Tax Hardship Center Review 2025: Services, Costs, and Complaints

4.3 _/5

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Our take: Tax Hardship Center earns strong customer reviews and offers a wide range of tax resolution services, including audit defense, wage garnishment relief, and tax prep. Its 14-day money-back guarantee and national availability are standout features.
That said, it lacks transparency on pricing and staff qualifications, and some clients have reported communication issues. It’s a solid option for tax relief, but not one of our highest-rated companies.

Tax Relief Services

• Assists with individual and business tax issues
• 14-day money-back guarantee
• Free consultation available

• No details on the expertise of the employed staff
• $495 fee before discovery services are offered
• Must have at least $10,000 in tax debt
• Average service cost around $3,750

If you’re facing IRS or state tax problems, hiring a tax relief company might feel like your best option, but not all providers offer the same transparency or results. Tax Hardship Center serves all 50 states and offers a wide range of services, including audit defense, tax prep, and wage garnishment release. It also offers a 14-day money-back guarantee and gets solid customer reviews.

This review breaks down the company’s pricing, services, customer complaints, and how it stacks up against other top tax relief firms, so you can decide whether it’s the right fit.

Table of Contents

1. What Tax Hardship Center does
   1. IRS tax relief
   2. State tax relief
   3. Unfiled tax returns
   4. Wage garnishment release
   5. Bank levy release
   6. Audit defense
   7. Penalty abatement
   8. Installment agreements
   9. Offer in Compromise
   10. Innocent spouse relief
   11. Payroll tax resolution
   12. Tax preparation
   13. Bookkeeping and catch-up bookkeeping
2. How it works
3. Costs
4. How much it can save you
5. Pros and cons
6. Customer reviews
7. Is it legit?
8. Alternatives
   1. vs. Anthem Tax Services
   2. vs. Larson Tax Relief
   3. vs. Alleviate Tax

What Tax Hardship Center does

Tax Hardship Center offers a wide range of services for federal and state tax issues. It works with individuals and businesses, offering everything from IRS negotiation to tax preparation and bookkeeping. Here’s a closer look at the services it promotes on its website and marketing materials.

IRS tax relief

Helps individuals and businesses reduce or resolve federal tax debt through IRS-approved programs. The company may recommend options like installment agreements or Offers in Compromise, depending on your financial situation.

State tax relief

Provides support for state-level tax issues in all 50 states. This includes negotiating with state tax agencies, stopping collections, and resolving outstanding balances.

Unfiled tax returns

Assists clients who haven’t filed their tax returns in one or more years. The company prepares and submits back tax returns to bring you into compliance with the IRS or state.

Wage garnishment release

Works to stop or reduce IRS or state wage garnishments. Once granted Power of Attorney, the company negotiates directly with taxing authorities to pause collection actions.

Bank levy release

Negotiates with the IRS or state to release levies on your bank accounts. This helps you regain access to frozen funds while working toward a resolution.

Audit defense

Represents you in audits with the IRS or state tax agencies. Tax Hardship Center communicates with tax authorities on your behalf and helps build a defense strategy.

Penalty abatement

Requests the reduction or removal of IRS and state tax penalties. This is typically based on reasonable cause, such as a medical emergency, natural disaster, or financial hardship.

Installment agreements

Helps set up structured repayment plans with the IRS or state, allowing you to pay off tax debt over time in more manageable monthly installments.

Offer in Compromise

Negotiates with the IRS to settle your tax debt for less than you owe, if you meet strict eligibility criteria. This is one of the most sought-after forms of relief but also one of the hardest to qualify for.

Innocent spouse relief

Protects you from being held liable for a spouse or ex-spouse’s tax errors or underpayments. This may apply if the tax debt resulted from their actions without your knowledge.

Payroll tax resolution

Helps businesses resolve payroll tax issues, including missed deposits or late filings. The Center also assists with compliance going forward to avoid repeat issues.

Tax preparation

Prepares and files federal and state tax returns for both individuals and businesses. The company offers help with current-year returns as well as prior-year catch-up filings.

Bookkeeping and catch-up bookkeeping

Supports small business clients with ongoing or overdue bookkeeping needs. This service can be helpful for preparing accurate tax filings and staying compliant year-round.

