was paying them $400.00 a month
I received 1 call from Samuel Hamilton in Late October or Early November I can’t remember. I returned his call immediately and continued calling every week. I left messages with him directly and with the receptionist. I finally received a letter from the IRS directly stating that I have not complied with them or have responded to any of their letters. I contacted Tax masters immediately and waited until I talked to a live person instead of leaving voicemails. I was able to get a hold of person and they told me to send the letter to them immediately. I faxed the letter to them on December 31, 2007. I still had not received a call from Samuel Hamilton. I continued to call Tax masters every week until I finally got a call back February 14, 2008. I did my interview with Samuel Hamilton and faxed all of the information he required that same day to finish up my file. I asked him what was going to happen with the letter from the IRS that stated they were going to Levy my accounts. He said they filed something with the IRS and the IRS wouldn’t Levy my account. I had faith in the company and hoped that I wasn’t scammed.
I woke up Saturday morning February 23, 2008 checked my bank accounts to find out the IRS Levied my accounts and left me with a penny in my savings account and a penny in my checking account. Do you know what it feels like to be a single mother of two who’s working 2 jobs to make ends meet to have no money at all? I had to borrow money from a friend to get gas money so I could go to work that day. It feels like somebody just robbed you at gunpoint.
I tried to contact Tax Masters on Saturday of coarse the Attorneys didn’t work them. I started calling Monday morning at around 6:30 am Pacific Standard time and left messages with the receptionist. In the mean time I contacted the IRS to check the status of my file. The IRS informed me that there wasn’t a form 2484 on file with the IRS (this is the form authorizing the IRS to correspond with Tax Masters on my behalf). She also told me that no one has contacted them regarding my file. That I ignored all letters from the IRS and forced the IRS to levy my accounts. I finally had to call as if I were a new client in order to physically talk to someone. I talked to the head of the consulting or whoever she said she was today 02/25/08 around 1pm Pacific. I explained to her my situation and there was nothing she could do except, leave a message with my case worker and Samuel Hamilton. She insinuated the reason the IRS levied my accounts was due to my not completing my financial interview with Samuel Hamilton. I explained to her that the information was faxed on the 14th and I called the following day and left a message that it was there. She also said the IRS levied my account because I didn’t continue to make the installment payments. I told her Ken Pratt told me not to make the payments anymore. I also explained to her what the IRS told me. She told me the IRS was wrong and lied to me. She said they contacted the IRS in July of 2007 and that the IRS corresponded with them. I told her to fax me anything from the IRS to them that had my name on it or my social security number on it to prove they contacted the IRS on my behalf. She couldn’t produce anything for me. She told me they wouldn’t have anything from the IRS with my name on it. I explained to her I wanted some sort of documentation from them to show the IRS was contacted. She then told me that the IRS is the one who wasn’t complying and by law they weren’t doing their job. I expressed to her, no they did their job, and they took all of my money. I can’t understand how a company that I paid nearly $4,000 to protect and represent me could let my file fall through the cracks and allow my accounts to be levied. She then started to pacify me by saying she would contact my case worker and Samuel Hamilton to find out what was going on with my account. She also tried to tell me she understood my pain. I don’t believe anyone could understand my pain. I’m a single mother with 2 kids who sells real estate. The year in questions with my taxes was a great year in Real Estate. If anyone has watched the news they know the real estate market has gone down significantly. I’ve made 50% less income the last 2 years and couldn’t catch up to pay my taxes. I understand it’s my fault that I didn’t pay all of my taxes, But I hired Tax Masters to help rectify this problem so I could move on with my life. I work two jobs to make ends meet, had to borrow the money to pay Tax masters and am falling behind on all of my other bills. So you can’t comprehend how it feels to wake up with no money and two kids, look them in the eye and tell them we can’t buy food or anything. I told her I wanted a full refund on my account because they didn’t do their job. I feel tax Masters breached the contract. I upheld my end of the bargain and will be contacting the Attorney General and the Better Business Bureau for Houston and my area. I’m also going to contact my local news company to see if they will air this story so other people in my situation won’t be taken. I’ve done quite a bit of research as of today and found there are a lot of other people who were treated badly and filed complaints with tax masters. I will contact every single one of them and try to file the class action law suit with them.
