Pinnacle Tax and Financial Group Inc

This company screwed us to the wall , then stole $for services they did not perform .One of the Esquires *** *** was rude and arrogant , he stated that I was taking up his time when I called to find out the progress on my caseWe were told we had to refinance our house to pay a tax debt that we may not owe.We had payments left on our home , now we have years at 1.75% higher interest rateThe monies we got out of the refinance were less than the supposed tax debt and we were told not to send it to the IRS because they would not except a partial paymentAgainst our wishes Obi filed a CNC case not collectable, causing IRS to put a lien on our homeWhen I confronted them about the CNC and asked that they file an Offer in Compromise, they said no, we are done I filed my own OIC and it was accepted by the IRSI want my $back

A full review of the Plaintiff’s file shows no active Contract (or documented Client file with the Plaintiff’s contact information and services purchased), outside of a very basic “lead information”
NOTE from the Defendant’s Sales-floor portal. As a consequence, the Defendant believes that the Plaintiff may have contacted the office, but did not follow-through with any Contracted services with the Defendant. Stated differently, the Defendant is unable to verify any allegation made by Plaintiff--- related to the specifics of the Complaint--- due to the non-existence of ANY documentation contracted for services rendered As a consequence, the Defendant is forced to deny all allegations made against it, due to the absence of any record
Therefore, the Revdex.com should view the Plaintiff-Client’s filed Complaint with some skepticism, based on a complete lack of useful documentation (related to any Plaintiff contracted-for services or payment schedule), and find on behalf of the Defendant-Business
Respectfully,
-*** B***, Compliance Director
AUTHORITY TAX SERVICES, LLC

April
16, 2014
 
FROM:   [redacted] B. [redacted], Compliance
Director
              
AUTHORITY TAX SERVICES, LLC
              
7535 Irvine Center Dr., Ste. 200
              
Irvine, CA  92618
RE:  [redacted]
To the Bureau,
 
   The Defendant-Business holds firm behind its
prior Response to Complaint, believing that the Plaintiff may have contacted the office at some point in time, but did
not Contract with the Defendant.  Stated
differently, the Defendant is unable to verify any allegation made by
Plaintiff--- related to the specifics of the filed Complaint.
Thank you.
                            Respectfully,
                               -[redacted] B.
[redacted], Compliance Director,
                                 AUTHORITY TAX
SERVICES, LLC.

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
Regards,
[redacted]
The answer they give is baloney but I am not surprised.  This is the way owner of Pinnacle Tax ( a partner in Authority Tax) is going to avoid paying me the money I am rightfully owed.  Therefore I feel that Authority Tax is as much of a scam company as Pinnacle was since he is one of the owners and he is a scam artist who just wants to take people's money without doing the work that is promised.  I repeat AUTHORITY TAX IS A SCAM!!!
 
Regards,
 
[redacted]

Pinnacle Tax has not responded back to me each time that I have called. Two agents were assigned to me at the time [redacted] and [redacted]. I began to see a red flag when I tried to contact my Agent [redacted] for up to 3 weeks and she never responded back come to find out she was supposedly was out with the flu when I did get a response I was assigned to another agent named [redacted] at the time I was struggling to make my final payments as much as he insisted I do. So when I finally did I had realized that I was in need to get in my 2012 tax return in as well and he to me to pay an additional $200.00 they were never submitted from and now the IRS is on my back once again calling telling me to withdraw my Offer in Comprise. In April of last year when they were rushing me to pay additional monies in order to proceed with the process I was telling my buddy that something was up I was beginning to see a red flag and that something’s up with this. I tried contacting [redacted] which supposed to be my Power of Attorney and [redacted] and every time that I called left messages I get the answering service. I tried to get help with Tax Masters and paid out monies but in return got screwed took a lost and now this with Pinnacle Tax. The cold thing about is that they said they never do that to me now here I am about to be finically ruined laid off and possibly on the street can you help me please so that I may recover thanks.
Regards,
Gerald S[redacted]

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
Regards,
[redacted]
 
