Top-Rated Ohio Tax Relief Professionals

Ohio has unique tax codes, operational processes, and resolution options. If you're dealing with a state tax problem, a local pro has the knowledge and experience required to solve that problem. Additionally, local tax pros are focused on providing their clients with the highest level of personalized services. In contrast, the big tax relief firms tend to lack experience with the tax laws in Ohio, and they are notorious for using aggressive sales tactics to push clients into programs that aren't necessarily the best option for their situations.

There are three tax professionals who can represent you in front of the IRS or the Ohio Department of Taxation: tax attorneys, certified public accountants (CPAs), and enrolled agents (EAs). All of these pros can help you make payment arrangements, apply for settlements, deal with audits, dispute tax assessments, and appeal unwanted collection actions, but generally, only a tax attorney can represent you in court. When hiring a tax pro, look for someone who has experience with your tax problem. 

If you want in-person assistance, the IRS has the following locations in Ohio. Call (844) 545-5640 to ask about hours or to make an appointment:

Akron

2 S. Main St.

Akron, OH 44308

Canton

301 McKinley Ave. SW

Canton, OH 44702

Cincinnati

550 Main St.

Cincinnati, OH 45202

Cleveland

1240 E. Ninth St.

Cleveland, OH 44199

Columbus

200 N. High St.

Columbus, OH 43215

Dayton

200 W. Second St.

Dayton, OH 45402

Lima

401 W. North St.

Lima, OH 45801

Toledo

Four Seagate 433 N. Summit

Toledo, OH 43604

Youngstown

10 E. Commerce St.

Youngstown, OH 44503

At all of the above IRS locations, you can ask questions about your account and get basic help with tax law issues. You can also make payments with checks or money orders, and some locations accept cash if you have the exact change. Additionally, you can pick up tax forms, apply for payment plans on back taxes, and file Form 911 to request assistance from the Taxpayer Advocate Service. 

LITCs offer tax help to people who meet income guidelines or other eligibility requirements. Typically, to get help, your income must be at or below 250% of the poverty line, and you must be dealing with an issue related to $50,000 or less in tax. Here are the LITCs in Ohio with their phone numbers:

Community Legal Aid Services

City: Akron

Phone: 800-998-9454

The Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati LITC

City: Cincinnati

Phone: 800-582-2682 , 513-241-9400

The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland LITC

City: Cleveland

Phone: 888-817-3777 , 216-861-5500

Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio

City: Columbus

Phone: 844-302-1800 , 740-354-7563

Toledo Tax Controversy Clinic

City: Toledo

Phone: 419-684-8822

There is a wide range of tax relief professionals from local CPAs, EAs, and tax attorneys to big nationwide firms with hundreds of salespeople on staff. This guide explains how different types of tax pros approach tax relief and how to find the best help for your situation. It also talks about the inherent problems with most online reviews of the best tax relief firms.

Unfortunately, there are several big companies in the tax relief industry that put profits in front of consumers. This guide explains the red flags to be aware of when you're contacting tax relief companies for free consultations. Bottom line—be wary of big promises from salespeople who aren't licensed tax pros.

The Ohio Department of Taxation can take severe action against you if you don't pay your individual or business taxes. However, the state also has options to help you get out of tax debt. This article explains what can happen if you don't pay your state taxes, and then, it outlines options for dealing with Ohio tax problems. 

Can't pay Ohio state taxes in full? Learn the Ohio state tax payment plan term, and when to apply if you cannot afford to pay tax liabilities in full.

Summary of Ohio state penalty abatement and request procedures. Understand common Ohio state tax penalties assessed and how to request penalty abatement.

Summary of the Ohio state Offer in Compromise program. Understand the eligibility requirements, forms and documentation required, as well as how to apply.