I would appreciate a call back from anyone at Tax Masters. You can contact me directly at 253-222-0998 or via email.
Thanks,
Jessica M Goodenough
TaxMasters may be a predator but make no mistake, it was the government that robbed you by gunpoint. In this at least you are not alone.
Just so everyone knows I filed a complaint with the BBB and the Attorney General of Texas. They gave me the number of the District Attorney for Harris County. I contacted them and was told there is an open investigation with Tax Masters. I suggest if you haven’t already contact Elizabeth Wittington at 713-755-5836 to file a complaint you should. We should expose this company for who they really are. She called me immediately and sent the questionaire to my house. I would love to file a class action Law suit against this company. You can email directly at jessicagoodenough@comcast.net with any questions.
Thanks, I’ll keep you posted!!!
yes this is what I’m talking about these scum bags finally screwed with enough of the right people not sheeple. They count on people being embarrassed, first of all about being in the tax situations that we are in. Then as the true shysters they are, count on you to be too embarrassed to fight them back. But as any common criminal they are cowards, and caught by their own greed. It’s only when good, hardworking people stand up to be counted , will these cowards crawl back under the rocks from where they came. I am by far no coward and certainly not embarrassed of any choices I have made. If they want a fight lets have at it. I will fly to Houston to witness these cowards sentencing hearing, though I dought its there first. Anyone else that wants to join in on, or let me in on a fight in pr ogress email me. jaytech4neri@yahoo.com
Is pat cox an alien? I’m convinced he is.
Still no response from Alex Claman; I can’t wait to see this company run out of business.
I,have paid 8,600.00 to JKharris,and have been basically set aside. So if you have paid to have your tax problem go away then good luck. They make it sound so good. I believe it would have been better if i would have paid the IRS the 8,600.00. Live and learn,at 62 it is a hard lesson to learn. There is no mercy in some people, Thank be to God, at least he does show his mercy. Maybe a class action law suit would slow these business down,and cause them to close.I know this sound bad but they seem to prey on those who really need help.
Asking for Suggestions. We just gave Taxmsts the first paymt of 1,000 to start dealing with a tax problem. After we got a really weird call back from someone claiming to be with TaxMasters and when we call back we just get in permanent hold to be eventually answered by a voice mail. I started investigaing and found this blog. Before putting a complaint with the HBBB or District Attorney, do you think we need to first cancel their service in writing and ask for a refund?
If you actually read all these comments, or even some of them, it is hard to believe you are being serious. Stop the check or dispute the credit card transaction and run like hell. If you paid in cash, too bad. You are probably out a thousand bucks.
I heard Bill O’Reilly personally doing a sales pitch for TaxMasters today on the radio. I wrote Bill to make him aware of the type of company he is promoting…. if enough people complain, it will hit Taxmasters where it hurts most… in the wallet.
Dear Mr. O’Reilly,
I was very disappointed you personally running a sales pitch for TaxMasters, of Houston,TX, today on your radio show. TaxMasters is a disreputable, if not outright fraudulent, company. I am one of a plethora of people who have been swindled by this company (see:http://www.enormousincongruities.com/2006/02/22/tax-masters/).
The Houston Better Business Bureau states “Based on BBB files, this company has an unsatisfactory record with the BBB due to unresolved complaint(s). This company has 12 pending complaints. The BBB reports on closed complaints only in the total number of complaints listed below. Please check back with us in 30 days to find out the outcome of these pending complaints.
This company has an unsatisfactory report for a pattern of complaint activity regarding refunds and service. Taxmasters has a very specific refund policy. Company officials have stated in replies to complaints that they do not issue refunds because the company provides immediate advice and information on how to address the client’s tax issues.
BBB complaints allege consumers are required to pay for the company’s service before the company releases a copy of the contract and their policies for the consumer to review and sign. Once the consumer’s account is charged they are then sent documents to review and are asked to sign the contract. According to the company, the $500 fee is for an IRS consultation. According to Taxmasters, the initial fee is not refunded unless company officials feel they “drop the ball”. Consumers have stated that they were not advised that the fees are nonrefundable in the initial call to the company. As a general rule, the BBB recommends consumers ask any company they are doing business with about their refund, return, and/or exchange policy in advance of authorizing payment. The company has stated that their refund policy is clearly outlined on the documents that are faxed to the consumers.