I detailed my reasons why in a separate email I sent you.  My original complain was against Pinnacle Tax and Financial Services who did NOTHING!!!  The reason Authority Tax is involved is that THE OWNER of Pinnacle closed his doors and re-opened as a PARTNER in Authority Tax.  He did this to numerous people I found out as a way of avoiding re-paying contracts he did not fulfill.  Since he is PART OWNER of Authority Tax, either the company or him personally should be responsible to pay the debt.
As I had stated in my original complaint, the complaint was filed against Pinnacle Tax and Financial Services.  The reason that Authority Tax was contacted by you is that Pinnacle NEVER did anything! (see my complaint) and then closed their doors, HOWEVER the owner of Pinnacle partnered with Authority Tax and opened a business under that name, yet the owner of Pinnacle should be responsible.  He did this to many people I found out and this is just an attempt by him to avoid repaying his debt.
 
It was a bogus move and he knew that there would be no contract with Authority Tax, yet either the company he is now part owner of, or he personally, should be held responsible.
 
Thank You,
 
[redacted]

[redacted] did not pay Pinnacle Tax and Financial Services ( PTFS) $6000.00 as he claimed, but rather he paid $2400.00). PTFS is still servicing his account and trying to determine the best resolution based on his...

current circumstances. 
 
Further, PTFS had questions about Mr. [redacted]'s financials and tax compliance and are working to address those issues with Mr. [redacted]. In furtherance of that effort, PTFS called Mr. [redacted] recently, but he did not answer the phone, so PTFS had to leave a message for him asking for a call back to us.
 
We will continue to follow up with Mr. [redacted] in an effort to find the best resolution to his back tax debt.
 
Thank you,

Answer to [redacted] Revdex.com Complaint:
Failure to state a claim
The first issue is that [redacted]’s Revdex.com complaint against PTFS fails for the failure to state a claim upon which sought after relief can be granted. There is no clarity as to what exactly the...

claim is. There is mention of a host of irrelevant facts that do not specifically relate to Mr. [redacted]’s case, but ultimately it is unclear what his complaint is.
Here are the facts in this case:
1) The [redacted] and PTFS entered into a contractual relationship on or around 08/24/2012.
2) Mr. [redacted] paid PTFS $3300.00 n total fees in exchange for PTFS to perform compliance work, transcript analysis and resolution services. 
3) PTFS contacted the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) and performed the compliance work on behalf of [redacted].
4) PTFS ordered transcripts and performed transcript analysis and financial analysis on the account.
5) PTFS also repeatedly serviced this account by way of case review, multiple telephone calls to and from client as well as emails.
6) PTFS also contacted the IRS ACS Collections and successfully resolved the [redacted] account by way of a Direct Debit Installment Agreement.
7) PTFS communicated to the [redacted] as to the final resolution on the account by way of telephone calls and closing letter/ notice to the client.
A fair interpretation of the facts in this case shows that PTFS performed to the terms of the contract. [redacted] became upset that the penalties that he incurred from an IRS audit of his 2009 tax return was not abated. PTFS explained to client that these were accuracy penalties that were incurred as a result of the audit of their tax returns. PTF attempted to abate the penalties, but the IRS rejected that request. 
Please dismiss this complaint that is filled with rumors and innuendos and false internet reports. These statements are irrelevant to the contractual relationship between [redacted] and PTFS and besides these internet rumors are uncorroborated and unsubstantiated. These statements are only meant to damage and injure PTFS.

Review: This company took my money and promised to settle my IRS debt for me, I worked with them for 2 years and paid them $6000 and they have basically done nothing to resolve my issue. They made a bogus offer to the IRS of $100 one time and then they never did anything else. They claim they asked for papers we never sent them but this is not true. I scanned and sent them everything they asked for within a days time and still no progress. I would like a full refund as they could not do what was promised.Desired Settlement: I would like for them to fully refund my money as they did not do their service on my behalf.

