Complaint Review: Taxmasters TMIRS Enterprises Cox & Associates - Houston Texas

As of 2-1-10, there are currently 547 claims against Tax Masters filed with the Houston Better Business Bureau.  I can not believe they advertise on via reputable media, are allowed to do business with American Express and other reputatable financial companies.  I have filed a complaint withthe BBB in Houston and have rquested a refund via American Express citing their "F" (lowest possible) BBB rating as evidence of their fraudulent business scam.

According to the Harris County (Houston, TX) District Attorney's Office, Tax Masters is currently under investigation by the US Treasury Department.  The County and State of Texas had investigations underway previously but determined that they did not have jurisdiction.  The DA's office knew of the case off the top of her head and recommended I wirite a letter to Special Agent Farwell at US Treasury Department whose contact information she had readily available.  She also recommended I contact my US Congressman and US Senator which is very easy to do via email.  A copy of my letter to Special Agent Farwell including his contact information follows:

January 27, 2010

US Treasury Department

1919 Smith Street

Houston, TX 77002

Attention:  Agent Farwell

RE: Tax Masters Fraudulent Claims and Service

Dear Agent Farwell:

I am writing to you pursuant to a call I placed to the Harris County District Attorneys office regarding fraudulent business being  practiced at Tax Masters located at 900 Town & Country Lane, Suite 400 Houston TX 77024.  The Harris County DA informed me that they are very familiar with complaints against Tax Masters and that the matter is beyond their jurisdiction thus they suggested I contact you, my congressman and my senator.  I have contacted Congressman Gerry Connolly and Senator Mark Warner informing them of the fraud I experienced while dealing with Tax Masters.

BACKGROUND

I engaged the services of TMIRS, Enterprises, Ltd.  d/b/a Tax Masters on 10/12/09 in response to a television ad. When I called their 800 number, I was told by Garret Pichon of Tax Masters that they could obtain a settlement for me at $.13 on the dollar based on my fact pattern.  I paid $8,900 for the promised services relating to my State of Virginia and IRS tax liabilities.  Mr. Pichon is apparently no longer with Tax Masters.

During the sales process, I was told that an attorney, a tax consultant and a financial analyst would be assigned to my case and that I would be contacted within 7 10 business days to start working on my case.  I was also told not to contact the IRS or State of Virginia and to forward all correspondence and calls to Tax Masters. Additionally, the fax cover letter accompanying the engagement letter indicated we would receive a call from a Case Coordinator once a month to provide a progress report (see attached).

After 14 business days passed without a call from anyone at Tax Masters, I placed a call to customer service and was given the run around for the next 3 months.  I was never permitted to  speak with an attorney, tax consultant or financial analyst regarding my case, just a revolving door of low level customer service reps who could employed various delay tactics .  I have a detailed call log that is attached.

I sent a letter to Tax Masters on December 28, 2009 cancelling the service and requesting a refund as I learned they had not contacted the IRS on my behalf either.

On December 29, 2009, I came home to find that my checking account was frozen due to a lien having been placed on it by the State of Virginia.  When I called the State on December 30^th, they indicated that Tax Masters had never contacted them and that the reason the lien had been placed on my account was due to the fact that no one replied to their letters, all of which I had forwarded to Tax Masters.  It should be noted that Tax Masters requested a Power of Attorney on December 28, 2009 for Virginia which is a clear admission that they did nothing on the account despite my forwarding the correspondence received from Virginia beginning on October 12, 2009 and going forward until December 29 threatening to place a lien on my bank account.  Again, I was told not to contact the State or IRS direct as it would jeopardize their ability to negotiate.  In fact, Shelia Thomas who is apparently a manager in customer service told me I had 21 days to remove the lien.  She didnt tell me that I could not access my personal funds and that bounced check charges would be incurred for pending checks and bills on auto pay.

After a week of placing calls and sending emails to the Quality Assurance department ,apparently directed by Dewayne Logan (800-682-3679 x2061), I was told my request for refund was denied because Tax Masters had conducted a third party inquiry with the IRS.  I have enclosed a copy of the email I received from Mr. Logan denying my refund claim.

I am writing you to see if you can help me get my money back and to offer my assistance to other victims of this scam.