At a Glance
Rating Breakdown
Performance Overview
Scores out of 5, based on our editorial analysis
About Larson Tax Relief
Larson Tax Relief is a tax resolution firm based in Glendale, California, founded in 2005. With over 25,000 resolved cases and two decades of IRS experience, they are one of the most established tax relief companies in the country. The firm employs enrolled agents, CPAs, and tax attorneys and holds a BBB A+ rating. Larson's reputation is built on thoroughness. Their investigation phase is more detailed than many competitors — they do not just pull transcripts and recommend a program. They analyze your full financial picture for opportunities that a surface-level review would miss: collection statute expiration dates (the IRS has 10 years to collect, and some clients are closer to the expiration than they realize), past penalty abatement requests (the IRS tracks these, and a prior abatement affects your options), and Collection Due Process hearing rights that may provide additional bargaining power. This detail orientation comes with longer timelines and higher fees. Investigation typically takes 3-5 weeks rather than the 1-2 weeks at faster firms, and total fees run $4,000-$9,000. For clients with straightforward cases, this thoroughness may be unnecessary. For clients with complex multi-year tax issues, business tax problems, or cases near the collection statute expiration, Larson's deeper analysis can uncover resolution paths that other firms would not identify.
Key Features
Deep Case Analysis
Their investigation goes beyond transcripts. They analyze collection statute dates, prior penalty abatement history, CDP hearing rights, and financial changes that affect your resolution options.
Two Decades of IRS Experience
Operating since 2005, Larson has institutional knowledge of IRS patterns, seasonal behaviors, and procedural nuances that newer firms simply have not accumulated.
Full Professional Team
Enrolled agents, CPAs, and tax attorneys on staff. Your case gets assigned to the professional whose license and expertise best match your situation.
BBB A+ Rating
One of a small number of tax relief firms with an A+ rating. In an industry with widespread consumer complaints, that distinction carries weight.
Post-Resolution Support
After your case resolves, Larson provides guidance on staying compliant and can flag upcoming compliance deadlines that might trip you up.
How It Works
Free Consultation
A senior tax professional evaluates your situation and gives you an honest assessment of your realistic options.
Deep Investigation
Larson pulls transcripts, analyzes your full compliance history, checks collection statute dates, and reviews your financial situation for every possible resolution angle.
Detailed Strategy
You receive a written resolution plan that explains not just what they recommend, but why — including alternative approaches and their trade-offs.
IRS Engagement
Licensed professionals negotiate with the IRS using the strategy that gives you the strongest position.
Resolution & Follow-Up
Case resolves with an approved agreement. Larson provides post-resolution support to maintain compliance.
What They Do
- IRS Negotiation
- Offer in Compromise
- Installment Agreements
- Penalty Abatement
- Currently Not Collectible
- Wage Garnishment Release
- Tax Preparation
- State Tax Resolution
- Audit Representation
- CDP Hearings
Debt Types They Take On
- Federal Income Tax
- State Income Tax
- Payroll Tax
- Business Tax
- Back Taxes
- Tax Penalties
- Unfiled Returns
Fee & Cost Structure
Regulatory & Trust
Review Summary
Notable Case Studies
Collection Statute Discovery Saves $47,000
Client owed $71,000 in IRS tax debt spanning tax years 2014-2017. Had been making installment payments of $800/month for 3 years. Other tax relief companies quoted standard resolution approaches. Larson's investigation revealed that the collection statute for the 2014 and 2015 tax years would expire in 14 months.
Multi-Year Unfiled Returns with Penalty Stacking
Self-employed taxpayer had not filed returns for 2018-2022. IRS substitute returns showed $86,000 in tax liability. Actual liability was lower, but penalties had been stacking year over year — failure to file (5%/month), failure to pay (0.5%/month), and accuracy penalties on the SFR estimates.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Deep investigation uncovers resolution opportunities (collection statute expiration, CDP rights, stacked penalty abatement) that surface-level reviews miss
- Two decades of operation with 25,000+ cases — one of the deepest IRS experience bases in the industry
- BBB A+ rating in an industry where that distinction is rare and meaningful
- Full professional staff (EAs, CPAs, attorneys) and post-resolution compliance support
Cons
- Higher fees ($4,000-$9,000) compared to budget and mid-tier competitors
- Investigation takes 3-5 weeks — slower than the 1-2 week standard at faster firms
- Thoroughness is unnecessary for simple cases — if you just need a payment plan, you are paying for analysis you do not need
- $10,000 minimum tax debt excludes smaller balances
User Reviews (9)
found $47k in expiring debt
Two other companies told me to set up a payment plan for the full $71k. Larson's investigation found that $47k was close to the collection statute expiration. They got me on CNC status and 14 months later almost half my debt disappeared. No other firm caught that.
slow but good
Investigation took almost 5 weeks. I was impatient but when the analysis came back with 3 different resolution approaches and a clear recommendation, I understood why it took that long. Results were worth the wait.
OIC accepted at 14 cents on dollar
Owed $52k. Larson's analysis showed I was a strong OIC candidate based on my income, assets, and the collection statute window. OIC accepted at $7,400. Took 10 months but $7,400 on a $52k debt is a life-changing outcome. Fees were $6,800 which felt steep at the time but the ROI speaks for itself.
thorough and professional
The investigation report was 12 pages. Every tax year analyzed, every option explained, every trade-off laid out. First time I actually understood my situation instead of just being told "we will handle it." Worth the $7,000 in fees.
excellent
Excellent work.
good
Good service. Penalty abatement saved me $8k.
overpaid for a simple case
My case was straightforward — owed $16k, needed a payment plan. Larson charged $5,200 for what was essentially a standard installment agreement. The deep investigation found nothing unusual about my case. I paid a premium for thoroughness that my case did not require. Should have gone with a cheaper firm.
fine
fine
7 months for an installment agreement
Total time from first call to approved installment agreement: 7 months. Five weeks for investigation, three weeks for "strategy development," then 4+ months of back and forth with the IRS. Other people online report getting installment agreements in 4-6 weeks. Maybe the IRS was slow on my case but 7 months is ridiculous for a PAYMENT PLAN. Meanwhile I was still getting collection notices and losing sleep.
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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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