Review: I was contacted by Virginia Burns of Pinnacle Tax Services who told me they could get my money put back into my IRA after the IRS took it out. They would set up a payment plan with the IRS and try to get penalties and interest reduced. They send me an email asking for a ton of info, which I sent to them. They charged my credit card $5,000 for their service. After not hearing from them after a couple of months, I contacted them. They told me they needed more info. By this time the time limit allowed by the IRS had passed making it impossible to get the money moved back into my IRA. After a while, they told me they needed more money to continue working on my case. They never did anything for me except give promises over the phone they never made good on.Desired Settlement: Would like my money back, and let others know this is a company they should avoid.

Review: I signed a contract with this company to supply me with help lowing my taxes.Well I was told it would cost me 2,500 for this service,. Well I didn't receive this service. They called alot at first to assure me that everything was being handled.After they received all my money I didn't hear anything else. I called several times but no response. I contacted Revdex.com several months ago and I tried to contact them again. At that point I was told they can't talk with me because I filed a complaint against them. Then in September I receive a letter from [redacted] saying they just obtained my tax transcript but I'm not responding to their request of information from me. Well this was a complete joke. I filed the information they requested within the timeline I was given I also did a follow-up phone call. The person I spoke with was Mr. [redacted] to let him know this was the second time I've given this information. He in response, began yelling at me. I couldn't believe this was happening. I also informed him about the IRS garnishing my check for taxes.I was told by Mr. [redacted] if I recant my complaint they could help me. Didn't I pay for your services, and you ran off with my money. Why would I say that the matter has been resolved when it hasn't.Desired Settlement: I never received the services, I would like my money back.

They were to represent my IRS case for me and resolve the issue with the IRS. They received my payments and keep pushing my case back causing me much financial hardship. They required me to do the work I hired them to do. They had my case for 2 to 3 years.Each year I had to update my files with the promise that once my file was updated they would get my IRS case resolved, they never did. They were clueless as to what was the next step. And to make it worst they keep asking me to summit documents that I had already summited several times over. Finally after the IRS Levied my account and my business accounts I had to contact the IRS to resolve my own issues. I summited to the IRS the same documents I sent to Pinnacle Tax and as a result I have now got the process started and a solution to resolve my tax issues. Paid them over 9,000.00 dollars and they sent me a letter saying they could no longer represent me and my case because I wasn't sending the documents they required to resolve my case. Pinnacle should have at least refunded my money under the provisions of their contract.

Review: On October 22, 2012 I hired Pinnacle Tax and Financial Services to establish an installment plan between the Internal Revenue Service and myself to pay the back taxes I owed. I paid Pinnacle $5,200.00 total, in three (3) installments. My contact person at Pinnacle was [redacted] was extremely diligent and he kept me informed as to my case's progress at all times. He was also very helpful in answering all my questions and in explaining what I needed to do. The last time I spoke with [redacted] was in the middle of December. At that time he told me that he would inform me when anything pertaining to my case happened. Unfortunately he was hit by a car on December 21, 2012, and although he was technically still employed by Pinnacle through the middle of January, 2013, he did not have access to his computer (Pinnacle changed his log-in password so he could not log in to his email address). He also could not get the messages from his work phone. Therefore he did not get any of the emails of phone messages I left. From that point on all communication with Pinnacle ceased. Sometimes when I would call Pinnacle there was no answer at all and at other times there was a voice-mail that I would leave my name and telephone number on, asking for a return call, but none ever came. Finally [redacted] was able to use his work CELL PHONE (not his work phone at Pinnacle), and heard my cry for help as I had received another levy notice from the IRS. By this time I had paid Pinnacle in full and they didn't even return my phone calls. In my opinion this is stealing. One time when I called Pinnacle they actually had the nerve to transfer me to [redacted]'s voice-mail, although they knew he wasn't there. On January 21, 2013 [redacted] (the attorney from Pinnacle who represented me) actually did take my call. He told me that I should never have been transferred to [redacted] the first place and informed me that [redacted] was my caseworker. He also apologized profusely and strongly implied that Pinnacle had "dropped the ball". He then told me that [redacted] would call me on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 without fail. [redacted] did not call even though I was promised that he would call. I left three(3) email messages for Mr. [redacted] telling him that [redacted] had not called. I also called him and left him messages saying the same thing. One time when I called, a woman named Rose answered the phone bit refused to transfer me to Mr. [redacted]. Finally, on Friday, January 25, 2013 [redacted] called me. He asked me to provide him with certain things that I had provided long ago but Pinnacle was asking for again, as a stall tactic. I had requested from Mr. [redacted] that he provide me with the case logic of all the conversations Pinnacle had with the IRS regarding my case, since I know Pinnacle is required to make written copies of all such conversations and that I am entitled to the case logic. Instead he sent me an email telling me about a couple of conversations with the IRS he may or may not have had. I say this because in a separate email he sent me he said that the IRS had set a deadline date for him to file on my behalf, of February 4, 2013. I later found out that this was a lie, that no such date had been ever been set by the IRS. Less than one week later someone from Pinnacle, who would only identify himself as [redacted] from Pinnacle, called and told me that [redacted] had been actively calling Pinnacle's clients (another time Pinnacle lied to me) and soliciting business from them. He gave me the telephone number of John [redacted], who was the Compliance Manager, and told me I should contact Mr. [redacted]. Soon after that Pinnacle Tax and Financial Services closed its' doors and left me hanging. Therefore I am filing this complaint with the Revdex.com against Pinnacle Tax and Financial Services.Sincerely, [redacted]Product_Or_Service: Tax ResolutionDesired Settlement: DesiredSettlementID: Other (requires explanation)

