- Key Takeaways:
- – Mobile app lets you view important tax documents on the go
- – Free tax assurance for tax monitoring
- – Lack of clarity around pricing for tax relief
Research by the American Psychological Association confirms that money is still one of the most stressful aspects of daily life. Fifty-eight percent of Americans surveyed said they were stressed about their finances in June and July of 2020.
Falling behind on your taxes is one such circumstance that can cause overwhelming and complex financial situations.
That’s where tax relief companies can be an asset. There are legitimate services that help you deal with your tax debt. If you don’t know how to sort out debt you might owe the IRS or state governments, turning to a tax relief company for help could be a lifeline.
It’s important to review and compare such companies before moving forward to make sure the company you’ve chosen can actually help. Thinking of going with Community Tax Relief? Here’s everything you need to know.
About Community Tax Relief
Community Tax Relief is a full-service tax company offering services, like accounting, tax preparation, and tax resolution. It acts as a one-stop shop when it comes to everything tax-related.
It offers free tax consultations and stands out amongst its competitors by offering a custom app for customers who’ve subscribed to its TAP program.
Community Tax Relief Services
Community Tax Relief offers many of the standard programs that its competitors offer, but it also has some unique, stand-out features.
Tax Assurance Program (TAP)
Tax monitoring is a common service offered by tax relief companies, but Community Tax Relief takes it a step further. Through its TaxPal app, it provides free tax account monitoring, in addition to added services for a fee.
Their TAP service has three tiers:
Assurance Access | Executive Access | Enterprise Access | |
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Services | Tax account monitoring IRS account alerts Quarterly tax reports IRS transcript access | Assurance services, plus: Personal income tax return Dedicated case advocate Free audit consultations Free garnishment investigation by a tax practitioner and more | Executive services, plus: Annual business tax return All-inclusive accounting plan that includes payroll and tax filings Annual tax planning strategy and more |
Cost | Free | $39.99/month | Starts at $99.99/month |
If you’ve had tax debt before, the TAP app is designed to help you remain IRS-compliant even after you’ve resolved your outstanding debt. It’s also helpful if you develop complex tax situations later on as a business owner.
Tax Resolution
Community tax relief offers the standard tax resolution services that most competitors in their space are also offering. These could include help with an Offer in Compromise, installment agreements, or penalty abatement.
Community Tax Relief lays out a clear road map for working through the tax resolution process. First, they’ll consult with you. Then, they’ll file Tax Authorization Information Form 8821 to review your information.
After that, they’ll work to resolve your situation by gathering additional documentation and making a proposal to the IRS.
Community Tax Relief doesn’t outline how long this process might take, which is typically transparent among other competitors. Also, it says that its tax resolution services come at a fixed cost, but prices aren’t disclosed online.
You can fill out the contact form on its website or call 844-904-1817 for more information or if you want to get started.
Tax Preparation
Community Tax Relief offers tax preparation services for a variety of situations. Whether you need help preparing your taxes while resolving tax delinquency or are in good standing with the IRS but simply looking for tax guidance this year, Company Tax Relief is positioned to help.
Its commitment is that you’ll hear from their personalized tax specialist within 24 hours of signing up on their website.
If you like to manage your finances on the go, you can view your tax documents through their app. You can also contact your tax practitioner through the app and can even use it to fill out official forms or send an e-signature.
Unique Features
Here’s what makes Community Tax Relief special.
- Mobile app: Unlike many of its competitors, Community Tax Relief’s mobile app lets you manage your taxes from wherever you are.
- A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating: Its A+ rating through the BBB is based on 230 customer reviews, with 84 complaints closed in the last 3 years as of 2023. It has been accredited since 2015.
- Tax assurance: Community Tax Relief offers free tax assurance that covers the basics for tax monitoring and is available through their app.
- Spanish language services: Its team offers services in Spanish, including an entirely Spanish version of their website.
Who Community Tax Relief Is Best For
Community Tax Relief’s main distinguishing feature is that it offers all of its core tax services through its mobile app.
Since you can review tax documents, sign forms, and communicate with your tax practitioner through their app, this app is best for those whose primary mode of communication is through their mobile device (not a desktop computer).
This service might also be helpful for those with busy schedules, who can’t meet with a tax practitioner in person. If you struggle to complete your taxes because you never have time, the app could be a solution for you.
