Anthem Tax Services Review (Updated April 2025)

What Is Tax Relief?

Encompassing both government programs and benefits, as well as private assistance, tax relief services are designed to support individuals and businesses who have found themselves in a challenging financial situation due to tax liabilities. Aimed at reducing how much may be owed, as well as offering more manageable payment plans or alternative solutions, these services strive to ensure you’re able to settle your obligations without experiencing undue hardship, and they are available to most taxpayers, depending on how much you owe. While not always an appropriate avenue, each of the potential opportunities can be a way to get your financial obligations under control and avoid serious consequences, and it can help to prevent your situation from escalating towards liens, garnishments, or added penalties. Thankfully, exploring your options can be accomplished either on your own or through a specialized tax relief company, and you are always encouraged to seek professional advice if you're unsure of the best course of action.

How Does It Work?

When it comes to dealing with your taxes, and any amounts that may be owed, you always have the option of turning directly to the IRS so that you can discuss your concerns with them. However, many individuals find the IRS to be an intimidating agency, and not only can it feel overwhelming to have to pick up that phone and make the call, you may also be worried that you aren’t educated enough on the various laws and programs that may be applicable to your situation. Because of these concerns, tax relief companies can be a more attractive solution, and while they are by no means mandatory, they do offer a number of advantages that you may want to consider. Boasting an in-depth knowledge of laws, regulations, and programs, as well as having ample experience in dealing with the IRS, a tax relief company will work on your behalf to negotiate a solution that best fits your financial situation, and they can assist with outstanding balances, unfiled returns, and even resolving disputes with the IRS.

Made up of various tax professionals, including CPAs, lawyers, and even former government employees, tax relief companies are well-versed in the nuances of tax law and they can enable you to explore avenues such as offers in compromise, installment agreements, and even penalty abatements where appropriate. Which solution is correct for you will depend on the amount owed, your financial circumstances, and other factors, and there is no one-size-fits-all program that works for every client. Instead, your team will take the time to review all of your documents, assess your finances, and speak directly with the IRS for additional information, and the goal is always to find the best possible solution that works for all parties. By working closely with the IRS, and handling all communications on your behalf, your tax relief company can help you avoid a lot of the stress and hassle that typically accompanies these types of negotiations, and they will keep your best interests as the focus throughout the process. 

What Services are Available?

Although the avenues and opportunities that are available will vary from client to client, there are some core services that almost all tax relief companies offer, and these are designed to assist both individuals and businesses with their chief concerns. Whether you’re already in contact with the IRS and have been struggling to navigate an on-going audit, or you’ve found yourself with a mounting tax liability that you’ve been unable to successfully tackle, a reputable tax relief company should have the resources and expertise needed in order to assist, and their core services will extend to include options such as:

• Tax Return Preparation - Even if you don’t have an outstanding balance, a tax relief company can still be a beneficial option, especially among individuals who have failed to file their taxes for a number of years. With the potential for hefty penalties and accrued interest, unfiled tax returns can be a big source of stress and anxiety, and the problem can continue to snowball as you try to avoid dealing with the situation. Thankfully, you can finally get yourself caught up with some professional assistance, and your team will look at any credits, benefits, and programs you may qualify for that could help reduce how much you owe and potentially minimize any penalties. 

• Consultations - If you’re unsure about a specific problem or concern that you’re facing, scheduling a consultation with a tax relief company can be a smart decision, as it opens the door to professional advice and guidance tailored to your unique situation. Allowing you to ask any questions you have, a consultation is the perfect place to review any existing liabilities or potential future penalties, and you can even discuss what steps the IRS may take against you based on your circumstances. In many cases, consultations are offered for free and without any obligation, making them a risk-free first step for dealing with your tax-related issues. 

• Negotiations - For individuals who have found themselves with outstanding liabilities that they are unable to pay off, tax relief companies offer negotiation services to work with the IRS on your behalf. The goal of these negotiations is to reduce the amount you owe, set up more manageable payment terms, or secure a more favorable resolution to your tax debt, and your team will strive to find you the best possible outcome without causing you any undue hardship. 

