Real IRS Transcript Analysis: What Actually Happened
We pulled the IRS transcripts. Here's what firms don't want you to see.
Tax relief firms make big promises. We verify what actually happened by analyzing IRS transcripts—the official record of all tax account activity. These are real cases where clients paid thousands for services they didn't need, or worse, services that were never actually performed.
Cases Analyzed
Independent transcript review
in Fees
What clients paid firms
in Value
What the work was actually worth
5 Real Cases
Click "Show Full Transcript Analysis" to see the IRS evidence
The Firm That Did Nothing
$52,000 in personal income tax debt, 2 years unfiled returns
Lost $6,500 + 8 months of delay
$6,500 wasted
What Happened
Sarah hired Optima Tax Relief in March 2024 after seeing their TV commercial. She paid $1,500 discovery fee, then $5,000 service fee. The firm promised to negotiate an Offer in Compromise for pennies on the dollar. Eight months later—November 2024—Sarah had heard almost nothing from the firm.
⚠️ What We Found
We pulled Sarah's IRS transcript in December 2024. The transcript showed: No Offer in Compromise was ever filed, No Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) on record with IRS, No communication from any representative, No pending applications or correspondence.
Paid $8,200 for a $387/Month Payment Plan
$38,000 in personal income tax debt, steady income, no assets
Overpaid by $8,200 for automatic IRS service
$8,200 overpaid
What Happened
Marcus hired Community Tax in January 2024. They charged him $1,200 discovery fee, then quoted $7,000 for professional IRS negotiation services. He paid in full. In May 2024—4 months later—the firm got Marcus an installment agreement: $387/month for 72 months.
⚠️ What We Found
We analyzed Marcus's case and his IRS transcript. The payment plan the firm negotiated was automatic under IRS guidelines. No negotiation happened. No negotiation was even possible.
The OIC That Was Never Going to Be Accepted
$67,000 in tax debt, owns home with equity, decent income
Lost $7,500 on impossible offer, still owes IRS full amount
$7,500 lost
What Happened
Jennifer hired Tax Defense Network in February 2024 after a high-pressure sales call. They promised to settle her debt for pennies on the dollar. Discovery fee: $2,000. Service fee: $5,500. Total: $7,500. In June 2024, the firm submitted an Offer in Compromise proposing Jennifer pay $9,000 to settle $67,000 in debt.
⚠️ What We Found
We reviewed Jennifer's Form 433-A (Collection Information Statement) that the firm submitted. We calculated her Reasonable Collection Potential (RCP)—the IRS formula for determining acceptable offers. The math showed the OIC was doomed from the start.
Sold Full-Service When They Qualified for Hardship
$28,000 in tax debt, unemployed, living on $1,400/month
Lost $1,500, learned about free IRS program firm didn't mention
$1,500 lost
What Happened
David contacted Anthem Tax Services in April 2024. He was unemployed, surviving on unemployment benefits, and couldn't afford to pay the IRS anything. The sales rep told him: We can get you on a low payment plan—probably $150-200/month. Our fee is $4,500. David used his credit card to make the first payment: $1,500.
⚠️ What We Found
We reviewed David's financial situation. He clearly qualified for Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status—IRS hardship status that pauses collections and requires $0 monthly payment. David didn't need a payment plan. He needed CNC. And CNC is free to request.
Three Years of Inaction
$89,000 in business tax debt, 3 unfiled years, IRS threatening levy
Lost $14,500, still facing levy, 2021 return still unfiled
$14,500 lost
What Happened
Robert hired Fortress Tax Relief in January 2022 (three years ago). He paid $2,500 discovery fee and $12,000 service fee—$14,500 total. The firm promised to file his 3 unfiled business tax returns, negotiate with the IRS to reduce penalties, set up a payment plan, and stop the IRS levy threat. For three years, Robert called regularly.
⚠️ What We Found
We pulled Robert's IRS transcript in February 2025. It revealed a shocking pattern: the firm had done virtually nothing for three years.
Want to Know What's Really Happening with Your IRS Case?
If you've hired a tax relief firm and want to verify they're actually working your case—or if you're considering hiring one and want an independent second opinion—PROOF can help.
We analyze IRS transcripts to show you exactly what's on file with the IRS. No spin. No sales pitch. Just the facts from official IRS records.
Independent research (not affiliated with any tax firm)
Based on official IRS transcript data (not opinions or guesses)
Used by consumers, attorneys, and journalists
47 cases analyzed and verified
Common Questions About IRS Transcript Analysis
Get answers to common questions about how IRS transcripts work and what they reveal.