The BBB processed a total of 87 complaints about this company in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. Of the total 87 complaints in the last 36 months, 61 of those were closed in the last 12 months.” And, this is only the Houston area BBB. I’m certain there are many, many more dissatisfied clients, as TaxMasters does business nationwide.
Please be more particular about the companies you personally advertise for. I’d hate to see a reprehensible company like TaxMasters tarnish your outstanding reputation.
Sincerely,
Douglas Weaver
Vero Beach, FL
I am so encouraged now that I have found this website. Based on their fancy website and supporting ads by various prominent talk show hosts, I was seriously considering signing on with TaxMorons. I, of course, was suspicious after a lengthy conversation with their sales rep. He went on and on, and eventually I cinvinced him to send me a detailed description of services: they wanted $750 for an IRS Consultation Fee, $750 for an ACS Collections Case Fee, and $3750 for a Settlement Analysis. He wanted me to pay $1500 down and a credit card number for the remaining $3750 in 4 installments with absolutely no real commitments or guarantees of service. He stated that they would “probably or more than likely” be able to settle my claim for $0.13 on the dollar.
Again, this site simply confirms my hesitation and I will not give them a dime of my money. I just emailed my contact (interestly his name is Alex as well, but with a different last name than posted previously) and told him that I would not be doing business with them. I also encouraged him to check out this website and even gave him the link. Maybe he will see what people think about his company.
I will be dealing with a local tax attorney on my dilema. Good luck to all.
AlV
I forgot to ad this one sentence reply that Alex emailed me after I initially told him that I was also seeking local tax assistance:
“Al, The difference from a local attorney and with our entire firm of X IRS attorney is that Mrs. Pitre which was the Head collection and audit for the IRS and knows the in and out of the IRS would be working on your file and is extremely successful.”
If that incoherent, run-on sentence doesn’t confirm the type of individual that is pitching for TaxMorons, I am not sure what will.
As expected, I received a reply from Alex at TaxMasters after I told him I would look elsewhere for assistance: “Hello Al, As you see this is a forum and what they are saying is not always accurate and there is a reply to any debate. Bill O’ Reilly and Denis Miller personally endorses us and attaches there reputation to us and we are following the FCC rules. We can be seen on CNN and MSNBC plus numerous channels we are on which shows our success or we would not be able to pay for these advertisements.”
Another well written response — Pun intended.
NOTE: I also sent a note to Dennis Miller encouraging him to quit endorsing these guys. I hear his ad frequently and he was the one that initially turned me on to TaxMasters.
First of all I encourage all victims of taxmasters to call Elizabeth Wittington, Texas Attorney General, Harris County, at
713-755-5836. They are doing a criminal investigation of taxmasters to determine if they’re making fraudulent claims or not performing services promised. They need eveidence. Please contact them. I was victimized by Ken Pratt, who lied to me about what Taxmasters could do. I canceled any services from them after reading this blog, but of course, no refund. COMPLAIN EVERYONE!! LET’S MAKE THEIR LIFE HELL.
We faxed a letter to Tax Masters, at their request, stating that we would like to discontinue our service with them and that we would like to have all of our documentation that we sent them back. We talked to the IRS personally and have already signed papers with them on the amount we have to pay, which is $2000 more that it would have been when we hired Tax Masters because of their procrastination; not to mention the documentation they didn’t submit for review. Anyway, the letter was faxed several weeks ago and they have not even had the consideration to call, email, or send the documentation that we requested from them.
If anyone from Tax Masters is reading this, we would appreciate a return phone call or email, Clyde Miller has both. We have tried to call several times but have only been able to leave voice mails which you must not listen to. Or maybe you just don’t respond to them.
Pure thieves at Tax Masters. I tried calling the fraud division at the DA and their mailbox is full. No doubt with Tax Masters complaints. I will keep trying!
I have received a letter from the IRS for an audit and wanted to seek profesional help. When I called Taxmasters, they wanted to have my banking card number immediatly, which I found quite weird.
When I did ask to see a contract before doing so, their representative took more time trying to convince me to give my credit card # than to ask questions on my case.
