AmeriStar Tax Centers

Dear Revdex.com, I'm so mad, that this company thinks it deserves $1900.00, of my money for doing absolutely nothing to help me, they new from the beginning after I talked to their attorney, that after I got my 1099-R form ammended, they would do nothing more for me, but accept payments from me, for doing nothing to help meI am soo mad, this buisness, really has no business being in business, and if I can just keep one person from using Ameristar Tax Centers, I will feel like I have hurt them, like they totally screwed me overI did on my own, all the things neccessary to help my case, without any help from themAnd the still think, they deserve, or did anything to help meThey do not belong, or should not be able to help people with these matters, they have an agenda, to help themselves, and SCAM, innocent people, who need help from trustworthy businesses, If anybody is looking for tax help, DONT USE AMERISTAR TAX CENTERS!!!!!! I can't stress this enough, they totally stole $dollars from me, I'm totally disabled and not able to take such a hit from a crooked company such as AMERISTAR TAX CENTERSThis will really set me back, and believe me, they don't care, nor will they admit, they totally did nothing to help me, but take my moneyI wish I would have never felt so desparate for help, and found their ad, they are very deceptive, crooked, and truly care less about being able to help you, they want that money up front, to tell you, they can't help you, and if they think they can get more out of you, they will string you along, as they continually charge you money, to keep your case openI want a refund! They owe me! They know they did me wrong, but they use a bunch of pretty words, and technical claims, to make you feel like it's all your fault,Ameristar Tax Centers, send me my refund, do what is right, you know, you did nothing, you ain't nothing but a bunch of crooks

Please accept this response to your initial inquiry letter date March 3,in regards to a consumer complaint filed with your office by *** *** ***, your file number ***; our Case number ***AmeriStar Tax Centers provides professional services to file unfiled tax returns or re-file
previous years and representation to resolve complex tax mattersIf a client determines they don’t want to deal directly with the IRS with their tax issues, the Treasury Department has created a provision that authorizes Enrolled Agents, Certified Public Accountants and attorneys, to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the IRSThe details of tax representation are very important and AmeriStar strives to inform a potential customer of what to expect and be sure they understand the company’s representation as well as their responsibilitiesOur representation includes presenting a client’s budget to the IRS so that acceptable resolution can be madeWe do not misrepresent a financial profile to help a client avoid paying taxesWe do not make promises to reduce the tax liability or guarantee a specific outcomeThe tax authorities dictate procedures, timelines and requirements for relief petitions, based on each client’s individual circumstances*** ***, of *** *** *** *** *** *** ** ***, contacted AmeriStar and signed a Tax Information Assessment Agreement on February 6, The fee for this was $and is Non-refundableHe signed the IRS Form (Tax Information Authorization) which allowed us to receive limited information about his Tax situation (balance and filed/unfiled returns)We were advised his current liability was $10,for TY through All required returns were filedThis information was discussed with Mr*** on February 11,Mr*** decided to contract for our Representation Services and signed our agreement on February 21, The total fee for Representation was $3,As of this date, he has paid $3,of the agreed contractWe applied a $credit from the initial Tax Information Assessment AgreementOnce we received the agreement for services and finalized the quality control review (attached), AmeriStar began working on the client file immediatelyThe Case Manager contacted Mr*** on March 7, to introduce herself and advise of the Welcome Packet being mailed to himIn this packet is our form Initial Client Package (ICP) to be completed by our clientsThis would provide us with the necessary current information to establish a financial profileThe assigned Licensed Agent attempted to contact Mr*** on March 7, 2013, and was unable to reach himAfter several attempts by both Mr*** and the Licensed Agent, they were finally able to speak on March 29, Mr*** admitted he was still working on the ICP and advised he would like us to prepare his Tax returnWhen advised of the fee, he decided to have it prepared elsewhere We received an incomplete ICP and financial documents on April 3, The Licensed Agent reviewed and analyzed his financial documents to develop a financial profileIt was determined that additional information was needed to continue and was requested on May 20, Mr*** supplied the documents on June 11,On June 19, 2013, the Licensed Agent requested a copy of the filed return and a current paystubThe case was placed in suspension for non-paymentWhen released, the CM attempted to contact Mr*** by phone on July but the call was not acceptedShe sent an email requesting the return and current paystubThe case was again suspended until August 12, and Mr*** made no attempt to contact his Case Manager or submit the requested informationOn September 6,Mr*** spoke with the Case Manager and advised he did, in, fact, want us to prepare his tax returnHe was again requested to send in an updated paystubThe tax return agreement was sent to him via DocuSign on September 9,(client has hours to electronically sign and return)On September, 13, an email was sent to the client advising we did not receive the signed agreement and inquired how he wished us to resendBecause we had no response, we sent a day letter on Septemberand a second day letter on September 30, We received current paystubs on October 4th and the agreement on October 14, As he had previously advised he was having the return prepared by someone else and was not completed by April 15, 2013, the IRS does not allow resolution until the taxpayer has filed all required returnsAn updated Power of Attorney was needed to include TY This was received and the Licensed Agent requested Wage & Income from the IRSThe return was completed on December 6, and mailed to the client via USPS on December 9,Mr*** returned the signed returns to us on December 18,and was submitted to the ll{S via USPSThe Licensed Agent prepared a Financial Analysis (FA) on December 4, and sent to the client for review and signatureIt was determined that he qualified for an Installment Agreement onlyMr*** returned the signed FA on December 13, The Case Manager left a message for Mr*** to contact her to discuss his FA and Resolution options on December 16,and 27, He did reply on the last attemptOur Agreements are for nine (9) months and is clearly stated on the contractHis agreement ended December 31, and we sent the final notice to him via USPS on January 2,2014, which gave him days to respondI understand -Mr*** claims he did not receive it, but we have no control over the Postal ServiceIt seems he had no issues with the Tax returns and previous documents we sent to himI believe we made a good faith effort to service his account and to communicate accurately and represent himThe request for a refund is deniedThe fee received is disclosed as fully earned by AmeriStar and is nonrefundable (please refer to page Service Fee section of the agreement)We believe we made a good faith effort to service his account with the limited information he suppliedWhile it may not be the desired outcome we both were expecting, I hope that between this letter and previous correspondences that the customer will have a better understanding of our position