• Audit Defense - Audits can be a very stressful and intimidating experience, especially if you've never encountered one before, and you may find yourself unsure about how to navigate the complex procedures, what documentation you'll need to provide, and how to effectively communicate with the IRS. This is why it can be incredibly beneficial to hire the services of a tax professional, as they will not only have the expertise to handle the situation, they can also reduce the stress and anxiety you feel. By protecting your rights throughout the process, and ensuring all requests are handled correctly, a tax relief firm works on your behalf to minimize the risk of penalties, excessive fines, or other consequences, leading to a smoother experience and more favorable outcome. 

• Business Services - Most people assume that tax relief companies specifically work with individual taxpayers, and while this is a core aspect of the services they offer, it isn’t the only one. In fact, many tax relief companies also specialize in assisting businesses of all sizes with their tax concerns, and they are well-equipped to help you navigate complex issues such as business tax debt, payroll tax problems, state and local tax issues, and IRS audits. Whether you're a sole proprietor, a small business owner, or managing a larger corporation, tax relief professionals can offer tailored solutions to help you address your unique challenges, and they will work closely with you to find the best possible outcome for your situation. 

Who Is It Best For?

Not all individuals or businesses will benefit from hiring professional tax relief services, and while there can be many advantages to working with a team of experts, there can also be some drawbacks. Since this is not a free service, you will need to weigh the cost against the potential savings, and you want to feel confident that you’re not adding to your financial burden by engaging with this process. This is why most companies have a strict minimum debt amount that they require in order for you to be accepted as a client, and this will typically range from about $7,500 up to $15,000+. In addition to the initial minimum, you’ll also want to take into consideration the complexity of your situation, and whether or not you actually require professional assistance with tackling the problem. For small amounts of back taxes, simple audit requests, or situations where you only require a basic payment plan, this can generally be handled on your own by reaching out directly to the IRS, and they will work with you to address your concerns as effectively as possible. However, if your situation is more complex, or you’ve reached a point where you’re facing penalties, garnishments, or liens, professional tax relief services may be a more suitable option, and they can provide you with the guidance and support you need to tackle your liabilities while minimizing your financial strain. 

How Much Can You Save?

Many people turn to tax professionals when they find themselves with an outstanding balance that they are unable to tackle on their own, and the goal is often to negotiate down the liabilities to a more comfortable amount. Because of this, the big question individuals have is “how much will I be able to save?” and while this is an understandable concern, there isn’t a straightforward answer. When it comes to dealing with the IRS there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and tax relief companies always take a more individualized approach in order to find the best path forward for you. What programs you qualify for, what your financial situation is, and how much you owe will all play a significant role in determining how much you ultimately end up saving through a tax relief program, and there are no guarantees that you will be able to significantly reduce your debt. However, many individuals do find that working with a tax relief company can help lower their overall liability, sometimes by a substantial amount, and your team will explore all possible avenues in order to find you the best solution possible for your situation. This could include setting up a more manageable payment plan, putting a stop to interest that is accruing, or even negotiating down the total balance, but it will all depend on the specifics of your case. 

How Much Does It Cost?

Hiring tax professionals does have a cost associated with it, and how much you can expect to pay will vary depending on the complexity of your case and the services you’re seeking. In some situations, a company may choose to bill you at an hourly rate or they may charge a flat fee, which could be based on a percentage of your total debt owed or a pre-set amount. Because of how variable costs can be, almost all tax relief companies do offer potential clients a free consultation before the process begins, and this serves as a great opportunity for you to discuss your case, ask questions, and learn more about pricing and fees. Requiring absolutely no commitment from you, and with no upfront costs, the free consultation ensures you’re able to get a clear idea of what’s involved and what your financial responsibilities would be throughout the process, and it prevents any confusion or surprises down the road. If you’re interested in scheduling a consultation, you’re encouraged to reach out directly to the tax relief company of your choosing, and they will be happy to speak with you further and see if your situation is a good fit for the services they provide.