Illinois Tax Relief Services

If you’re among the many Illinois residents who owe money to the IRS, you’re not alone—American taxpayers owed around $158.6 billion after filing their tax returns in 2023.

Fortunately, a reputable tax relief service could help alleviate your burden. We’ve rounded up several trustworthy options to provide guidance and tax relief options that could improve your financial situation. Here are some companies worth considering if you’re seeking Illinois tax relief services.

Best federal tax relief in Illinois

To choose the best federal tax relief companies in Illinois, we thoroughly researched each company’s reputation, services offered, team, and guarantees. We then assigned each company a rating based on our research. 

The following companies are among the most reputable, trustworthy, and helpful for Illinois residents seeking tax relief. 

Anthem Tax Services

Larson Tax Relief

Community Tax

Precision Tax Relief

Local Illinois tax relief services 

While many online companies, like those listed above, have large teams and good reputations, they might lack the personalized service that a local company can provide. In addition to personalized service, local tax relief companies may have more in-depth knowledge of the Illinois tax code than larger online options. 

Here are some options if you’d prefer a local company over an online tax relief service in Illinois. Note that it’s important to compare these services independently to find the best company for your tax situation. 

Company	Services	Location
Lothamer Tax Relief	Currently not collectible solutions; installment agreements; offers in compromise; penalty abatements; IRS Fresh Start program assistance; tax filing and payment	Chicago, Naperville, Peoria, Rockford
Gordon Law	Penalty abatement; tax liens and levies; installment agreements; offers in compromise; currently not collectible solutions	Chicago
Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols	Tax debt relief assistance	Bloomington, Eureka, Kankakee, Peoria, Springfield
Defense Tax Partners	Tax debt relief assistance	Chicago

These local companies have teams of attorneys, CPAs, and other professionals who can assist with various tax issues. Many also offer free consultations, so you can speak with a team member about your situation before committing. 

We encourage you to take advantage of these free consultations to determine which Illinois tax relief service is the best solution for your needs.

How to choose a tax relief service

Choosing a tax relief service isn’t always as simple as doing a brief phone consultation, though this can help narrow your options. Other factors to look at include: 

• Expertise: As you compare companies, look at the expertise of different teams. How many years have they been in business? Are there professionals like attorneys and CPAs on the team? Does the company have any special accreditations or recognitions? 
• Services: You’ll also want to look at the types of services they offer, especially if you’re interested in a particular debt relief solution. Companies will generally have a page on their website dedicated to their services, but if you have further questions, ensure you ask them during your initial consultation. 
• Past track record: Look for customer reviews and testimonials online. You can often find these on a company’s website, but check sites like the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot for further insight into past customers’ experiences. 

Also, asking the right questions during your free consultation can help narrow your options. Potential questions to ask include:

• How long has your company been in business?
• Do you help with both federal and state taxes?
• Can you share testimonials from previous customers?
• What types of debt relief services do you offer?
• Which services do I qualify for?
• Can you explain your fees and other costs to me? 
• Do you charge any upfront fees? 
• What can I expect from the process?
• How long does the process typically take?

What type of tax relief service do I need?

Tax relief services vary across companies, but many companies offer the following types of support. Ensure you ask which services are available during your initial consultation if you need clarification. Here are some common tax relief services:

• Tax debt relief
• Audit representation
• Tax settlement and negotiation
• Wage garnishment and bank levy release
• Penalty abatement

When choosing a tax relief service, start by finding people who speak in real-people terms and whose service does not cost you too much.

Catherine Valega

CFP®

How to apply for tax relief 

The process of applying for tax relief can vary depending on the amount you owe, your income, and other factors. But in general, to qualify for many tax relief services, you’ll need to be up-to-date on your tax returns and state taxes and not currently in bankruptcy. 

You may need to meet other criteria for an installment plan, though a reputable tax relief company can guide you through potential options and qualification requirements. 

When you work with an Illinois tax relief company, the process could look like this, although it can vary by company and individual situation:

1. Initial consultation
2. Evaluation and strategy
3. Implementation
4. Ongoing commitment
5. Completion

Pros and cons of using a tax relief service

If you’re considering an Illinois tax relief service, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding. Here’s a look at the potential benefits and drawbacks of using a company like this. 

Pros

• Free consultation

  Many tax relief companies offer a free initial consultation, during which you can ask questions and gain insight into their services.

• Helpful support

  Navigating the tax relief process and dealing with the IRS can be complicated, so having an expert in your corner can provide peace of mind and assurance.

• Several services may be available

  Tax relief companies often provide several different services, which means at least one option is likely suitable for your situation.

Cons

• Costs money

  Tax relief services aren’t free, so you can expect to pay fees as part of the process. Confirm the company’s fee structure before signing a contract.

• Process may be long

  Resolving your tax debt could take a while, depending on your amount. This is especially true if you qualify for a long-term payment plan.

• Eligibility criteria may apply

  To qualify for certain services, you may need to meet requirements, such as owing under a set amount.

I always recommend starting by contacting the IRS directly. It is often more than happy to work with you on a payment plan that suits your lifestyle.

Catherine Valega

CFP®

What to know about tax relief for Illinois state taxes

Many tax relief services can help alleviate your federal and state tax burden if you’re struggling. That said, certain companies may not operate in all 50 states or have the proper licensing to work with state or local governments on tax relief. 

Comparing Illinois tax relief services can help you find a company with the proper qualifications to help with both federal and state taxes. 

Follow the steps outlined above to find a reputable tax relief company that can help you regain your financial footing. 

FAQ

How long does the tax relief process take?

The duration of the tax relief process varies significantly depending on the complexity of your tax issues and the responsiveness of the IRS or state tax authorities. 

The process can take anywhere from a few months to over a year. Initial consultations and document reviews usually take a few weeks, while negotiations for Offers in Compromise or installment agreements can extend the timeline.

Maintaining communication with your tax relief provider is essential to stay updated.

Can tax relief services guarantee results?

No, tax relief services cannot guarantee results. While reputable tax relief companies can provide expert guidance and negotiate on your behalf, the decision rests with the IRS or state tax authorities. Factors such as the amount owed, financial situation, and compliance with tax laws all influence the outcome. 

Be wary of any company that promises specific results, as this is often a red flag for potential scams.

Do I need to use a tax relief service to get help with Illinois taxes?

No, you do not need to use a tax relief service to get help with Illinois taxes. You can address tax issues with the Illinois Department of Revenue or the IRS using available resources and online tools. 

Many taxpayers can successfully negotiate payment plans, request penalty abatements, or file Offers in Compromise without professional assistance. However, if your tax situation is complex or you feel overwhelmed, seeking help from a tax relief service can provide expertise and peace of mind.

How we selected the best tax relief in Illinois

LendEDU evaluates tax relief services to help readers find the best tax relief. Accessibility is important to this evaluation, so our editorial ratings system primarily focuses on companies available in most U.S. states. That’s why the companies we selected in the federal section have editorial ratings. They’ve gone through an extensive review process and were determined to offer superior products compared to other companies. We’ve also independently verified that these companies are available in Illinois.

Since most local companies aren’t available outside state lines, they haven’t gone through the same review process as the federal tax relief providers. Instead, we found them through separate research and determined that each offered solutions worthy of consideration by readers.

Recap of the best Illinois tax relief services