DesiredSettlementID: RefundTo Whom It May Concern,Please read my letter. I hired this company to perform a service and they did nothing. I am requesting a full and immediate refund. This has caused me so much grief and a greater liability and financial hardship. I attempted to call them numerous times and had no return calls. They were more than happy to take my money but did nothing. Once again, please read my letter, it is very detailed.

Business

Response:

A full review of the Plaintiff’s file shows no active Contract (or documented Client file with the Plaintiff’s contact information and services purchased), outside of a very basic “lead information” NOTE from the Defendant’s Sales-floor portal. As a consequence, the Defendant believes that the Plaintiff may have contacted the office, but did not follow-through with any Contracted services with the Defendant. Stated differently, the Defendant is unable to verify any allegation made by Plaintiff--- related to the specifics of the Complaint--- due to the non-existence of ANY documentation contracted for services rendered. As a consequence, the Defendant is forced to deny all allegations made against it, due to the absence of any record.

Therefore, the Revdex.com should view the Plaintiff-Client’s filed Complaint with some skepticism, based on a complete lack of useful documentation (related to any Plaintiff contracted-for services or payment schedule), and find on behalf of the Defendant-Business.

Respectfully,

-[redacted] B. [redacted], Compliance Director

AUTHORITY TAX SERVICES, LLC.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

Regards,

I detailed my reasons why in a separate email I sent you. My original complain was against Pinnacle Tax and Financial Services who did NOTHING!!! The reason Authority Tax is involved is that THE OWNER of Pinnacle closed his doors and re-opened as a PARTNER in Authority Tax. He did this to numerous people I found out as a way of avoiding re-paying contracts he did not fulfill. Since he is PART OWNER of Authority Tax, either the company or him personally should be responsible to pay the debt.

As I had stated in my original complaint, the complaint was filed against Pinnacle Tax and Financial Services. The reason that Authority Tax was contacted by you is that Pinnacle NEVER did anything! (see my complaint) and then closed their doors, HOWEVER the owner of Pinnacle partnered with Authority Tax and opened a business under that name, yet the owner of Pinnacle should be responsible. He did this to many people I found out and this is just an attempt by him to avoid repaying his debt.

Review: Never completed services .changed case managers several times lost paperwork in those changes blamed me for it dropped my case after paying in full $2500.they do not return my calls or emails.this company is predatory they call you promise to help then they do nothing for years then they drop your case and blame client do not offer any refund .Desired Settlement: Refund of all my money that they are trying to keep with no services rendered what so ever.