I decided not to work with them.
Please be very careful when dealing with these people.
May want to also file complaints in Fort Bend County. The business operates out of Harris County, but is possibly registered in Fort Bend.
very helpful blog! spoke w/ tax master just this a.m. - hey folks, i’m not at a time share purchase seminar! back off with the “down payment” pressure! yea right, “then we’ll send a contract and authorization for poa…” very programmed operation here. as soon as i balked, i got the pitty story of how they have to deal with a client base of dead beats living in crisis, who won’t pay the irs and so therefore can’t be trusted to pay them… ironically my next call was to a local h&r block office, which very professionally refered me to the proper sources in that organization who can address my needs - in person. whew. i feel alot better esp after noting the post from the individual who commented on “legitimate” tax services. good luck y’all.
I too have been scammed by this company. I just spoke to Elizabeth Whittington with the Harris County District Attorney’s office. They are in fact actively investigating TaxMasters and she will mail you a form to fill out and send back. I encourage anyone who has had similar experiences to contact Ms. Whittington @ 713-755-5836.
As with so many other people, I wish I would have seen this website in January when I signed up with Tax Masters. There is not enough space on this blog for me to document my endless complaints regarding this company but thanks to all for Elizabeth Whitington’s information. I already contacted her and she evern had to chuckly when I said I was calling about Tax Masters. Add me to the list. If anyone has done any actual research on the class action lawsuit, pls contact me at: bettinalivelula@gmail.com
Here is another website for complaints… we should get the word out as much as possible. We may not get our money back but we can save other people from making the same mistake we made:
http://www.complaintsboard.com/bysubcategory/tax-services.html
Has anyone experienced any identity theft after having given them all their personal info? They coerced me into giving me all kinds of personal info over the phone before they mailed me the stuff. Fortunately, I didn’t pay any money yet and found this website after being told by another tax person that these guys were shysters and cancelled my “case”.
Can anyone let me know if any weird things happened after handing over all the info to them?
i wish i would have found this before i have been trying to work with taxmasters since august 07 once they were paid in full about 2000.00 just for services they acted like they were working cause they called and needed more info which i faxed immiediately and was even told my returns were finished over the last 3 weeks i have been told by 3 different people that they were in the mail and one time i called back and said i owed them 120.00 for returned checks thats why i havent recived my returns so i gave them my credit card info “mistake” to take care of the returned checks and was promised my returns would be in the mail that afternoon and now thats been over a week and a half i called today 3/28/08 to check and i got a hold of someone but they told me they would see what was going on and give me a call asap
as usual no returned call called back this evening was on hold for 45 min waiting to be connected to a rep and gave up and left message ive been needing these returns because im trying to buy a house. i dont recommend them at all they have done nothing for me and now tomorrow i am going to h&r block to have them do what ive been trying to get done for months dont give them any money cause i know it will probobly cost me more time and money to fight to get my money back than what i am already out if anyone is pursuing a law suit i would be very interested these people take advantage of people trying to take care of problems when all they seem to do is create more problems! hope many people read before hiring wish i did. dc
DO NOT HIRE THIS COMPANY - They are incompetent. This company is nothing but a scam operation that will take your money and do nothing for it. They claim that their clients don’t get them the info in a timely manner. That was not the case with me. I hired them on 3/3/08 advised them of my meeting with the IRS agent on 3/7/08 @ 8:30am CST 3 times. They advised me not to go to the meeting they would handle it. They did not make the call and the IRS agent called me irate, thinking I had blown them off. When I called and spoke with Thelma Coleman, Lucky Baldwin and Autry Griggs. I got 3 different answers as to what happened and all 3 of them were lies. They contaceted the IRS agent while I was on hold with him and spent 3 minutes on the phone (which they later claimed was hours). Autry Griggs told the agent he would Fax the POA to him later that afternoon and I would bring the info he needed to him the following Monday. When I got to my meeting on Monday, Autry had not faxed the POA over as he said he would. I called them again and got put into voicemail, put on hold etc. I did not get to speak to anyone until I told them I wanted to cancel my contract with them. I then got to speak with Lucky Baldwin, who is not in charge on Refunds (last time I talked with her, she was working with Autry on my case. They informed me they had the wrong fax number, even though I faxed them the agents business card, printed by the IRS, so I think the fax number was correct.
