Tax Defense Network charged me $12,000+ with no progress resolving my IRS issues in 2 years

What you're experiencing is unfortunately common with some tax resolution companies. These firms often make big promises about resolving tax debt but can drag cases out while collecting fees. First, send a certified letter immediately terminating their services and demanding all your documentation. They are required to return your tax documents. State clearly that you're ending the relationship and expect a refund for services not rendered. Second, file a complaint with your state's attorney general office and the Better Business Bureau. Also report them to the IRS using Form 14157 (Complaint: Tax Return Preparer). This creates an official record of their misconduct. Third, consider consulting with a tax attorney (not just an accountant) who specializes in IRS representation. Many offer free initial consultations and can give you a realistic assessment of your situation. The good news is you can absolutely resolve your tax issues without them. The IRS has several programs like installment agreements, offers in compromise, and currently not collectible status that may help depending on your situation.

I went through something similar with a tax company that kept charging me thousands while making zero progress. I eventually found taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) which completely changed my situation. Instead of paying someone to "handle" my case who then disappeared, their system analyzed all my docs and gave me a clear action plan. What worked for me was uploading all the notices and correspondence I had from both the IRS and the previous company. Their AI flagged several errors the previous company had made on my filings and identified exactly which tax resolution program I actually qualified for. Turns out the other company had been applying for programs I wasn't eligible for, which is why nothing was getting approved. The detailed audit of everything the previous company had done was what finally helped me escape that cycle of paying without results. It showed exactly what had been filed wrong and what needed to be corrected.

Just wanted to follow up about my experience with taxr.ai since I was skeptical in my earlier comment. I decided to try it after continuing to get nowhere with my situation, and I'm genuinely surprised at how helpful it was. I uploaded all my IRS notices and the minimal paperwork my previous tax company had given me. The system immediately identified that my previous company had been pursuing an Offer in Compromise when I actually qualified for Currently Not Collectible status - which explained why I'd been stuck in limbo for so long! The detailed report showed that my previous company had submitted incomplete financial statements which kept getting rejected. I was able to take this information to a local enrolled agent who confirmed everything and helped me correct the situation for a fraction of what I'd been paying before. I'm finally making actual progress on resolving my tax situation after wasting 14 months with the previous company.

For what it's worth, I've been in your exact situation and found that the hardest part was actually getting someone from the IRS on the phone to sort things out. After three months of calling and never getting through, I discovered Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) which literally saved my sanity. It's this service that helps you skip the IRS phone queue - which sounds too good to be true, I know. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. But basically, they call the IRS and wait on hold for you, then call you once an actual IRS agent is on the line. Once I finally got through to the IRS, I was able to explain my situation with the tax resolution company. The IRS agent was actually really helpful and told me this happens all the time. They helped me understand exactly what my tax situation actually was (much less scary than the resolution company made it seem) and set up a payment plan directly.

I need to publicly eat my words about Claimyr from my skeptical comment above. After continuing to struggle getting through to the IRS myself (gave up after a 3-hour hold that disconnected), I decided I had nothing to lose and tried it. It actually worked exactly as described. I got a call back about 1.5 hours later with an IRS agent already on the line. The agent pulled up my file and confirmed what I suspected - the "tax resolution experts" I'd been paying had literally filed NOTHING on my behalf despite taking $6,700 from me! The IRS agent helped me set up a simple installment agreement on the spot. My monthly payment is $215 - far less than the $400/month the resolution company was charging me just for their "services." If you're stuck in the cycle with one of these predatory tax companies, just bypass them completely and deal with the IRS directly. The agents are way more helpful than they get credit for once you actually reach them.

Former tax professional here. One thing nobody's mentioned yet is that you should request a Tax Account Transcript directly from the IRS. It's free and will show you exactly what's been filed, what payments have been made, and what your current balance is. You can get this online at IRS.gov or by filing Form 4506-T. This will give you the truth about your tax situation without relying on what the resolution company tells you. Also, these companies rarely tell clients about the 10-year statute of limitations on tax debt collection. Depending on how old your tax debt is, the collection period might expire soon, which could explain why they're dragging things out.

I was in a similar situation last year. Have you tried calling the Taxpayer Advocate Service? They're an independent organization within the IRS that helps people having problems with the IRS. Their service is completely free. They helped me when I was getting nowhere with a tax resolution company. Call 877-777-4778 to reach them. They might have a long wait to assign you a case, but they really do help.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - it's heartbreaking to see someone trying to do the right thing get taken advantage of like this. The advice here is solid, especially about getting your Tax Account Transcript to see what's actually been done (or not done) on your case. One thing I'd add: document EVERYTHING from this point forward. Keep records of every phone call, email, and payment you've made to this company. This documentation will be crucial when you file complaints and potentially pursue getting some of your money back. Also, don't let them intimidate you into thinking your situation is more complex than it is. These companies often use scare tactics to justify their high fees. The IRS actually has pretty reasonable payment plan options for most people, and their agents are generally more helpful than these middleman companies want you to believe. You mentioned being a single grandparent - that shows you're responsible and caring. Don't let this company make you feel otherwise. You deserve honest help, not empty promises and endless billing cycles.

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this - it's unfortunately all too common with these tax resolution companies that prey on people's desperation to fix their tax problems. Based on what you've described, this company is displaying classic signs of a predatory tax resolution firm. The refusal to provide itemized billing, blocking communication with your accountant, and constantly asking for more money without concrete results are major red flags. Here's what I'd recommend as your immediate next steps: 1. **Get your Tax Account Transcript** - As mentioned by others, this will show you exactly what's been filed (or not filed) on your behalf. You can get this free at IRS.gov or by calling 1-800-908-9946. 2. **Send a certified letter** terminating their services and demanding all your documents back. They're legally required to return your files. 3. **File complaints** with your state's attorney general, the Better Business Bureau, and the IRS using Form 14157. 4. **Consider contacting the IRS directly** - Many people are surprised to learn that IRS agents can be quite helpful when you reach them directly. You might qualify for a simple installment agreement or other relief programs. Don't let this company continue to drain your finances. At $12,000+ with no results, you've already paid more than many people's entire tax debt. You can absolutely resolve this situation without them, and there are legitimate resources available to help you do it affordably. You're not alone in this, and it's not your fault that you trusted what seemed like professional help.

Hassan, I'm so sorry you're going through this ordeal. What you've described is textbook predatory behavior from these tax resolution mills - the vague updates, refusing documentation, blocking your accountant, and constantly asking for more money are all classic red flags. As a senior who's dealt with IRS issues myself, I want you to know that you have more power than they want you to believe. The fact that they won't communicate with your independent accountant is particularly telling - legitimate tax professionals welcome transparency and collaboration. Here's what worked for me when I was in a similar situation: **Immediate action items:** - Send that certified letter terminating services (as Victoria mentioned) - Request your Tax Account Transcript from IRS.gov - this will show you the truth about what's actually been filed - Document every interaction you've had with them moving forward **The reality check:** At $12,000+ with zero progress, you've likely already paid more than what most people owe in back taxes. These companies count on you feeling overwhelmed and dependent on them, but the IRS actually has reasonable payment options when you work with them directly. Don't let them make you feel like your situation is uniquely complex - it's their business model to keep you paying indefinitely. You deserve honest help, not empty promises. Stay strong, and please keep this community updated on your progress. We're rooting for you.