Community Tax Review

Best for debts under $10,000

4.6 _/5

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Tax Relief Services

• Its requirement of $7,500+ in tax debt is lower than other companies
• Solves federal and state tax debts for individuals and businesses
• Employs enrolled agents, CPAs, and tax attorneys
• Specializes in over 15 different tax issues

• $295 initial fee before it looks into your tax situation

Community Tax is a strong choice for debts under $10,000, offering comprehensive tax relief with a team of experienced professionals. It excels in navigating complex tax issues and provides a wide range of services, but the lack of transparent pricing on its website may require a consultation for cost details.

Despite this, Community Tax’s nationwide service, free consultations, and money-back guarantee make it a solid option. However, it could improve by offering more upfront pricing and detailed case studies, making it easier for clients to assess its effectiveness than alternatives.

How does Community Tax work?

Community Tax offers various financial services, such as tax preparation, tax resolution, and tax assurance. Its team will design a custom plan tailored to your unique situation, keeping your current and future needs in mind. 

To get started with Community Tax, you’ll need to request a free consultation. This step is crucial for understanding individual or business tax issues and determining eligibility—clients must have a minimum tax debt of $7,000.

Community Tax’s team, including enrolled agents and CPAs, tackles various tax problems. Service costs vary, but the company ensures transparency in all fees. The Community Tax Assurance Program (TAP), available at $39 per month, offers an extended range of tax services. 

The resolution timeline of tax issues depends on each case’s complexity.

What services does Community Tax offer?

Community Tax distinguishes itself in the industry with a comprehensive suite of services tailored to various tax-related needs. It offers an integrated approach combining tax resolution, preparation, and assurance. Services include:

Tax resolution

Through tax resolution, Community Tax can help you promptly resolve back taxes and prevent the same issue. Its team may do this through installment agreements, Offer In Compromise (OIC), penalty abatements, or stair-step agreements. They’ll request your records from the appropriate tax authority and determine the next best course of action.

Tax preparation

Beyond resolution, Community Tax offers tax preparation services for individuals and businesses, ensuring accuracy and compliance with tax regulations. These services strive to reduce stress during stressful times. 

They involve a seasoned CPA or enrolled agent who will handle your tax returns and significantly reduce your risk of IRS audits. You can be as hands-on or hands-off as possible throughout the process.

Bookkeeping

Essential for businesses, Community Tax’s bookkeeping services provide financial record management and insight, supporting informed business decisions. They can ensure you always know where your venture stands financially. 

While bookkeeping services will depend on your particular needs and contract, they’ll be performed by a professional who may enter financial transactions, collect and record payments, assign costs and income into the applicable accounts, and generate financial documents like balance sheets and income statements. 

Community TAP

At $39 per month, TAP offers ongoing support, including annual tax planning and audit defense, highlighting its commitment to long-term client success. This subscription service is ideal if you’d like an experienced tax resource throughout the year. 

You can think of it as an extension of your business as they can help you make smart tax decisions and set you up for long-term success. 

Federal and state tax assistance

The company offers tailored solutions for federal and state tax issues, a versatility not always found in the industry. If you’re struggling with a tax problem and can’t find a resolution, Community Tax may step in and help you.

Audit defense

Community Tax is prepared to defend clients in the event of an audit and provides expert audit representation and guidance throughout the process. Whether you receive an audit notice on a state or federal level, it can ease some stress and ensure you don’t face the IRS alone. You can increase your chances of a favorable outcome with the Community Tax team.

How much does Community Tax cost?

The primary determinant of cost is the type of service required. For tax resolution services, the amount of tax debt and the intricacies of the case influence the final fee. Community Tax’s TAP offers a more predictable cost structure at $39 per month, providing ongoing tax services. 

It’s important to understand that Community Tax structures its costs based on the complexity and specifics of each client’s tax situation. The company promotes transparent pricing and no hidden fees but doesn’t post price information on its website. This is because the variable nature of tax issues means costs differ by case.

For instance, the cost of resolving simple tax debts will be lower than for more complex situations requiring extensive negotiation and documentation.

Community Tax is committed to informed consent, ensuring clients understand all potential fees before proceeding.

