Rappaport Tax Relief

For individuals and businesses in Westport, Connecticut, and the surrounding areas facing tax challenges, Rappaport Tax Relief presents itself as a service provider within the broader "Accounting" or "Lawyers Near Me" categories, specifically focusing on tax consulting and resolution. Located at 6 Fermily Ln, Westport, CT 06880, USA, the firm aims to assist clients with various tax-related issues. Prospective clients can contact Rappaport Tax Relief by phone at (917) 488-8295 or via mobile at +1 917-488-8295.

The environment of Rappaport Tax Relief's office, situated on Fermily Lane, suggests a local business presence. While specific details about the interior of the office are not publicly available, it is common for tax consulting services to operate in a professional setting designed for client consultations and the confidential handling of financial documents. The firm's Westport address positions it to serve the local community, offering in-person or remote consultations as needed for residents and businesses in the area.

The primary service offered by Rappaport Tax Relief, as its name suggests, is tax consulting, with a focus on tax relief and resolution services. These services typically involve assisting individuals and businesses with issues such as outstanding tax debt, IRS audits, wage garnishments, bank levies, unfiled tax returns, and penalties. The goal of such services is often to negotiate with tax authorities like the IRS or state tax departments on behalf of the client to achieve a more favorable outcome, which could include reduced tax liabilities, installment agreements, or offers in compromise.

According to their Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile, Rappaport Tax Relief LLC offers "tax consulting services" and has been BBB Accredited since May 13, 2024. The principal contact listed is Mr. David Rappaport, who is identified as the owner. This accreditation indicates that the business has committed to upholding BBB Standards for Trust, which include building trust, advertising honestly, telling the truth, being transparent, honoring promises, being responsive, safeguarding privacy, and embodying integrity.

When considering any service that promises "tax relief," it's important for consumers to understand the nature of such services. Tax relief companies often market solutions like Offers in Compromise (OIC) or installment agreements. While these are legitimate programs offered by the IRS, eligibility for an OIC is often very strict, typically requiring a taxpayer to be in significant financial distress. Many tax relief companies operate by taking upfront fees to explore these options, which clients could potentially pursue themselves directly with the IRS or with the help of a local, credentialed tax professional such as a CPA or Enrolled Agent, often at a lower cost.

A review from a real customer regarding a tax relief service, which appears to be Tax Relief Advocates (TRA), mentions issues that are relevant to the broader category of tax relief services. While this review is not directly for "Rappaport Tax Relief," it highlights common concerns consumers might encounter when dealing with tax relief firms. This reviewer detailed a negative experience, stating they would "never recommend" the service due to alleged issues with communication, delays, and billing practices. Specifically, the reviewer claimed to have paid a significant down payment for tax audit assistance but experienced considerable delays in receiving information, despite emphasizing a tight deadline. They alleged a lack of effective and timely communication, with the case manager reportedly blaming IRS layoffs while also admitting to being on vacation. The reviewer stated they had to hire another company due to the delays and subsequently requested a refund, which was denied based on a 72-hour cancellation clause in the contract, despite prior assurances of a refund if the company couldn't help.

Further details from this review indicated discrepancies in billing. For example, for a status conference, the reviewer's own attorney billed 1.3 hours, their ex-attorney billed 2.1 hours, but the tax relief service's representative billed 7.5 hours at $450/hour for the same conference. The reviewer also claimed that their bills were deemed "unlawful and egregious" by CT Representatives for a GAL taskforce, specifically noting the absence of timestamps. The reviewer expressed frustration with the supervisor's dismissive attitude and differing reasons for the delay, asserting that they had proof of sending required IRS forms multiple times, contradicting the supervisor's claim. This reviewer's experience underscores the importance of clear contracts, transparent billing practices, and effective communication from tax relief service providers.

Given the nature of the tax relief industry, potential clients of any firm in this space should conduct thorough due diligence. This includes carefully reviewing all contractual agreements, understanding the fee structure, and clarifying what specific services are covered. It is also advisable to confirm the credentials of the individuals who will be handling the case, ensuring they are licensed professionals such such as Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), Enrolled Agents (EAs), or attorneys, who are authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS.

The firm's contact information is straightforward: (917) 488-8295 for both phone and mobile, and the address is 6 Fermily Ln, Westport, CT 06880, USA. This direct contact information allows prospective clients to initiate discussions directly with Rappaport Tax Relief to inquire about their services and clarify any questions they may have about their specific tax situation.

In conclusion, Rappaport Tax Relief, located in Westport, CT, operates as a tax consulting service within the "Accounting" or "Lawyers Near Me" categories, aiming to provide tax resolution assistance to local users. While specific details about the firm's internal operations or promotional campaigns are not extensively available, its BBB accreditation suggests a commitment to certain business standards. For those in need of tax relief services, it is crucial to approach such engagements with caution, fully understand the terms of service, and verify the credentials of the professionals involved, keeping in mind the broader industry context and potential pitfalls highlighted by consumer experiences with similar services.