How Tax Hardship Center works

Tax Hardship Center uses a step-by-step process to evaluate your situation, build a resolution strategy, and represent you with the IRS or state tax authority. Here’s what to expect:

1. Free consultation: You start with a free consultation, where a tax expert reviews your situation, explains possible solutions, and helps you understand whether you qualify for relief. There’s no obligation to move forward.
2. Discovery and case analysis: If you choose to proceed, you’ll pay an initial fee (typically $495) to enter the discovery phase. During this stage, the company gathers financial records, tax documents, and account history to assess which IRS or state programs may apply to you.
3. Strategy and resolution: Once your case is fully reviewed, Tax Hardship Center proposes a personalized resolution strategy. This could include filing unfiled tax returns, requesting penalty abatement, or negotiating an Offer in Compromise.
4. Representation and compliance: After you approve the plan, the company moves forward with tax agency communications on your behalf. It files paperwork, negotiates with the IRS or state, and works to stop collections like garnishments or levies.
5. Optional services and follow-up: For clients who need it, the company also offers ongoing tax preparation, bookkeeping, and compliance support to help avoid future issues.

How much it costs

Free initial consultation

Your first call with Tax Hardship Center is completely free. A representative will review your situation, discuss potential services, and help you decide whether it makes sense to move forward.

Discovery phase fee: $495

If you decide to proceed, you’ll pay a $495 upfront fee to begin the discovery and investigation process. This covers case research, communication with the IRS or state, and a personalized strategy proposal.

Case resolution costs: Vary by situation

After the discovery phase, the company provides a customized quote based on the complexity of your case and the services required. While it does not publish pricing online, it does promote “transparent pricing” and a 14-day money-back guarantee.

• Average cost: The company reports that the average client pays around $3,750.
• Variable pricing: Final pricing depends on factors like the amount of tax debt, the number of years involved, and the type of resolution you qualify for.

Payment plans available

If the full cost is too much to pay upfront, Tax Hardship Center allows you to spread out payments over time. During your free consultation, ask about payment plan options.

How much it can save you

Tax Hardship Center doesn’t guarantee specific savings, and like most tax relief companies, it emphasizes that results vary by case. However, its services are designed to reduce or eliminate penalties, stop IRS collections, and, in some cases, settle tax debt for less than you owe.

Possible savings include:

• Penalty reductions through IRS penalty abatement
• Settlement savings via an Offer in Compromise (when eligible)
• Lower monthly payments through installment agreements
• Avoided garnishments or levies that could otherwise drain your accounts

What past clients say

Many customer reviews describe reduced tax bills, frozen collections, and successful negotiations with the IRS. One review stated:

This company did it all—stopped the IRS from going into my bank account and helped me pay less than I owed.

Still, others noted paying thousands in fees without a meaningful resolution, so it’s important to ask questions and review your case details before committing.

Pros and cons

Pros

• 14-day money-back guarantee

  If you’re unhappy in the first two weeks, you may be eligible for a refund.

• Positive client reviews and ratings

  If you’re unhappy in the first two weeks, you may be eligible for a refund.

• Free consultation

  You can speak with a representative and get initial guidance with no obligation.

• Wide range of services

  Offers tax prep, audit defense, penalty relief, wage garnishment help, and more.

• Nationwide availability

  Serves individuals and businesses in all 50 states.

Cons

• Limited pricing transparency

  Final costs aren’t listed online, and average fees ($3,750) may be steep for some.

• Upfront $495 fee

  You’ll need to pay before any official discovery work begins.

• Mixed customer experiences

  Some clients report long delays and poor communication after signing up.

• Staff credentials not fully disclosed

  Unlike competitors, the company doesn’t list a full team of CPAs, EAs, or attorneys.

Customer reviews

Tax Hardship Center receives strong ratings on several third-party platforms, though customer experiences vary. Many reviewers report helpful service and major tax relief, while others describe delays, miscommunication, or unmet expectations.

Source	Customer rating	Number of reviews
Trustpilot	3.9/5	48
Better Business Bureau (BBB)	3.96/5	112
Google	4.8/5	221

Tax Hardship Center is BBB-accredited and earns an A– rating from the agency.