The IRS agent actually made a suggestion to me on how I could get out of my situation in the best manner and when I spoke with Autry about that, he didn’t even know what I was talking about, so he would need to refer me to one of their Lawyers, Rod Garrick (who later I found out was a para-legal and not an attorney). 1 week passed and they only time I heard from them was when I called them. I asked them if they wanted info from me and they said no they didn’t need it. The contract said they would fill out a form that was required and I had to bug them to get a 3 minute phone conversation to answer 2 questions on the form. We started comunicating via email and I kept asking for options and they refused to give them to me. They were only willing to go 1 route. The direction the IRS agent suggested and they were unable to come up with themselves.
By the following Monday, I determined these people were totally incapable of helping me, as the only thing they could do was take money and cancelled with them. I contacted them and faxed over a letter that I was cancelling their services. I called them and told them I wanted a refund for the services not performed. I acknowledged they had done some work as incompetent as it was but wanted a refund for what the contract said they would do (current or in the future) and I was giving to the person in charge on refunds (Rod Garrick). It amazes me how many different job titles these people have. I was informed that Autry Griggs had spent hours on the phone with the IRS agent discussing my case. All lies, the agent told me 2 phone calls for maybe 15 mintues total. They also said they had spent hours researching my case, but refused to share the info or send it to me. When I asked to speak to a supervisor they refused. So now I am out 6,000 for nothing but them screwing up more than my dog would of.
I haved filed a claim on them with my States Attorney General, do not go the BBB, they really can’t do too much to help you. If all the people they have screwed over file a claim, maybe something will be done with this company and they will get shut down and the sleezes that work there will all be unemployed.
I have never in my life dealt with ruder or more incompetent people. Do not under any circumstances hire these people unless you want to be in a worse situation then you already are and want to be out a lot of money
Maybe if yall would pay your taxes and not try to defraud the government yall would not be in these kind of problems….lol
That’s rich, David. You don’t happen to be associated with one of these tax help outfits, do you?
How about we just send everything we got to the government and they can send us back what they think we need? No questions asked since the government is so nice and honest.
I am glad I found this web site. My wife is leaving the IRS after 32 years. She is management and deals with exactly the kinds of issues most of you speak about. She would like to remain employed for 4 more years (just not with the Federal Government) and i am helping her look for a job in her field.
I can assure you she wont be applying with Tax Masters. Two things I can tell you 1. You need to deal with the Tax Advocates office on most of these issues and they are required to return calls within 24 hours so Tax Masters has no excuse and 2 unless you are unemployed, have no future prospects, no assets, and you r assessment date is getting close to 10 years, the IRS WILL NOT settle for 13 cents on the dollar or anywhere close to that.
OMG! I have lost sleep and $5400 over this taxmaster nightmare. My story is the same as everyone else’s. I have had 8 different reps from taxmasters in as many months. I finally fired them and asked for a refund for services not done. Rod Garrett promptly sent a letter that I was not entitled to any refund. I would very much like to enter a class action suit against these asswipes. Please contact me at pepperstlouis@hotmail.com
Debra contact Elizabeth Whittington at the Harris County Distric Attorney’s office. They’re doing a criminal investigation of Taxmasters. Her number is 713 755 5836
I found this blog tonight after I hired Taxmasters last November. After $4,000 and 5 months, the IRS levied everything I have. I went into the local IRS office and we set up a payment plan and stopped the levies. I am trying to get my money back since they did nothing but give me bad advice. According to the IRS they did not even file a power of attorney with them. Everything else they informed they were doing on my behalf was a lie as well. I sent a certified letter trying to get my money back. Of course they responded they don’t give refunds since I signed an agreement. I contacted Alex tonight via email after finding him on this blog. We’ll see if he responds.
After some internal investigations, many of you would be interested to know that this company grosses over $40million a year. The owner even drives a custome made convertible Bentley! They have a sales team which makes 10% of every contract they lock you into. However, they also have an “operations” team where most of them make less than $25k a year.
Sounds like no one is getting rich except for the top hogs.
At an average fee of $5,000, a salesman would have to close a deal a day — every day — to make $135,000 per year. I doubt anyone can close a deal a day and I also bet there is very high turnover and a typical salesperson wont last a year.
