It all started out well enough. I had a tax debt and their web site claimed they could help to reduce or eliminate it with their team of professionals, etc. The first call I was immediately routed to the "Director" Mr. Michael Gill who sounded very professional and told me that my case was like many others they had handled. Based on what I told him he figured that they could close it out in 6 months or less and reduce it substantially.
He coached me on what needed to be done and how the process worked, told me they would be emailing me some forms to fill out, etc. Said time was of the essence so we must move quickly and told me that it would cost me $2,200.00. I did as instructed and filled out the forms that day and wired the money to them to get the ball rolling.
Shortly after I paid and submitted the forms I was contacted and told that my case was being sent to one of their "Best" legal people as the "Director" did not have the time to follow through. I received an email from Mr. Richard L. Hargus, EA introducing himself, etc.
In the beginning it was fairly easy to get in touch with him, I would have to call and leave a message as I never got him to answer the phone. However, within 48 hours usually I would get a call back and he would be very understanding and professional and instruct me not to respond to the IRS in any way shape or form as it would undo all the work he had done. As time progressed getting in touch with him became more and more difficult and each time I contacted him asking for a status (usually when the next set of IRS letters hit my mailbox) he would tell me that we were just waiting on 1 more thing or we should be able to close it out in the next few months then weeks.
The last time I spoke with Mr. Hargus was back in October at which time he told me that he expected things to be wrapped up by JAN and that it looked like he would be able to get my tax debt down to $5,400 from $45,000. Since that time I have called and left many messages for him and Mr. Gill and send emails as well to both. I have received no response from either. When calling the main number for USTRA I would always get the receptionist who would always tell me that Mr. Gill was unavailable but she would pass the message to him.
Today I called the main number again and received a recording telling me that they are filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and that they have done their best to ensure all clients were placed with good representatives and that we should contact them. I then tried to contact Mr. Hargus again and as in the past several attempts the mailbox was full and would take no further recordings. There was however a new addition to the recording saying that Mr. Hargus was out for the week due to a personal family tragedy and that he would be back in the office on Monday March 3rd. Of course this is Monday March 10th and still no response and still a full mailbox.
So lesson learned. I did not research them adequately I guess and I have been taken for what to me is a good sum of money that I do not guess I will ever get back. My advice to all is if you see these to gentleman's names attached to any business to run quickly in the other direction. I would also advise all that if you are looking for help with taxes or any other problems to do your homework on the people you are looking at to represent you. If they look in the least bit shady, they probably are and in the end you will be in my current position unless you heed my advice. Good luck to all!
0 comments