If you’re behind on your taxes or dealing with an IRS collection notice, you may be considering professional help. Tax mitigation companies can help you with documentation, communication, and navigating IRS programs, but they cannot control the outcome of your case. Approval ultimately depends on IRS regulations and your financial situation.
This Anthem Tax Services vs. Tax Defense Network comparison details how these two companies operate, what services they offer, and how they differ. Looking at both sides can help you better understand where they fit within the broader tax-advantaged company comparison and which one makes sense for your situation.
Comparison of Tax Defense Network and Anthem Tax Services
Tax Defense Network Overview
Tax Defense Network was founded in 2007 and is based in Jacksonville, Florida. We focus on helping both individuals and small businesses address their federal and state tax debt.
The company offers a wide range of services designed to help both resolve existing tax debts and manage ongoing compliance. The company claims to have helped customers achieve more than $18 billion in tax debt relief.
Typical services include:
Tax Defense Network stands out among tax relief firms by combining tax resolution with ongoing filing and compliance support for individuals and businesses. Our firm employs licensed tax professionals, tax analysts, certified public accountants, registered agents, and tax accountants.
The company also offers TaxSafe as a monthly subscription, providing protection for up to 24 months after a tax case is completed. There are three membership levels available, each level increasing the level of tax support provided.
- basic: $27.99 per month
- standard: $49.99 per month
- professional: $128.99 per month
Bilingual support is available in English and Spanish, and the company’s minimum debt threshold is $5,000 lower than Anthem Tax Services.
The company has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 4.4 out of 5 star rating on Trustpilot. Some of the positive reviews mention the company’s ability and ability to resolve tax debts effectively, while some of the critical feedback mentions that it pays out more in fees than the tax relief it receives.
Prices may vary depending on the complexity of your case, and Tax Defense Network offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Who is it best for:If you need help with both tax resolution and ongoing compliance, are looking for a Spanish-speaking expert, or need both personal and business tax liability relief, Tax Defense Network may be a good option.
Overview of Anthem Tax Services
Anthem Tax Services was founded in 2010 and is based in Westlake Village, California. The company typically works with individuals who owe $10,000 or more in unpaid taxes and need help dealing with IRS collection issues.
The company offers a wide range of tax resolution services including:
- Setting up an installment agreement
- Request for fine reduction
- Assistance with tax liens, bank levies, and wage garnishments
- Files that cannot currently be collected
- Offers in compromised applications
- Support for unfiled tax returns
- innocent spouse relief
- IRS audit support
- Corporate tax preparation service
When comparing tax resolution firms, Anthem positions itself as a full-service provider with a focus on more complex cases. Our firm provides access to qualified professionals, including registered agents, certified public accountants, and tax accountants, depending on your situation.
Anthem Tax Services has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 4.2 out of 5 star rating on Trustpilot. Positive reviews often mention a high level of professionalism and integrity, while some negative feedback points to high fees paid that did not result in tax resolution.
The company uses a flat fee structure, and costs vary depending on the complexity of your case. As is common in the industry, prices are not disclosed. Anthem also advertises a money-back guarantee on certain charges, but the website doesn’t specify how long the guarantee is in effect.
Who is it best for:Anthem Tax Services is a good choice for individuals dealing with large tax debts or more sophisticated IRS collection activities, especially those who desire structured, full-service representation.
Tax Defense Network vs. Anthem Tax Services: Key Differences
Both Tax Defense Network and Anthem Tax Services offer similar core IRS resolution services, including installment agreements, penalty relief, and offer-in-compromise support. However, their positions and approaches are different.
The comparison table below shows each company side by side.
| Features | tax defense network | Anthem Tax Services |
| Federal and state tax debt assistance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offers in compromised applications | ✓ | ✓ |
| Setting up an IRS payment plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Currently unable to collect status | ✓ | ✓ |
| innocent spouse relief | ✓ | ✓ |
| Request for fine reduction | ✓ | ✓ |
| IRS audit agent | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tax filing support for current and past filings | ✓ | ✓ |
| IRS wage garnishment, bank levy and lien assistance | ✓ | ✓ |
| payroll tax resolution | ✓ | ✓ |
| Minimum tax liability requirements | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Free consultation? | yes | yes |
| Type of expression | Certified public accountant, registered agent, lawyer, tax analyst | Certified public accountant, registered agent, lawyer |
| BBB rating | A+ | A+ |
| Years of establishment | 19 | 16 |
How tax relief company pricing works
Pricing is often one of the most important factors when comparing tax relief companies, but it’s often opaque.
Most companies divide their fees into two main tiers.
- Investigation stage: This step includes reviewing your IRS account, financial situation, and tax history to determine what resolution options apply to you.
- Resolution phase: We prepare documents, file applications, and work directly with the IRS on your behalf.
Costs vary depending on the complexity and scope of your tax situation. It is important to note that no company can promise specific results. The IRS evaluates each case based on your income, assets, and ability to pay. Always be skeptical of tax relief companies that promise “guaranteed” relief. They are very likely to be scams.
When should you work with a tax saving company?
Whether you should seek professional help depends more on the complexity of your situation than on the exact amount you owe.
You may want to consider working with a tax relief company if:
- owe a large amount of taxes
- Are you dealing with an IRS lien, levy, or wage garnishment?
- I need help organizing my financial records and documents
- I have several years of unfiled tax returns.
- facing financial difficulties
In these situations, professional help may help you navigate the IRS process more efficiently. However, simple cases may not require outside assistance.
Alternatives to hiring a tax relief company
Cooperation with a tax reduction company is optional. These companies provide organization and communication support, but they don’t give you access to special IRS programs that you can’t access on your own.
You can also:
- Work directly with the IRS to set up a payment plan
- Claim the infringed offer individually
- Contact Taxpayer Advocacy Services for guidance
- If you need help, work with your local registered agent or certified public accountant.
conclusion
In this comparison between Anthem Tax Services and Tax Defense Network, both companies offer similar IRS tax resolution services, but with different approaches.
Tax Defense Network may be suitable for individuals who need compliance and filing support at both the federal and state levels, while Anthem Tax Services may be suitable for individuals dealing with large amounts of outstanding tax debt.
The decision will depend on your specific needs, the complexity of your case, and your comfort level working directly with the IRS. Comparing multiple providers will help you make a more informed choice.
Frequently asked questions about Tax Defense Network and Anthem Tax Services
Is Tax Defense Network better than Anthem Tax Services?
Neither company is necessarily better than the other. The right choice will depend on your personal tax situation, such as whether you need ongoing tax filing support at both the state and federal level or whether you have a large tax liability.
How much does a tax relief company typically cost?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of the case. More complex services, such as Infringement Offers, can be more expensive than simpler solutions, such as setting up an IRS Installment Agreement.
Can tax-exempt companies reduce their IRS liability?
A tax relief company cannot itself reduce your tax liability. They will help you prepare your application, but the IRS will make the final decision on whether or not your reduction will be approved.
Do I need a tax relief company to work with the IRS?
No, you can work directly with the IRS to avoid spending money on tax relief assistance, especially if your situation is simple, such as setting up a payment plan.
Are tax relief companies legal?
Many tax relief companies are legal, but prices and quality of service may vary. Check credentials, read customer feedback, and compare prices to make a more informed decision.
