I fell for their adds heard on reputable TV and radio shows. I had a few years of unfiled returns and learned an IRS Revenue Officer was trying to get in contact with me. Needless to say, I became quite fearful. So, what did I do-I contacted TaxMasters to help me.
They immediately debited my bank account for $1,900 as the down payment toward a total bill of $6,650.00. This amount seemed quite high but I signed the agreement out of desperation-thinking they were going to help me. I made numerous phone calls to Mr. Deck only to leave unreturned voice mail messages. Then on 1/10/10 another check was levied. Again, I tried to contact Mr. Deck leaving numerous messages for him to call. After signing and returning the forms, I did not hear from anyone at TM. So, on 2/06/10 I contacted the IRS revenue officer. He also told me there was no contact with TM. The revenue officer told me the only reason the levy was filed was due to no response to his 12/29/09 letter. He suggested I go to the local IRS office to see if my case has been assigned. I did this on 01/14/10 and spoke with a revenue officer who was very helpful in assisting me with developing a plan of action to resolve my tax debt. Actually, I learned more in 20 minutes with the IRS than I did in 3 months with TM.
So, on 1/26/10 I delivered a termination letter to the TM office and spoke with a supervising consultant, Mr. McCallister (who by the way offered me a job as one of their consultants). I explained the issues I had and he intimated there have been similar problems with Mr. Deck. In my letter I cited the reason for terminating their services was for lack of performance and was also requesting reimbursement of the some $3,100 ($1,200 of which was fortax return preparation) I paid in fees. He said he would pass my letter along and I would be hearing from a Jeff Welch. When I did not hear from Mr. Welch, I called him several times, leaving voice mail messages that were never responded to. So, I paid another visit to TM on 2/01/10 and met with Dewayne Logan, their Quality Assurance Director. He told me they were investigating the matter and would let me know the outcome in the next several days.
After not hearing from anyone at TM after leaving messages for Logan and Deck, I again went to TM on 2/05/10. I met with DeWayne Logan, a man very small in stature, who listened to my quick summary of my concerns and then proceeded to tell they will not be refunding any of the fees they collected from me and that I should leave. He again stated he doesn't care what the agreement says, I was not getting any of my money back. I requested to speak to the office manager and was told that was not going to happen. I then calmly insisted I be allowed to speak with the manager. Mr. Logan got up and left the room, I thought to get the manager. (Here's where it gets really interesting) He returned in about five minutes to have me escorted from the building.
So, it is quite apparent to me from everything I've read about TaxMasters and my personal experience, they are nothing more than a ""mill"" that preys upon those of us needing help with tax problems. I've been in their office which has an entire floor of the building filled with tax consultants, who are nothing more than trained salespeople. They take your money and essentially ignore you until you reach a point where you become so frustrated you either terminate the agreement and go to a legitimate tax professional or try to take care of the problem yourself. In my case, I had already prepared my returns, but was still charged a fee by TM to prepare the returns. I also learned that in most cases the IRS is willing to work with a taxpayer to resolve any tax issues.
I will do whatever I can to see that this doesn't happen to others. I have started the process of filing complaints with every government agency that may have jurisdiction over TaxMasters unscrupulous practices.
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