If you got any pictures of the Fat Bastard in his Bentley, I’d sure love to put them up here for everyone to see.
Oddly enough Alex never responded. Doesn’t matter. My story is that I hired them in November, by March I was going into levy and no one from Taxmasters could tell me what they were doing to stop it. No one answered the phones and no one resonded to email so I went to the IRS office and set up payments to get my paychecks back. The IRS said Taxmasters never filed a power of attorney, or set up a hearing. The response I got to my request for a refund was basically that I was dumb enough to sign the contract, I get no refund. They honestly feel once they dupe you enough to get you to agree to pay them their obligation to you is over. I have filed complaints with the BBB, Attorneys General of SC,TX, and Harris County. Here are new folks to complain to. The IRS wants us to report companies that abuse the OIC or offer in compromise program. Address is IRS Office of Professional Resposibility, 1111 Constitution Ave, Washington DC 20224
Also thanks to Debra informing me of JK Harris’ lawsuit I did some research and found the suing attorneys for that case are in my area. I am contacting them to see if they are interested in another.
Sorry the address for the IRS is
1111 Constitution Ave, NW Washington DC 20224
Send them a letter if you’ve been taken by this company.
Thank you! I was thinking about calling them-but now I won’t!!
After doing some research, I think this whole “tax assistance” market is a total scam. I went to Ripoff Report and found a plethora of complaints against several different companies: Taxmasters, Roni Deutsch, Power TAx Relief, etc….. including 212 complaints against JK Harris. I find it hard to fathom that the government hasnt shut these bogus companies down yet.
I think you are correct.
JK Harris was sued big time. It would seem that this type of thing should be shut down, but these guys studied the law and found loopholes everywhere and exploit them. I heard back from the BBB today. Apparently there is a hefty charge for them to look at my tax returns, then send me a letter stating how much I owe. I already knew that, I sent them to you. Also they are claiming that it just so happens that the day I went to the IRS to set up payments and remove my liens, is the same day the filed for collections due process hearing. If I would have only allowed my home, car and paychecks to be levied they would have helped. Since I had to take matters into my own hands to keep food on my table, it’s all my fault. The IRS won’t release your account information without a subpoena so you can’t even try to disprove what they say. These guys are some of the best con-men out there.
The executive job searches are the same thing.
Really? You mean those sites for over $100k jobs? Man they must really get off conning people with those types of educations.
These outfits don’t prey on stupid people, they prey on desperate ones. Ambitious people don’t rob the poor.
Update:
On January 18, 2008, the BBB report on Taxmasters of Houston, TX stated: “The BBB processed a total of 76 complaints about this company in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period.”
As of April 18, 2008 : “The BBB processed a total of 104 complaints about this business in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period.”
Apparently, more and more ’satisfied’ customers used TaxMasters!!
As one seeks to resolve difficult financial issues with the IRS, decisions about who to retain are critically important. Avoid those companies that take advantage of people at their most vulnerable time. Thank you to all of you who have posted on the site. The internet is a powerful tool to expose such companies that exploit consumers.
Tax masters never had a liberal refund policy. Please be very wary of their free consulting. Do not give out credit card number. Be very specific about what kind of fees you are going to pay. Always ask them a refund policy in writing before doing any business with them. John Smith
YOU ARE BETTER OFF DEALING WITH THE IRS YOURSELF IN UNFILED RETURNS. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS PAYING THE ‘NOT FILING ON TIME PENALTIES’ & THIS PENALITIES WILL PROBABLY BE WAY LESS THAN PAYING SOMEONE (TAXMASTERS) $5000.00 IN FULL BEFORE THEY CAN DO ANYTHING FOR YOU 9 MONTHS LATER. I SUGGEST ANYONE WITH UNFILED TAX PROBLEMS, IF HE/SHE CANNOT DO IT HERSELF, GO TO HR BLOCK MAIN OFFICE HAVE THEM DO IT IN A TIMELY MANNER. AT LEAST YOU CAN CANCELL IF YOU DON’T LIKE THEIR SVC AND NOT LOSING THOUSAND OF DOLLARS.