Cost	Details
Tax resolution services	Varies based on tax debt amount and case complexity. No standard fees advertised.
Tax preparation and bookkeeping	Costs depend on the specific needs and complexity of the tax preparation or bookkeeping.
Community TAP	$39/month for ongoing tax support, including annual planning and audit defense.
Additional services	Specific fees for additional services are determined on a case-by-case basis.

How much can Community Tax save me?

Community Tax provides significant savings by managing tax debts and disputes. According to the website, it has “helped over 70,000 clients and resolved over $700 million in tax liabilities.”

The savings vary by case and are influenced by the debt amount and the client’s financial situation. The initial free consultation aims to estimate potential savings before any payment. This step offers insights into the achievable financial relief. A company representative stated that its services have helped some customers save tens of thousands of dollars or, in some cases, collect a refund.

Fortunately, there’s a 100% money-back guarantee “if your situation does not improve.” This can give you some much-needed peace of mind and time savings from dealing with complex tax issues, adding to the overall benefits for clients.

Pros and cons of Community Tax

Pros

• Nationwide availability

  Community Tax offers its services in all 50 states, making it accessible to a wide range of taxpayers.

• Free unlimited consultation

  Clients benefit from a free initial consultation without time constraints, providing ample opportunity to understand their tax situation and the services offered.

• Variety of educational resources

  Community Tax offers an extensive library of educational resources on tax debts and related topics. There are tax forms, a blog, and information on recent scams.

Cons

• Lack of transparent pricing

  Community Tax does not provide specific pricing information on its website, making it difficult for potential clients to understand cost implications without a consultation.

• Limited case studies

  Few public case studies or testimonials are available to evaluate the range and effectiveness of services, which can affect the decision-making process for prospective clients.

• Must owe at least $7,000

  To qualify for Community Tax’s services, you must have a minimum of $7,000 in tax debt. This can be an issue if you only owe a few thousand dollars yet need assistance.

Community Tax stands out for its nationwide service range and commitment to customer understanding through free, unlimited initial consultations.

However, its website’s lack of transparent pricing can be a hurdle for those seeking quick cost information. The limited availability of detailed case studies makes it challenging to gauge the company’s effectiveness across various tax scenarios.

Community Tax could benefit from more transparency in its pricing structure and by providing more comprehensive case studies or testimonials. 

How do you start working with Community Tax?

To begin working with Community Tax, follow these steps:

1. Schedule a free consultation: Contact Community Tax for a no-cost, comprehensive review of your tax situation and filings. You can fill out a form online or call (877) 910-5875. Be prepared to share basic information like your name, phone number, and email address.
2. Undergo analysis: Provide necessary tax documents for Community Tax to analyze your situation and develop a filing predictor, offering an insight into potential outcomes and benefits. Depending on your situation, the analysis may be made by CPAs, attorneys, and/or accountants. 
3. Review the final presentation and decide: Evaluate Community Tax’s details, including any potential savings or deductions, and decide whether to proceed with its services.

The duration of each step varies depending on the complexity of your tax situation and the thoroughness of the review process.

What is Community Tax’s refund policy? 

Community Tax does have a refund policy on the initial investigation fees, which are $295 for personal cases and $595 for business cases. The policy lasts for 10 days and applies if the company can’t provide a resolution or does not complete the investigation. 

The refund policy may make it easier for you to give Community Tax a chance. You won’t lose anything except your time.

Is Community Tax a reputable company?

Source	Customer rating	Number of reviews
Trustpilot	4.3/5	689
Google	4.4/5	796

Community Tax demonstrates a solid reputation through customer review platforms Trustpilot and Google. Positive themes on Trustpilot include efficient issue resolution, professionalism, and good communication. However, some reviews express concerns about service quality and dissatisfaction with case outcomes.

The positive Google reviews highlight the company’s professionalism, quality of service, and responsiveness. Many reviewers mention long-term client satisfaction and loyalty. Although less frequent, negative feedback points to isolated incidents of unsatisfactory service, which the company has addressed.

Community Tax is not Better Business Bureau-rated or accredited. 

Who is Community Tax best for? 

Community Tax is worth exploring if you have a complicated personal or business tax situation. The company offers various services, so you’re likely to find the right assistance for your tax needs. It is particularly valuable if you’re looking for an all-in-one tax resource. 