Please accept this response to your initial inquiry letter date 1/23/2014 (received 1/29/2014) in regards to a consumer complaint filed with your office by [redacted], your file number [redacted]; our Case number [redacted].
 
AmeriStar Tax Centers provides...

professional services to file unfiled tax returns or re-file previous years and representation to resolve complex tax matters. If a client determines they don’t want to deal directly with the IRS with their tax issues, the Treasury Department has created a provision that authorizes Enrolled Agents, Certified Public Accountants and attorneys, to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the IRS. The details of tax representation are very important and AmeriStar strives to inform a potential customer of what to expect and be sure they understand the company’s representation as well as their responsibilities. Our representation includes presenting a client’s budget to the IRS so that acceptable resolution can be made. We do not misrepresent a financial profile to help a client avoid paying taxes. We do not make promises to reduce the tax liability or guarantee a specific outcome. The tax authorities dictate procedures, timelines and requirements for relief petitions, based on each client’s individual circumstances.
 
[redacted], of [redacted], contacted AmeriStar and signed a Tax Information Assessment Agreement on August 27, 2013. The fee for this was $200 and is Non-refundable. He signed the IRS Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization) which allowed us to receive limited information about his Tax situation (balance and filed/unflted returns). We were advised his current liability was $10,888.12 for TY 2012. All returns were filed. This information was discussed with Mr. [redacted] on August 28, 2013. Mr. [redacted] decided to contract for our services on September 19,2013. An agreement was sent to him; which he signed and returned on the same day. The total fee for Representation was $3,400. As of this date, he has paid $ 1,700 of the agreed contract. We applied a $200 credit from the initial Tax Information Assessment Agreement.
 