I felt desperate, I suffered for months paying for what I thought was a solution. They did nothing, they do nothing. Today I found out they lost a fax with crucial information needed to handle my case resulting in missing a IRS deadline. I’m so screwed! I have no more money. From what I read and have heard- the IRS has no sympathy. The person from the Attorney Generals office (Elizabeth Whittington) is out until May 20th. Kinda feels like I’m dealing with Tax Masters again…
you will all be thrilled to know that Mr. Cox and Mr.Clamon recently returned from a two week hunting trip to Argentina and Mr. Cox recently purchased a TWO MILLION DOLLAR HOME!!!!!!
You sound like a disgruntled employee.
you sound like a tax masters employee/apologist…….
I have been reading this blog page about taxmasters and myself was looking to possibly hiring them but have since voided that thinking. I live in the Fort Worth area and was wondering if anyone knows a good tax attorney in this area? I would appreciate it.
Thanks.
Thank god for google and blogs like this. I just searched the last three commercials on tv: ditech.com, american tax relief and green bags. All have dozens if not hundreds of complaints. It may be time to change the old saying “If it sounds too good to be true it probably is” to if you saw it on tv.
It is amazing such companies can out right lie about services or products just because they paid for the commercial. So much for the truth in advertising act.
Thanks for the great information you have saved me a phone call.
STAY WAY FROM TAX MASTERS. THEY ARE HIGHWAY ROBBERY!!!
Thanks for sharing! I was about to contact them. Do you recommend any of these tax mitigation services?
I just had a very long and painful conversation with Teresa Pitre from Taxmasters who called to tell me why they did not help me any. I found out it was my fault for setting up a payment program that took too long. I agreed to the one offered me and apparently should have rejected it because it would screw up their timing in helping me. I was told not to submit a 433a form until April 15th, 2008. Then they told the BBB that they could not help me in March because it wasn’t done. Contact the Harris County Attorney General and the IRS about these people if you have been robbed by them. The addresses are above.
If you are looking for a tax mitigation service, I found out too late that you need to find a local tax attorney. JK Harris was sued and hopefully all the others will be soon. Sit down with someone face to face who is licensed and held accountable. You will get an honest fee upfront and if you don’t stand a chance they should tell you. If you just need to set up payments go to the IRS. Hey man, the truth is there are tens of thousands of us out there falling behind and they know it. Give em a chance, I wish I did.
REMINDER: You can also file a complaint with the FTC at www.ftc.gov They do not investigate individual issues, but they do investigate fraud.
If taxmasters is not fraud, I don’t know what is.
If you’ve been ripped off (like me) by these parasites, please file a complaint and get them on record.
I’m filing complaints with the BBB, the Harris County District Attourney, the Texas Attorney General, and the Federal Trade Commission for starters.
If you’re thinking about hiring taxmasters, DON’T!
Beyond reporting taxmasters to ALL the agencies listed above, does anyone have any creative ideas of how we can make their lives as miserable as they’ve made ours? I feel such HATE as I pay their bill for no services rendered.
Don’t forget the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility, 1111 Constitution Ave, NW Washington DC 20224. They got back to me and don’t investigate each case but the company as a whole. Let them explain to the government what they are doing. They took my money and didn’t want to deal with the IRS in the way they promised so let them work their ass off explaining themselves.
They had the nerve to call me the other day and kept trying to tell me things they said on the phone. They logged all these magical conversations that I don’t ever remember having. If we had them I may have been happy with their service. These guys are snakes and good at it.
WOW- Unbelievable. I was going to be contacting TaxMasters this wkend to express an interest in their services. I can find better uses for my 5k retainer fee. Has anyone filed a complaint on Ripoffreport.com, they rank high on the SEO search engines. Also, check www.sueeasy.com a class action suit against them. Thanks for the heads up guys. -Ted
Hey folks, Tony Carbone, CPA and I have made previous posts on this website regarding general advice when you have a tax problem. I want you to know — that advice was not offered for self-serving purposes.
I highly recommend you deal DIRECTLY with either an attorney, cpa, or an enrolled agent to handle any issue with the IRS NOT store fronts who you never know who your dealing with.
An attorney, cpa, or an enrolled agent is the only one who can represent you on a tax matter (generally–other then yourself).