Unlike other companies that only specialize in one or a few tax services, Community Tax covers all the bases. You won’t have to find and communicate with multiple providers with varying procedures and fees. Since there’s a generous refund policy, you can try Community Tax risk-free.

Alternatives to Community Tax

If Community Tax isn’t the right fit for you, several alternatives should be considered. These options range from handling your taxes on your own to seeking professional help or using government resources, each offering different levels of support and cost-effectiveness.

DIY

Taking the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach allows you to handle your taxes using online tax software or manually filing. This method is cost-effective and gives you full control over your tax filing process, but it requires a solid understanding of tax laws and regulations to avoid errors.

IRS Fresh Start Program

The IRS Fresh Start Program is designed to help taxpayers manage their tax debts by providing more flexible payment options. It offers solutions like installment agreements and tax lien withdrawals, making it easier to pay off tax debt while avoiding further penalties and interest.

Hire a tax professional

Hiring a tax professional, such as a CPA, tax attorney, or an enrolled agent, can provide expert guidance tailored to your unique financial situation. A professional can help you navigate complex tax issues, maximize deductions, and ensure compliance with IRS regulations, potentially saving you money and reducing stress.

Taxpayer Advocate Service

The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the IRS that assists taxpayers who are facing financial difficulties or unresolved issues with the IRS. TAS offers free help to ensure that taxpayers’ rights are protected, providing a crucial resource for those struggling to navigate tax disputes.

Nonprofit credit counseling

Nonprofit credit counseling agencies, such as National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), can offer guidance on managing your overall finances, including tax issues. These organizations can help you create a budget, manage debt, and explore options for dealing with tax liabilities, often providing a more affordable alternative to commercial tax resolution services.

Does Community Tax have a customer service team?

Community Tax’s customer service team is based in Jacksonville, Florida. This team assists clients with various services, including tax resolution, tax preparation, and tax assurance. It is equipped to handle inquiries from new and current clients.

Customer service is available 9:00 AM  to 8:00 PM  during Eastern business hours as the team is based in Jacksonville. Here are the ways to contact Community Tax:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone:
  • General inquiries: 833-340-1897
  • New customer fax: 833-340-1897
  • Current customer fax: 888-616-8850
• Mailing address: Community Tax LLC, 7775 Baymeadows Way Suite 205, Jacksonville, FL 32256
• Online contact: The company’s website offers an option for online contact to schedule a consultation or request a response. You can also chat with a virtual tax assistant.
• Business hours:
  • Daily enrollment hours: Monday to Thursday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Daily customer service hours: Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

FAQ

Can Community Tax eliminate all my tax debt?

Community Tax offers services that can reduce or resolve tax debt, but the complete elimination depends on individual circumstances. 

Offers in Compromise can lead to substantial reductions in tax liabilities. However, eliminating all tax debt hinges on factors such as the amount owed, the client’s financial situation, and IRS regulations.

Why aren’t the costs listed on its website?

Community Tax does not list specific costs on its website due to the individualized nature of tax resolution services. Factors such as the complexity of the tax issue, the amount of tax debt, and the specific services required all influence the cost. 

Because each client’s situation is unique, Community Tax provides customized quotes through consultations rather than generalized pricing, ensuring more accurate and tailored cost information.

What happens if Community Tax doesn’t improve your situation?

Community Tax aims to improve clients’ tax situations. However, if a client feels their situation hasn’t improved, the course of action can vary. 

Community Tax may offer a refund policy, but this depends on the specifics of the service agreement and the nature of the services provided. 

We recommend discussing your concerns with Community Tax to understand your options, including any potential for refunds or additional support.

How we rated Community Tax

LendEDU evaluates tax relief companies to help readers find the best tax relief services. Our latest analysis reviewed 420 data points from 21 companies, with 20 data points collected from each. This information is gathered from company websites, public disclosures, customer reviews, and direct communication with company representatives.

These star ratings help us determine which companies are best for different situations. We don’t believe two companies can be the best for the same purpose, so we only show each best-for designation once.

Product	Best for	Our rating
Community Tax tax relief	Debts under $10,000	4.6/5