Also, because of its Spanish-language website, Community Tax Relief could be a solution for non-English speakers or those who feel more comfortable reviewing their finances in Spanish.
Community vs. Other Tax Relief Competitors
It’s important to compare tax relief companies to make sure you’re working with a business best suited to your needs.
Here’s how Community Tax Relief stacks up against some of its top competitors.
Company | BBB rating | Free Consultation | Services |
---|---|---|---|
Community Tax | A+ | Yes | Tax preparation, tax resolution, bookkeeping, tax assurance |
Anthem Tax Services | B+ | No | Tax preparation, tax resolution, bookkeeping |
Optima Tax Relief | A+ | Yes | Tax resolution, tax preparation, tax settlement, protection plan |
What You Should Know About Tax Relief Services
Tax relief services can help you understand the complexities of tax debt. Owing tax debt can be scary, especially if you’ve never owed taxes before and particularly if you feel the debt is more than you can manage.
That’s why many consumers turn to tax relief companies in the first place. Receiving guidance from professionals who see similar issues daily can be reassuring.
However, it’s not necessary to turn to a tax relief company to get out of tax debt. You can technically do it on your own. The IRS offers online tools to help you navigate your taxes on your own, like its Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier tool.
After researching what a do-it-yourself approach requires, you might find it’s not so scary after all. Plus, you can also file your own taxes each year.
Also, be on guard for companies that don’t have your best interests at heart. There are a lot of tax scams out there. Be especially wary of any so-called tax provider who won’t provide a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).
Any official tax preparer is required to have this number, which also needs to be disclosed on your tax return so the IRS can contact them if there’s an issue.
The Bottom Line: Community Tax Relief Review
Community Tax Relief distinguishes itself from the competition through its mobile app, which could make your tax preparation or tax relief more seamless.
Keep in mind that they don’t advertise their prices or timelines on their website, which could be a red flag — or at the very least, requires you to actually contact them to get a price estimate.
You’ll want to compare their prices and services with other tax relief companies. Compare tax relief services online before making a final decision.
Community Tax Relief FAQs
Yes, you can access a fully Spanish version of the Community website.
Yes, Community offers accounting and bookkeeping, with a specialty in small business.
Community has an A+ BBB rating as of September 2020.
How We Review Tax Preparation Software:
Good Financial Cents reviews various tax preparation software options, emphasizing user experience, feature sets, and accuracy in calculations.
We aim to provide users with a balanced perspective, assisting them during tax season. Our editorial process is transparent and thorough.
We source data from software providers, testing functionalities and evaluating user interfaces. This hands-on approach, combined with our research, ensures a comprehensive review.
Each software option is then rated based on its strengths and weaknesses, resulting in a star rating from one to five.
For a deeper understanding of the criteria we use to rate tax preparation software and our evaluation approach, please refer to our editorial guidelines and full disclaimer.
Community Tax Relief Review
Product Name: Community Tax Relief
Product Description: Community Tax Relief is a tax resolution and financial services company dedicated to assisting individuals and businesses with their tax needs. They provide a wide array of services, ranging from tax preparation to resolving back taxes and other tax-related issues.
Summary of Community Tax Relief
Community Tax Relief specializes in offering comprehensive tax-related solutions for both individuals and businesses. With a team of experienced professionals, they navigate complex tax laws, helping clients with back taxes, liens, and other tax troubles. Their services extend beyond tax resolution; they also offer tax preparation, bookkeeping, and accounting services. This holistic approach ensures clients receive well-rounded support for their financial and tax needs.
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Cost and Fees
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Customer Service
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User Experience
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Product Offerings
Overall
Pros
- Experienced Team: With a team of tax professionals, they bring a depth of knowledge to address various tax situations.
- Comprehensive Services: From tax resolution to accounting services, they provide a one-stop solution for tax-related needs.
- Proven Track Record: They have successfully resolved tax issues for numerous clients, showcasing their effectiveness.
- Transparent Fee Structure: Clients are made aware of the costs upfront, avoiding unexpected fees.
Cons
- Pricing: Some users might find their services to be on the pricier side compared to other providers in the market.
- Limited Physical Locations: Clients outside their physical service areas might prefer in-person consultations but have to rely on online or phone communications.
- Potential Wait Times: High demand during peak tax seasons might lead to longer response times.