Think You Were Scammed by a Tax Relief Firm?
Check the Proof. Use your official IRS transcripts to verify what was filed, what was submitted, what was approved — and what may have never been done.
Note: PROOF.tax is an independent compliance analysis platform. We are not affiliated with the IRS.
What This Page Helps You Do
Many taxpayers pay thousands of dollars to tax relief companies expecting:
- Filed returns
- Negotiated settlements
- Payment plans
- Penalty abatement
- IRS hardship status
But the only way to verify those actions is through official IRS transcript data.
PROOF.tax allows you to:
Upload your IRS transcripts
Provide your official records from IRS.gov
Generate a compliance audit report
Get a structured analysis of what the IRS has on file
Compare promise vs. reality
Match what your contract promised against what IRS records show
Identify missing actions
Spot inactivity, delays, or unperformed work
Document your findings
Create evidence for dispute, cancellation, or refund requests
Red Flags That Require Verification
Low Risk Indicators
- • You paid less than 10% of total debt in fees
- • IRS transcripts show recent filings or account updates
- • Active installment agreement appears on transcripts (code 971)
- • IRS issued confirmation letters for submitted items
Warning Signs (Amber)
- • You paid 11–19% of total debt in fees
- • Case has lasted more than 6 months without IRS transcript updates
- • IRS shows balance unchanged despite promises of negotiation
- • Firm claims submissions but no IRS transaction codes appear
High Risk Indicators
- • You paid 20%+ of your total IRS debt in fees
- • Total fees exceed $20,000 (unless complex business audit case)
- • No returns filed despite payment
- • No signed returns with preparer identification
- • Silence from both firm and IRS for 6–12 months
- • Promised penalty removal but no transcript adjustment
- • Claimed settlement submitted but no Offer in Compromise record
- • No power of attorney filed with IRS
- • No evidence of contact with IRS
Important: These are indicators requiring verification — not automatic proof of misconduct. Use them to decide whether to investigate further.
Tax Relief Fee Risk Calculator
Enter your case details to see if your fees warrant verification.
Calculate Your Risk Level
How to Prove Work Was Not Performed
Obtain IRS transcripts directly from IRS.gov
Request your Account Transcript, Record of Account, and Tax Return Transcript.
Upload into PROOF.tax
Provide a clear, readable copy of your transcripts in our portal.
Generate compliance audit
Our system analyzes your transcripts for key indicators.
Identify missing actions
Look for: Missing return filings, No installment agreement codes, No OIC submission codes, No penalty abatement, No POA on file, No account movement.
Compare against your signed agreement
Document what was promised vs. what IRS records show was actually done.
Disclaimer: PROOF.tax does not provide legal advice. Our reports provide structured documentation of IRS transcript data. If you believe you were defrauded, consult with a lawyer or file a complaint with your state attorney general.
Why IRS Transcript Verification Matters
Official Record
IRS transcripts are the official record of what the IRS has on file. They show filings, payments, agreements, liens, levies, and adjustments.
Objective Evidence
You can't fake IRS transaction codes. Either action was taken or it wasn't. Transcripts provide objective proof of what happened and what didn't.
Actionable Details
Transaction codes (like 971 for installment agreements) tell you exactly what actions were submitted and approved by the IRS.
Dispute Support
Use transcript evidence to support refund requests, contract cancellations, or complaints to regulatory agencies.
Ready to verify?
Get your IRS transcripts and generate a compliance audit report to see exactly what your tax relief firm did or didn't do.
Generate Your ReportFrequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my tax relief company filed my returns?
Check your Tax Return Transcript from IRS.gov. If a return was filed, it will show the filing date and details. If your firm promised to file but it does not appear on the transcript, that is a major red flag.
What IRS codes show an installment agreement?
Look for transaction code 971 on your Account Transcript. This indicates an active installment agreement. Code 976 shows a terminated agreement. If your firm claimed to set one up but you don't see code 971 within 30 days, follow up immediately.
How long should tax relief take?
Simple cases (one or two years, modest debt) may resolve in 3–6 months. Complex cases with unfiled returns, audits, or liens may take 12–24 months. If you see no IRS activity after 12 months, request an update from your firm and verify their work.
Can I cancel my tax relief contract?
Most contracts allow cancellation, often with specific terms outlined in the fine print. Check your signed agreement carefully. If you believe promised services were not performed, you may have grounds for a refund. Consult a lawyer or your state's attorney general office.
Can PROOF.tax get my money back?
No. PROOF.tax provides analysis and structured documentation of IRS transcript data. We do not provide legal representation or handle disputes with tax firms. You can use our compliance reports to support your own claims or consult with a lawyer.
Is PROOF.tax affiliated with the IRS?
No. PROOF.tax is an independent compliance analysis platform. We are not affiliated with the Internal Revenue Service. We help you interpret official IRS transcript data to verify what was filed and what actions were taken.
Need Help Interpreting Your Results?
Our expert review service helps you understand exactly what your IRS transcripts show and what it means for your situation.