Once we received the agreement for services and finalized the quality control review (attached), AmeriStar began working on the client file immediately. The Case Manager contacted Mr. [redacted] on October 19, 2013 to introduce herself and advise of the Welcome Packet being emailed to him. In this packet is our form Initial Client Package (ICP) to be completed by our clients. This would provide us with the necessary current information to establish a financial profile. The assigned Licensed Agent contacted Mr. [redacted] on October 21,2013, and was able to discuss his case. He was advised that one of his retirement accounts had reported his withdrawal as an “early distribution” and it would be necessary to file an amended return. Mr. [redacted] did acknowledge his disabilities. There was no mention of any other resolution issues. We have completed all services on this agreement up to submitting a resolution proposal to the Internal Revenue Service.
 
We received an incomplete ICP and financial documents on November 25, 2013. The Licensed Agent reviewed and analyzed his financial documents to develop a financial profile. It was determined that it obtaining a corrected 1099 from the administrator of his retirement account. Because we do not have access to his accounts, it was requested that Mr. [redacted] contact them to request the correction based on his disability status. He attempted to do so, but they were uncooperative. Our Senior Case Manager did a three-way conference call with Mr. [redacted] and the administrator, but we were denied as well. It was decided to prepare an amended return. We prepared the amended return and submitted it to the client for signature on January 2, 2014.
 
The Licensed Agent prepared a Financial Analysis and it was determined that Mr. [redacted] did not qualify for any reduction of taxes (Offer in Compromise) or had financial hardship (Currently Not Collectible) due to his disposable income. An Installment agreement would be his only option. He had attempted to do this on his own prior to contacting AmeriStar. It seems this request was finally accepted by the IRS in late December of 2013. At no time, did we take credit for this.
 
I believe we made a good faith effort to service his account and to communicate accurately and represent him. We remained available to represent Mr. [redacted] and actively tried to develop his case up until he stopped participating in representation and canceled services and stopped sending payments. If he submits the amended return, we will have reduced his liability $4,419 (the 10% early withdrawal tax penalty).
 
The initial deposit paid is a partial payment towards the total service fee. The service agreement provides that a client may choose another firm or resolution option and terminate the service agreement at any time and we will work with them for an orderly transition of the tax matter.
 
Our Agreement specifically states we do not make any promises or warranties as to the outcome, all decisions made by the client and the Taxing authorities (please refer page 2, Section 3f).
 
Your request for a refund is denied. The fee received is disclosed as fully earned by AmeriStar and is non-refundable (please refer to page 2 Service Fee section of the agreement). We believe we made a good faith effort to service your account with the limited information you supplied.
 
While it may not be the desired outcome we both were expecting, I hope that between this letter and previous correspondences that the customer will have a better understanding of our position.
 
If I can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact me.

Review: Paid 790.00 to set up an offer and compromise thru Ameristar. We sent information and they would deny getting it, and we would send, fax, email it two to three times. Finally they did an installment plan that was exactly what we had initially been offered thru the IRS. My issue is that right after they closed the case, we were audited...... This turned out to be a total of 35,000.00 because we had a flood and all our belongings were lost. Ameristar stated they did what they could do and dropped us like criminals. Just diagnosed with breast cancer they could have cared less, just get there money and run. Would love to get the 790.00 back even though it a shot in the dark.Desired Settlement: refund of 790.Make sure they don't misrepresent others

Review: Please help me resolve this problem, I hired Ameristar tax centers to help me fix my tax problem. Every time they needed some information I sent it to them. They used to call me and email me in the beginning and I comply with everything they wanted. But now they are telling me that their no longer representing me because I did not comply to the last letter they sent me which I did not receive, why would I not comply, I paid them $3500 hundred dollars to help me now they are saying I lost all that money because of this last letter.Could you please help me resolve this problem with them I'm a single parent of two.Desired Settlement: My $3500 back.

