At a Glance
Rating Breakdown
Performance Overview
Scores out of 5, based on our editorial analysis
About Anthem Tax Services
Anthem Tax Services is a tax relief company based in Encino, California, founded in 2010. They employ enrolled agents, CPAs, and tax attorneys who represent taxpayers before the IRS and state tax agencies. The company has resolved over 20,000 tax cases and maintains a BBB A+ rating — one of only a handful of tax relief firms to hold that distinction in an industry plagued by consumer complaints. Anthem's service model runs in two phases. Phase one is an investigation ($500-$1,500) where they pull your IRS transcripts, analyze your tax history, and determine which resolution options (installment agreement, offer in compromise, currently not collectible, penalty abatement) you actually qualify for. Phase two is the resolution itself, where their tax professionals negotiate with the IRS or state agency on your behalf. Total fees for both phases typically range from $3,500 to $8,000 depending on case complexity. The money-back guarantee on the investigation phase is the company's main differentiator. If Anthem's investigation determines they cannot reduce your tax liability or improve your situation compared to what you could achieve on your own, they refund the investigation fee. This guarantee has some conditions (you must provide accurate information and cooperate fully), but it is more concrete than the vague "satisfaction guarantees" that many competitors offer.
Key Features
Money-Back Investigation Guarantee
If their investigation shows they cannot help reduce your tax burden, you get the investigation fee back. Read the terms — there are conditions — but the guarantee has more substance than what most competitors offer.
Licensed Tax Professionals
Your case is handled by enrolled agents, CPAs, or tax attorneys — all licensed to represent taxpayers before the IRS. Not salespeople reading from scripts.
IRS & State Tax Resolution
They handle both federal IRS cases and state tax agency disputes. Many tax relief firms only deal with the IRS and leave you to handle state issues on your own.
Full Tax Preparation
If you have unfiled returns (a common issue for people with tax debt), Anthem can prepare and file them as part of the resolution process.
Wage Garnishment & Levy Release
If the IRS is actively garnishing your wages or has placed a levy on your bank account, Anthem can request expedited release while working on the longer-term resolution.
How It Works
Free Consultation
Speak with a tax specialist who evaluates your situation. They pull preliminary information and give you an honest assessment of your options.
Investigation Phase
Anthem pulls your full IRS transcripts, analyzes your tax history, and determines which resolution programs you qualify for. Fee: $500-$1,500.
Resolution Strategy
Based on the investigation, they recommend the best resolution path: offer in compromise, installment agreement, penalty abatement, or currently not collectible status.
IRS Negotiation
Licensed tax professionals negotiate with the IRS on your behalf. They handle all communication, paperwork, and deadlines.
Case Resolution
Your case resolves with an approved agreement. Anthem provides documentation and guidance on maintaining compliance going forward.
What They Do
- IRS Negotiation
- Offer in Compromise
- Installment Agreements
- Penalty Abatement
- Wage Garnishment Release
- Tax Preparation
- State Tax Resolution
- Audit Representation
Debt Types They Take On
- Federal Income Tax
- State Income Tax
- Payroll Tax
- Business Tax
- Back Taxes
- Tax Penalties
Fee & Cost Structure
Regulatory & Trust
Review Summary
Notable Case Studies
Self-Employed with Three Years of Unfiled Returns
Independent contractor had not filed tax returns for 2021, 2022, or 2023. IRS had filed substitute returns (SFR) showing $68,000 in tax liability — significantly higher than actual liability because SFRs do not include deductions or business expenses. Client also owed $12,000 in penalties and interest.
