Owing the IRS thousands of dollars is stressful, and tax relief firms know it. Anthem Tax Services is one of the more visible names in this space, promising to lower what you owe and stop aggressive collection. But the company keeps its prices off its website, so it is hard to know what you are signing up for until you are on the phone.
This review breaks down what Anthem actually does, what it charges, how it is rated, and where it falls short. Firstcard is a financial-comparison site, not a tax-relief company, so the goal here is a straight answer, not a sales pitch.
What Anthem Tax Services does
Anthem Tax Services is a tax-resolution firm based in Woodland Hills, California. It works with people and businesses who owe back taxes to the IRS or to a state, and it employs enrolled agents, CPAs, and tax attorneys who can represent you before the IRS.
Its services cover the usual tax-relief menu. That includes Offer in Compromise (settling for less than you owe), installment agreements, penalty abatement, wage-garnishment and levy release, Currently Not Collectible status, and help filing unfiled returns. It also offers ongoing tax preparation.
Most cases run in two phases. Phase one is an investigation, where Anthem pulls your IRS transcripts and reviews your situation. Phase two is the resolution work, where it negotiates with the IRS on your behalf.
Key facts at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Company type | Tax-resolution / tax-relief firm |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Services | Offer in Compromise, installment plans, penalty abatement, levy/garnishment release, tax prep |
| Investigation fee | About $500 to $1,500 |
| Typical total fees | Roughly $3,500 to $8,000, case-dependent |
| BBB rating | A+ (accredited) |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes, with limits (see below) |
| Minimum debt | Often best suited to $10,000+ owed |
Figures reflect publicly reported ranges as of June 2026. Anthem does not publish fixed prices, and your quote depends on your case.
What Anthem Tax Services costs
Anthem does not list prices online, which is common in this industry but frustrating for shoppers. Based on publicly reported figures as of June 2026, the phase-one investigation typically runs about $500 to $1,500.
Full resolution fees, covering both phases, generally land somewhere between $3,500 and $8,000. The exact number depends on how much you owe, how many tax years are involved, and how complex your case is. Simpler cases can cost less.
These are flat fees quoted up front rather than a percentage of your debt, which makes budgeting a little easier. Still, paying several thousand dollars to resolve a tax bill is a real cost, and it is worth weighing against handling the IRS yourself for free.
If your larger problem is consumer debt rather than taxes, a do-it-yourself tool can cost far less. SoloSettle, a partner platform, lets you negotiate and settle credit-card and other unsecured debts directly with creditors for a flat fee, without a percentage cut or a salesperson. It fits people who want to keep more control and spend less than a full-service firm charges.
SoloSettle
SoloSettle
Settle your debt directly with your collector. No phone calls and no middleman. SoloSettle's platform handles the negotiation and paperwork, and you only pay when you reach a deal.
Standout feature
Direct written negotiation with collectors, no phone calls
Fees
Up to 19% of face value, paid only on settlement
Pros
Negotiate directly with collectors in writing — no stressful phone calls
Cons
Fee of up to 19% of face value and settlement isn't guaranteed
Ratings and reputation
Anthem is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and holds an A+ rating as of June 2026. It also lists membership with professional bodies for enrolled agents, which signals that licensed practitioners are on staff.
On third-party review sites, scores are generally solid but not perfect. The company has hundreds of reviews, and the average lands in the low-to-mid four-star range. That is a respectable showing for a tax-relief firm, an industry that draws plenty of complaints.
Accreditation and a high BBB grade are reassuring, but they do not guarantee a result on your specific case. The IRS, not the firm, decides whether you qualify for an Offer in Compromise.
The money-back guarantee, explained
Anthem advertises a money-back guarantee, and that is a genuine plus. The detail that matters: it generally applies only if the company cannot save you money or secure a resolution, and it usually does not refund your initial deposit.
In plain terms, the investigation fee you pay up front is often non-refundable. The guarantee covers the later resolution work, not the first phase. Read the agreement closely so you know exactly what is and is not protected before you sign.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Licensed enrolled agents, CPAs, and tax attorneys on staff
- A+ BBB rating and accreditation as of June 2026
- Flat-fee pricing rather than a percentage of your debt
- A money-back guarantee on resolution work
- Handles both IRS and state tax issues
Cons:
- No prices published online; you must call for a quote
- Total fees can reach several thousand dollars
- The guarantee excludes your initial deposit
- Some users report slow communication and long timelines
- Not worth it for small balances you could resolve yourself
If your credit took a hit from tax liens or missed payments, rebuilding matters once the IRS issue is settled. Kikoff, a partner, offers a low-cost credit-building account that reports to the bureaus, which can help you slowly add positive history without a big upfront cost. It is a sensible next step after a financial rough patch.
Kikoff Credit Account
Kikoff Credit Account
Everything you need to build your credit, right in one app. Build credit, lower debt, and unlock progress with tools that actually work.
Standout feature
An avg increase of +86 points within a year with on-time payments
Fees
$5/month for Basic plan, $20/mo for Premium plan $35/mo for Ultimate plan
Pros
Helps both payment history and credit utilization, the two factors that move scores most
Cons
Monthly fee continues for as long as you keep the account open
Who Anthem is a good fit for
Anthem makes the most sense if you owe a substantial amount, often $10,000 or more, and you feel out of your depth dealing with the IRS alone. Having licensed professionals manage levies, garnishments, and negotiations can be worth the fee when the stakes are high.
It is a weaker fit if you owe a smaller amount. The IRS offers free installment plans and even online Offer in Compromise pre-qualifiers, so paying a firm to set up something you could arrange yourself rarely pays off.
What users commonly report
Many users report that Anthem's staff are patient and willing to explain options in plain language, and that the firm follows through on stopping aggressive collection in many cases. Positive feedback often centers on feeling supported during a stressful process.
On the other side, a recurring complaint is slow communication and longer timelines than expected. Some customers also report frustration over pricing or over what the money-back guarantee does and does not cover. As with any tax-relief firm, results vary by case, and no company can promise the IRS will accept a reduced settlement.
How to decide
Start by getting your own IRS transcript for free and learning what you actually owe. Then call Anthem for a quote and compare that cost against what the IRS lets you do on your own. Get every fee and every guarantee term in writing before you pay anything.
If taxes are only one piece of a larger debt problem, map out the full picture first. Sometimes settling consumer debt or rebuilding credit matters as much as the tax bill, and cheaper tools exist for both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anthem Tax Services legit?
Yes, Anthem is a legitimate, BBB-accredited tax-resolution firm founded in 2010 with an A+ rating as of June 2026. It employs licensed enrolled agents, CPAs, and tax attorneys. Legitimacy does not guarantee a specific result, since the IRS decides whether you qualify for relief.
How much does Anthem Tax Services cost?
Anthem does not publish prices. Based on reported figures, the investigation phase runs about $500 to $1,500, and full resolution fees typically fall between roughly $3,500 and $8,000 depending on your case. You must call for an exact quote.
Does Anthem Tax Services have a money-back guarantee?
Yes, but with limits. The guarantee generally applies only if the company cannot save you money or reach a resolution, and it usually excludes your initial deposit. Read the agreement closely so you know what is protected.
Can I settle tax debt myself instead?
Often, yes, especially for smaller balances. The IRS offers free installment agreements and an online Offer in Compromise pre-qualifier. For consumer debt, do-it-yourself tools can cost far less than a full-service firm. Terms and conditions apply, and complex cases may still warrant professional help.