Business

Response:

Please accept this response to your initial inquiry letter date March 3,2014 in regards to a consumer complaint filed with your office by [redacted], your file number [redacted]; our Case number [redacted]. AmeriStar Tax Centers provides professional services to file unfiled tax returns or re-file previous years and representation to resolve complex tax matters. If a client determines they don’t want to deal directly with the IRS with their tax issues, the Treasury Department has created a provision that authorizes Enrolled Agents, Certified Public Accountants and attorneys, to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the IRS. The details of tax representation are very important and AmeriStar strives to inform a potential customer of what to expect and be sure they understand the company’s representation as well as their responsibilities. Our representation includes presenting a client’s budget to the IRS so that acceptable resolution can be made. We do not misrepresent a financial profile to help a client avoid paying taxes. We do not make promises to reduce the tax liability or guarantee a specific outcome. The tax authorities dictate procedures, timelines and requirements for relief petitions, based on each client’s individual circumstances. [redacted], of [redacted], contacted AmeriStar and signed a Tax Information Assessment Agreement on February 6, 2013. The fee for this was $200 and is Non-refundable. He signed the IRS Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization) which allowed us to receive limited information about his Tax situation (balance and filed/unfiled returns). We were advised his current liability was $10,465.47 for TY 2007 through 2011. All required returns were filed. This information was discussed with Mr. [redacted] on February 11,2013. Mr. [redacted] decided to contract for our Representation Services and signed our agreement on February 21, 2013. The total fee for Representation was $3,400. As of this date, he has paid $3,200 of the agreed contract. We applied a $200 credit from the initial Tax Information Assessment Agreement. Once we received the agreement for services and finalized the quality control review (attached), AmeriStar began working on the client file immediately. The Case Manager contacted Mr. [redacted] on March 7, 2013 to introduce herself and advise of the Welcome Packet being mailed to him. In this packet is our form Initial Client Package (ICP) to be completed by our clients. This would provide us with the necessary current information to establish a financial profile. The assigned Licensed Agent attempted to contact Mr. [redacted] on March 7, 2013, and was unable to reach him. After several attempts by both Mr. [redacted] and the Licensed Agent, they were finally able to speak on March 29, 2013. Mr. [redacted] admitted he was still working on the ICP and advised he would like us to prepare his 2012 Tax return. When advised of the fee, he decided to have it prepared elsewhere. We received an incomplete ICP and financial documents on April 3, 2013. The Licensed Agent reviewed and analyzed his financial documents to develop a financial profile. It was determined that additional information was needed to continue and was requested on May 20, 2013. Mr. [redacted] supplied the documents on June 11,2013. On June 19, 2013, the Licensed Agent requested a copy of the 2012 filed return and a current paystub. The case was placed in suspension for non-payment. When released, the CM attempted to contact Mr. [redacted] by phone on July 1. 2013 but the call was not accepted. She sent an email requesting the 2012 return and current paystub. The case was again suspended until August 12, 2013 and Mr. [redacted] made no attempt to contact his Case Manager or submit the requested information. On September 6,2013 Mr. [redacted] spoke with the Case Manager and advised he did, in, fact, want us to prepare his 2012 tax return. He was again requested to send in an updated paystub. The tax return agreement was sent to him via DocuSign on September 9,2013 (client has 24 hours to electronically sign and return). On September, 13, 2013 an email was sent to the client advising we did not receive the signed agreement and inquired how he wished us to resend. Because we had no response, we sent a 10 day letter on September20 and a second 10 day letter on September 30, 2013. We received current paystubs on October 4th and the agreement on October 14, 2013. As he had previously advised he was having the 2012 return prepared by someone else and was not completed by April 15, 2013, the IRS does not allow resolution until the taxpayer has filed all required returns. An updated Power of Attorney was needed to include TY 2012. This was received and the Licensed Agent requested Wage & Income from the IRS. The 2012 return was completed on December 6, 2013 and mailed to the client via USPS on December 9,2013. Mr. [redacted] returned the signed returns to us on December 18,2013 and was submitted to the ll{S via USPS. The Licensed Agent prepared a Financial Analysis (FA) on December 4, 2013 and sent to the client for review and signature. It was determined that he qualified for an Installment Agreement only. Mr. [redacted] returned the signed FA on December 13, 2013. The Case Manager left a message for Mr. [redacted] to contact her to discuss his FA and Resolution options on December 16,26 and 27, 2013. He did reply on the last attempt. Our Agreements are for nine (9) months and is clearly stated on the contract. His agreement ended December 31, 2013 and we sent the final notice to him via USPS on January 2,2014, which gave him 15 days to respond. I understand -Mr. [redacted] claims he did not receive it, but we have no control over the Postal Service. It seems he had no issues with the Tax returns and previous documents we sent to him. I believe we made a good faith effort to service his account and to communicate accurately and represent him. The request for a refund is denied. The fee received is disclosed as fully earned by AmeriStar and is nonrefundable (please refer to page 2 Service Fee section of the agreement). We believe we made a good faith effort to service his account with the limited information he supplied. While it may not be the desired outcome we both were expecting, I hope that between this letter and previous correspondences that the customer will have a better understanding of our position.