Point is–problem with:
attorney—state bar will enforce/police
CPA–state accountancy board will enforce/police
enrolled agent-IRS will enforce/police
XYZ tax pros—? the BBB, harris county, the attny generals office–all gerat but are you kidding me? They don’t jerk licenses away or dis-bar people. The bar, acctg boards, and the IRS does.
Our desire here is that you find someone to deal with to HELP the situation NOT hurt the situation.
This board, as well as the numerous clients that walk through our doors, indicate there are a lot of less then ethical operations out there.
Be careful. Stick with an attorney, cpa, or an enrolled agent.
If anyone needs help in finding someone then feel free to call my office or Tony at the CPA firm.
We routinely help folks make informed decisions around finding the right resource (many times its not us for any number of reasons and we gladly help get people pointed in the right direction). There are some really great folks out there—really helping people solve these problems–find them.
Nothing in this should be construed as legal advice, the formation of an attorney client relationship, or solicitation or advertsing.
Just trying to help where we can. Be careful and do your homework, folks. If they are pressuring you–run away. Good and honest ones don’t need to do that!
Know who your dealing with.
Deron R. Harrington,JD,CPA
Attorney at Law
Certified Public Accountant
I appreciate you professional guys stopping by and giving advice but despite what all the How-To-Make-Money-On-The-Internet books say, spamming comments on a blog is bad form.
Don C-
Sorry you feel that way. I am sorry you believe my comments were offered in self-promotion versus focusing on the fraudulent activities taking place and the comments offered to prevent people becoming victims of such.
The comments given are solid and designed to address the problem these people are facing and to prevent other people from becoming a victim.
I do not like the fact that people are plainly getting riped off in a profession where so many people perform honest and meaningful work. Most of the promoters of these nature really should be locked up let alone punished by civil measure.
I’d say that fraud qualifies as bad form. That’s exactly what it is–FRAUD. I don’t nedd this blog to know that. Just spend a week in my office — helping pick up the pieces with real victims who have been damaged by such activity.
Fraud is not covered in my book or any other honest professional’s book.
I believe you should let any assessment of bad form be judged by the readers—many of whom need honest and ethical assistance while facing extreme hardships.
Look for an attorney, cpa, or an enrolled agent to help you NOT one of these unregulated store fronts.
Take care.
Deron R. Harrington
Attorney at Law
Certified Public Accountant
I am an Enrolled Agent and I own a business representing delinquent taxpayers. We’ve been in business for 15 years, but I’m not going to say anything about my business at all. I do want to talk about the tax negotiation industry and how cases should be handled.
First, only do business with an EA, CPA or attorney. If you can’t speak with an EA, CPA or attorney BEFORE you sign a contract and Power of Attorney, do NOT do business with that company;
Second, don’t ever, ever give any of these companies your bank account information. Pay by wire transfer, PayPal,check or credit/debit card, but NEVER by withdrawal from your account;
Third, realize that in 2007 the IRS accepted a total of 12,000 Offers in Compromise while they file 683,000 liens and served 3.7 million notices of levy. In other words, VERY FEW Offers are accepted;
Fourth, if you can pay the IRS through a payment agreement or by liquidating your assets or a combination of the two over the next several years, the IRS WILL NOT accept your Offer;
Fifth, the large nationwide tax preparation firms do NOT handle tax negotiation cases. That’s not a criticism. It’s simply not what they do;
Sixth, penalty abatement cases are grossly oversold. Unless you meet IRS reasonable cause criteria, you are paying the penalties and you are always going to pay the interest;
Seventh, if you owe the IRS under $25,000 AND you can payoff the taxes within 5 years through a payment plan, you can handle that on your own. Contact the IRS and setup a payment plan over the phone. If you owe the IRS more than $25,000 OR if you cannot fully pay the taxes within 5 years, you need to hire an EA, CPA or attorney that specializes in tax negotiation cases;
Eighth, the person posting as Alex Clamon, VP made an outrageous statement earlier in this thread that is quite simply an outright lie. He posted “When you owe the IRS money, people with Badges and Guns are likely to become involved.” Bull. VERY few cases are criminal in nature and the ONLY time that anyone with Badges and Guns are involved are in criminal cases. 99.9 % of cases involved delinquent t