Offer in Compromise for Disabled Veteran
Disabled veteran with $42,000 in IRS tax debt from unreported disability pension income (the client did not realize certain VA disability payments could trigger taxable income on other earnings). Living on $2,200/month in VA disability with no assets beyond a 15-year-old vehicle.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Money-back guarantee on the investigation phase provides a concrete safety net that most competitors lack
- BBB A+ rating is rare in the tax relief industry where consumer complaints are widespread
- Licensed tax professionals (EAs, CPAs, attorneys) handle cases rather than unlicensed salespeople
- Handles both IRS and state tax issues, plus unfiled return preparation — true one-stop service
- Expedited levy and garnishment release available for clients under active IRS collection
Cons
- Investigation phase fee ($500-$1,500) is non-refundable if they determine they CAN help (guarantee only applies if they cannot help)
- Total fees of $3,500-$8,000 are significant — some consumers could handle IRS negotiations themselves using free IRS programs
- $10,000 minimum tax debt threshold excludes consumers with smaller balances
- Resolution timelines can be long — IRS OIC processing takes 6-12 months, and installment agreements take 30-90 days
- The tax relief industry has widespread consumer complaints, which makes even reputable firms like Anthem subject to guilt-by-association skepticism
User Reviews (10)
money back guarantee is real
They actually honored the money back guarantee for a friend of mine whose case they could not help. Refunded the investigation fee. That tells you something about the company.
installment plan set up quickly
Did not qualify for an OIC but they set up an installment plan in about 6 weeks. $450/month for 6 years. Not exciting but manageable and the IRS stopped calling.
OIC accepted
Owed $38k to the IRS. Anthem got an offer in compromise accepted at $6,200. Took 9 months but worth every day of waiting. My enrolled agent Diana was a star.
levy released in 4 days
IRS had frozen my bank account. Anthem got the levy released in 4 business days. That alone was worth the fee. The rest of the case took months but getting my bank account unfrozen quickly was critical.
great service
Great service. Would recommend.
fine
fine
fees are steep
Paid $6,400 total between investigation and resolution. They got me an installment agreement which I probably could have set up myself online for free. But I was scared of the IRS and did not know how to do it. Expensive peace of mind.
could have done it myself
I owed $14k. They charged me $4,500 to set up an installment agreement. The IRS has an online tool where you can set up your own installment agreement for a $31 fee. I did not know that at the time. Do your research before paying thousands for something you might be able to do yourself.
slow process
Took 8 months start to finish. I know the IRS is slow but 8 months of waiting and wondering is stressful. Communication was adequate but I wish they had given more frequent updates during the waiting periods.
bait and switch on the offer in compromise
The sales call made it sound like I was a GREAT candidate for an offer in compromise. Paid $1,200 for the investigation. Investigation comes back and SURPRISE I do not qualify for an OIC. They recommend an installment agreement instead — which I could have set up MYSELF on the IRS website for FREE. So I paid $1,200 to be told what I already suspected. The "investigation" is just a sales funnel to get you into the resolution phase. The money back guarantee? Only applies if they literally cannot help AT ALL. Recommending an installment agreement counts as "helping" even though you do not need them for that.
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Related Companies
Important Tax Relief Disclaimers
- Tax relief companies cannot guarantee specific outcomes with the IRS or state tax agencies. Results depend on your individual tax situation, compliance history, and the applicable tax laws.
- Tax relief services typically require upfront fees or retainer payments. These fees are separate from any taxes, penalties, or interest you owe to the IRS or state agencies.
- The IRS offers its own programs (installment agreements, offers in compromise, currently not collectible status) that you can apply for without hiring a tax relief company. The IRS does not charge application fees for most programs.
- An offer in compromise (OIC) is accepted by the IRS in approximately 30-40% of submissions. Tax relief companies that guarantee OIC acceptance are making claims they cannot support.
- Tax relief fees typically range from $3,000 to $10,000+ depending on the complexity of your case. Some companies charge investigation fees ($500-$2,000) before beginning resolution work.
- You have the right to represent yourself before the IRS. If you prefer professional representation, enrolled agents, CPAs, and tax attorneys are all authorized to represent taxpayers.
- Zogby does not provide tax relief services. We are an independent comparison service. We do not negotiate with the IRS or state tax agencies on your behalf.
This page is informational, not financial or legal advice. Talk to a qualified professional before making any big money decisions.
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