Positive reviews often highlight:

• Responsive agents (early in the process)
• Stopped IRS wage garnishments
• Reduced total tax bills
• Relief from bank levies

Despite the high ratings, several BBB reviewers reported negative experiences, especially around communication. Common themes include:

• Long wait times for return calls or emails
• Frequent turnover of assigned representatives
• Promises of savings not realized
• Feeling “ghosted” after payment

As of September 2025, BBB reports:

• 59 total complaints in the last 3 years.
• 32 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

Here’s one complaint:

On June 18, 2025, I called for information. I was connected to M, who word played me out of $509.85. He only corrected my misunderstanding after the payment was made, that the company would bring my tax filings current for that rate.
He said “ we do taxes”, not that mines would be completed initially. It was clear I paid for my taxes to be filed. Regardless, I need help so badly, at least a plan for how to proceed with the IRS might be helpful. On the day of. My phase 2 meeting. M called and left a message that the plan was not completed and they would need more time. My direct calls to M went unanswered. I felt again I had been scammed. I asked the intake department to leave a message that I wanted a refund. I received a call back from M* saying he was at lunch when he heard news of my refund request and he would process it.
He seemed to have an attitude about it. He said it would take 3-5 business days to post. No refund posted. I still have no assistance with my tax needs & now I’ve been taken for a portion of the money set aside for resolution. I had to contact my bank to dispute the payment.

—BBB complaint

Tax Hardship Center responded to every complaint on BBB, but some reviewers rejected the company’s responses.

Is Tax Hardship Center legit?

Yes, Tax Hardship Center appears to be a legitimate tax relief company with more than a decade in business and hundreds of positive customer reviews.

• Founded in 2012 and has operated for 13+ years
• Accredited by the BBB since 2018 with an A– rating
• Strong customer reviews on platforms like Google and Trustpilot
• Offers a 14-day money-back guarantee
• Provides services nationwide for both IRS and state tax issues

The company is privately owned and headquartered in Westlake Village, California. Its managing partner, Arian Azimzadeh, is listed publicly, but the company does not prominently advertise a team of enrolled agents, CPAs, or tax attorneys like some competitors do.

Tax Hardship Center promotes “fair and transparent pricing,” its website lacks detailed information about:

• Specific service pricing
• Credentials of the full tax team
• Clear eligibility guidelines

These gaps don’t indicate a scam, but they make it harder for prospective clients to evaluate whether the company is the right fit upfront.

Alternatives

Tax Hardship Center is a solid option for tax relief, but it’s not one of our highest-rated companies. Here’s how it stacks up against three of our picks for the best tax relief firms:

Tax Hardship Center vs. Anthem Tax Services

Anthem Tax Services is one of our highest-rated providers, known for its money-back guarantee and strong client outcomes. Like Tax Hardship Center, Anthem offers a wide range of services, including tax preparation and audit defense.

• Anthem is more transparent about its staff credentials and services
• Anthem’s money-back guarantee applies to service results, not just the discovery phase
• Anthem is a better fit for clients seeking long-term tax support and stronger communication

Tax Hardship Center vs. Larson Tax Relief

Larson Tax Relief earns high marks for its thorough investigation process and team of licensed professionals. It’s a family-owned firm with more than 15 years in business and a reputation for detailed casework.

• Larson’s staff includes licensed enrolled agents and tax attorneys
• The company is known for its white-glove support and personal service
• Pricing may be higher than Tax Hardship Center, but is typically more predictable

Tax Hardship Center vs. Alleviate Tax

Alleviate Tax is another well-reviewed firm that promotes a lowest price guarantee and a 100% satisfaction policy during the initial phase. It focuses on transparency and client education throughout the process.

• Alleviate offers a clear satisfaction guarantee for the discovery stage
• It prioritizes upfront pricing and client education
• Tax Hardship Center may offer more services (like tax prep and bookkeeping), but we like Alleviate’s expectations and transparency

How we rated Tax Hardship Center

We designed LendEDU’s editorial rating system to help readers find companies that offer the best tax relief. Our system awards higher ratings to companies with affordable solutions, positive customer reviews, and online transparency of benefits and terms.

We compared Tax Hardship Center to several tax relief firms, using hundreds of data points from company websites, public disclosures, customer reviews, and direct communication with company representatives. We weighted, scored, and combined each factor to produce a final editorial rating. This rating is expressed on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score. Our take is represented in our rating, recapped below.

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