Your Rights. Our Standard.Independent Tax Education
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The Taxpayer Protection Center

Your Money.
Your Rights.
Your Decision.

Understand the sales tactics. Read the agreement. Know where to turn when a tax-service relationship goes wrong.

What to Say to a Sales Rep Find the Right Complaint Route

What Should It Cost?

Compare sourced federal and state fee examples and the work behind the quote.

Read the Complete Guide

Already Working with a Company?

Check case progress, question add-ons, and understand refunds and bank disputes.

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Already Signed?

Separate cancellation, refund requests, and representation authority.

Read the Complete Guide

Financed the Fees?

Understand the loan, dispute process, and automatic payments.

Read the Complete Guide

Think You Were Misled?

Build an evidence file and protect the underlying tax case.

Read the Complete Guide
Words You Can Use

Slow the Pitch.
Get the Facts in Writing.

Conversation prompts you can adapt.
These do not cancel a contract or substitute for legal advice.

Scenario 01

They Want to Add Another Service

Before I approve any additional work, please send the specific issue, the proposed deliverable, why it is necessary, whether it is already covered, and the total additional fee. I am not authorizing the add-on on this call.
Ask For
Written scope change, practitioner name, fixed fee or cap, exclusions, and the effect of declining.
Watch For
A new fee described only as “compliance,” “protection,” or “legal” without a concrete task.
Scenario 02

They Say the Offer Expires Today

Please distinguish the actual agency deadline from your sales deadline. Send me a copy of the agency notice and explain the action required. I will review your contract before making a decision.
Ask For
The actual notice, deadline, filing to be made, and person responsible.
Watch For
Pressure based on a salesperson’s countdown rather than a verified notice.
Scenario 03

They Guarantee a Big Reduction

Which program do you believe I qualify for, and which facts support that conclusion? Please explain the alternatives and what happens if the agency rejects the request.
Ask For
Written eligibility reasoning and agency criteria, not a promised savings amount.
Watch For
A promised settlement before reviewing income, expenses, assets, and filing compliance.
Scenario 04

They Offer Financing for the Fee

Please give me the cash price, amount financed, APR, finance charge, total of payments, lender identity, and cancellation/refund process. I need to understand whether ending the service also changes the loan.
Ask For
Complete credit agreement and service contract, separately, before signing.
Watch For
A monthly payment quoted without the total cost or the claim that financing is “just a payment plan.”
Scenario 05

They Say My Case Is Being Worked

Please send an itemized status report showing work completed, copies of submissions, agency responses, upcoming deadlines, and the next action with its owner and due date.
Ask For
Dated deliverables and copies of actual filings, not only internal case notes.
Watch For
Repeated vague updates while new charges continue.
Scenario 06

They Refuse a Cancellation Request

Please confirm receipt of my cancellation request, identify the contract provisions you rely on, and provide an itemized accounting of completed work, charges, and any refund calculation. Please also provide my case documents and pending deadlines.
Ask For
Written cancellation position, accounting, complete file, and any appeal or dispute process.
Watch For
A blanket “no refunds” statement with no explanation of the agreement or work performed.

Documented Case. Official Source.

American Tax Service:
What the FTC Reported.

The FTC’s 2026 reporting describes alleged government impersonation, unsupported tax-relief promises, and costly fictitious add-ons. Read the case summary, with the allegations and settlement terms clearly identified.

Read the Case Briefing
Know Who Handles What

Take the Problem
to the Right Place.

Keep your tax deadlines active.
A business complaint does not stop tax collection.

Suspected Deceptive Sales or Fraud

Federal Trade Commission

Report advertising, impersonation, false promises, or other suspected deceptive conduct. Reporting is not a guaranteed refund.

Open Official Resource
A Financed Fee, Lender, or Servicer Problem

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Submit the loan documents and factual dispute. Keep making required responses while the complaint is reviewed.

Open Official Resource
State Consumer-Law Concerns

Your State Consumer-Protection Office

Find the office for your state and its complaint process. Applicable rules and remedies differ by state.

Open Official Resource
California Business Complaint

California Attorney General

Use the official complaint process for suspected unlawful business practices. The AG is not your private attorney.

Open Official Resource
Attorney Help with a Contract or Loan

Certified Lawyer-Referral Services

For California, start with the State Bar directory. For another state, use that state’s bar or legal-aid resources.

Open Official Resource
IRS Preparer Misconduct

IRS Preparer Complaint Process

Check Form 14157 and whether an additional form is needed for a return affected by misconduct. This is not a general refund process.

Open Official Resource

Also Know Your Rights with the Tax Agency.

The IRS recognizes rights to information, fair treatment, challenges and appeals through the applicable process, privacy, and representation. State agencies have their own procedures. Rights come with specific rules and deadlines.

Read the Taxpayer-Rights Guide
Better Decisions Start with Better Information

Professional Help Should
Earn Your Confidence.

Compare the actual provider, written scope, fee structure,
and credentials before you sign.

Compare Three Outside Providers