Quick Facts
Full Review
TaxRise launched in 2017 in Irvine, California and has grown rapidly through aggressive marketing, including TV ads and a strong social media presence. They position themselves as a tech-forward firm that uses proprietary software to speed up the tax resolution process. The BBB gives them an A- rating with 3.79 stars from customer reviews.
The Complaint Volume Problem
The number that jumps out is 200+ BBB complaints in three years. For a company that's only been around since 2017, that's a high volume. Many complaints center on upfront fees being collected before meaningful work begins, poor communication during the resolution process, and outcomes that fell short of initial consultations. The A- rating (rather than A+) reflects this complaint pattern.
Fees Worth Calculating
Investigation fees run $375 to $500, which is standard. But the resolution fee structure is where it gets expensive: fees can reach roughly 15% of your total tax debt. If you owe the IRS $50,000, that's potentially $7,500 in resolution fees on top of the investigation fee. On a $100,000 debt, you could be looking at $15,000 in fees. Compare that math against firms with flat fees in the $2,000 to $4,000 range.
Who Should Consider TaxRise
TaxRise may work for people who value a tech-driven process and don't mind the premium pricing. But the complaint volume is a red flag that deserves attention. Get a clear written fee estimate before signing, calculate the percentage-based fee against your specific debt amount, and compare against at least two flat-fee competitors.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Tech-forward approach with proprietary case management software
- Growing rapidly with significant resources
- Handles a wide range of IRS issues
- Active marketing suggests financial stability
Cons
- 200+ BBB complaints in three years is high for any firm
- A- BBB rating, not A+
- Resolution fees can reach 15% of tax debt (very expensive on large debts)
- Founded in 2017, limited track record compared to established firms
Where to Read More
Read reviews on: BBB, Trustpilot, ConsumerAffairs