Review: Ameristar Tax Centers, knew & withheld knowledge of their intentsions, of stringing my case along, for their finacial benefit. Knowing they would be unable to help me with a Compromise or Resolution, with the amount of taxes I owed for 2012, After paying them the initial amount of $1200.00, just to start my case, their Attorney called me, & informed me of a 1099-R, form that was incorrectly coded. At that time I really wasn't sure of what this was, but quickly learned. Being asked by my assigned case manager, nearly 3 months, after hiring Ameristar, they wanted me to call the company to fix my own incorrect 1099-R Form problem. I did attempt to call and have this form corrected, getting the run around, at first. After a discussion with my case manager and her supervisor, who informed me, there was no way I would get anything other than an attempt from them to get my form ammended, and would recieve NO Resolution, or Compromise to reduce my taxes beyond what I owed, I seen what Ameristar Tax Centers had in mind, and that was to string me along, to collect monthly, payments, to the tune of $3,400.00 as well as charge $500.00 more after nine months. This lead to me seeking an Attorney's advice here, at home as what he thought I should do. Previous to Hiring Ameristar, I filed paper work with the IRS, to make payments arrangements on my own, which the IRS accepted, in Dec. 2013, and just this last week, Jan.2014, I finally on my own, got my 1099-R, Form corrected, with no help of Ameristar Tax Centers. Jan. 10, 2014, I Sent ATCs them a written signed letter, by me to Cancel my Contract. But Refuse to let them off the hook by signing their Termination Form they sent me, Allowing them the right to keep all my money I paid them for nothing, they did nothing to help me, caused me grief and stress, and planned on causing me to pay more than my original amount owed to the IRS, had I not hired them. They Are In The Business To SCAM PEOPLE,They Definately Scammed Me! I'm Disabled, they took advantage of me.Desired Settlement: I would like a complete refund in the amount of $1.900.00, sent immediately, and apology from Ameristar Tax Center's. I paid you $1,900.00, for nothing...with a refund you may gain some respect from me, as a company that will do right by it's customers! Otherwise...You, have stole from me, In my eyes, knowing I am Disabled,in need of seeing Doctor's, you were OK in taking my money for doing NOTHING. I Will Do Everything I Can, In My Power, To Put Your Name Out There, as a Scammer. SHAME ON YOU.

Business

Response:

Please accept this response to your initial inquiry letter date 1/23/2014 (received 1/29/2014) in regards to a consumer complaint filed with your office by [redacted], your file number [redacted]; our Case number [redacted].

Review: On October 22 2012 I tried to seek help from Ameristar for my tax problems on their tv commercial they stated that no charge unless we can help but instead they ask for my papers that IRS sent me facts forms for me to sign in order to gather my file from IRS and charge me $200.00 to get information from IRS I didnt hear from Ameristar until after their 3 day cancellation policy just to tell me that my file havent been posted so theres nothing they can do until IRS post my case but we still can help according to your papers from IRS for $3,000 send half now to get a head start I reply no give me my refund of $200.00 because theirs no file you charge me money and have not done anything and Im unemployed and can not aford $3,000 they refuse because of there no refund policy Ameristar are misleading and took my money please help me recover my refundThank YouDesired Settlement: $200.00 back into my checking account

Review: I paid them $3,500 to represent me with some IRS issues---After the last payment I could not get them to respond--the best I can tell is that all they wanted was the money---Desired Settlement: I would like my funds returned in full