When I initially contacted the company, it was with respect to a wage garnishment that I'd received from the IRS. My first contact was with a gentleman named Darren Lee. After speaking with him, he informed me that I needed to fax the IRS documents to him, pay the retainer fee of $3,400 and he would begin the process of getting the garnishment released. I complied with his request, and then didn't hear back from him for a couple of days, and could not get a return call. I immediately informed my credit card company to stop payment because I hadn't heard from Mr. Lee and he wouldn't return my phone calls. The following day, when the credit card company rejected the payment, Mr. Lee called me immediately. When I told him I wasn't comfortable with the fact that he was not advising me of what was going on with the garnishment, he assured me that it would be taken care of, but not until a partial payment was made. I agreed, payment was made, and the garnishment was released. A few weeks later, they charged my credit card (without my authorization) for the balance of the retainer fee.
Over the next several months, I consistently tried to contact Mr. Lee, or anyone in the legal department to get an update or status on my case. I never received a return call. The receptionist often told me your case worker is working on your file and we're still waiting on the IRS to send us additional information. At some point the receptionist mentioned that Mr. Lee was no longer with the company
In February, I received a letter from Advantage Tax with a copy of 433A form which I was asked to fill and out and send back in order for the Legal Department to continue with my case. I faxed the form back on March 4. Five months later, on August 13, I received an email from Ms. Shandi Losey stating that they never received the 433A form. I emailed a. Pdf version of form 433A to Ms. Losey, informing her that I had already faxed the form five months earlier. I also asked her to please contact me with an update of my case, but never heard from anyone.
Recently returned from vacation to find a Wage Levy from the IRS. I immediately contacted the Legal Department. Again, I was put through to voicemail, and was unable to contact anyone directly, or get anyone to return my phone calls. I faxed a copy of the IRS levy to Advantage Tax's general fax number and emailed a copy to Ms. Losey, informing them that immediate action was required as payroll was being processed the following day and I could not afford to have $XXX. XX deducted from my paycheck. My payroll department had informed me that they could wait a few more days to receive a release but no longer than that. I sent numerous emails and faxes to their office over the next two days despite the numerous emails and faxes, no one bothered to return my call or contact me to help me resolve the issue. The following day, the receptionist informed me that the Legal Department was closed for Good Friday, and I would have to wait until Monday to speak with someone. I finally received an email from Ms. Losey late Friday evening, stating the following:
Nanette,
Our office is in receipt of your numerous emails to our office regarding the status of your case. Please find the below forwarded email that was sent to you on August 29 that has yet to be responded to. Please return the information immediately. These documents are well overdue. Failure to return this information can directly affect the outcome of your case.
Although I send Ms. Losey the 433A form for the third time on April 10, no bothered to call and inform me that they'd received the form or that they were working on the wage garnishment. As a result, by the time I finally spoke with a live person (April 14), it was past the deadline and my payroll department deducted $XXX. Xx. The individual I spoke with, who never identified herself, informed me that they were not able to contact the IRS without a signed copy of the 433A contract. Why they waited for 5 months the first time to inform me they allegedly hadn't received it and then another 10 months to inform me that allegedly hadn't received it, is a blatant example of their lack of professionalism and business courtesy. I ended up negotiating with the IRS myself and getting levies modified. This company ripped me off for $3,900 and then once I requested a refund, SURPRISE! They responded within 24 hours with a big "No." Something needs to be done about this company.
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