Review: This company falsely advertised, representative supposedly assisting me quit I was told and that's why after two months she never helped me again, I emailed, called 14 times and more and was charged on my credit card when I didn't approved it, when they called I even stated on a recorded call that I would not pay for services not rendered. After continuing to call and complain I was told the representative [redacted] left the business and that it had been too long to assist me. They billed my credit card again without authorization and then sent me a letter they could not help me, please look into this business, I am concerned they are falsely advertising and frauding citizens of California. Thank you for your time.Desired Settlement: Want clear and finite explanation, no lies and refund

Review: Hello,Pinnacle Tax Services was contracted to negotiate a tax settlement with the IRS. However, it appears once they collected the full amount of money from our agreement they stopped communicating with me in spite of my numerous attempts to contact them by phone and email they have not been responsive in fashion for over the last 5 months.My last communication was with one of there representatives named [redacted]. She requested I provide info that I'd already supplied, I did supply the request data/info and I have not had any success in speaking or receiving electronic communication since November of 2013. This is very disturbing as I recently contacted the IRS and they stated they had not communicated with anyone from Pinnacle Tax Services since January of 2013.Pinnacle Tax Services appears to have not only taken my hard earned money but deceived me in gaining false hopes of reducing my tax obligation. Pinnacle appears to be preying on elderly citizens by creating false hopes. Not only have they created false hopes, they have managed to make my situation with the IRS worse. Pinnacle Tax Service appears to falsely advertise as they have not assisted me improve my tax situation.AS a society we should not allow these type of activities to continue. I first heard of Pinnacle on the radio which in the future I know to be untrue that by being on the radio and paying public broadcast insured that the establishment/business was ligament, I know now that is a far cry from the truth! Consumers be aware Pinnacle Tax Service contracted with me and took my money made false promises and what I got in returned was deeper in debt with the IRS and over 6 thousand out of pocket to Pinnacle Tax Service.Why are such companies, if you want to call them a company allowed to take advantage of the general public? If I'm wrong I'll apologize, however, why would Pinnacle Tax Service just cut off communication and what I believe black ball my telephone number?Pinnacle Tax Service are you a ligament business?Desired Settlement: I would like Pinnacle Tax Service to write an apology to the IRS for delaying my case and to place a genuine effort in settling my tax dispute. If they are unwilling to pursue the above I would like a refund for the full amount of our agreement plus 20 percent.

Business

Response:

[redacted] did not pay Pinnacle Tax and Financial Services ( PTFS) $6000.00 as he claimed, but rather he paid $2400.00). PTFS is still servicing his account and trying to determine the best resolution based on his current circumstances.

Review: I was notified by IRS of a mistake I made and that I owed them more than $11,000. I entered into an agreement to repay them. Then I received a telephone call from Pinnacle Tax and Financial. The representative said at the rate I was paying IRS I would never pay them off because of the interest and penalties. I was encouraged to let them help me lower my tax debt. I paid them $500 a month for five months ($2,500). I supplied them with all the information they requested -- over the phone and in writing. I have the receipt showing I did, indeed, mail everything to them. I was contacted a total of three times -- all about correcting my 2010 tax return. I was never contacted to supply additional information -- ever. Not by phone, mail or email. I also signed a power of attorney (POA) so they could speak with IRS on my behalf. I spoke with IRS agents and they assured me Pinnacle had been in touch and that everything was in negotiation. Every time I received correspondence from IRS I sent it to Pinnacle. Then I received a letter from IRS saying the POA had been rescinded (the first week of December 2013). I emailed Pinnacle and asked what was happening to my account and was told it had been closed because I had never sent in the information they needed. I was told I could resend everything in immediately and MAYBE they would open my case again. Easier said than done since I sent everything to them 18 - 20 months ago. And, I was not given enough time to get it all together. I told the representative I could not meet their time demands. Plus, knowing their track record with my account, I was not inclined to continue, hoping they might, in the end, hold up their part of the agreement. Over the last year and a half I was contacted only about the 2010 tax return "re-do" and again about eight months ago with a progress report. I was never told I needed to resend any documentation. In truth, I think my information was lost or misplaced.Desired Settlement: I would like most of my money back as all they did really was send IRS a corrected 2010 tax return. I have reentered into an agreement with IRS and I am paying them monthly -- something I should have done from the beginning.

Pinnacle Tax has not responded back to me each time that I have called. Two agents were assigned to me at the time [redacted] and [redacted]. I began to see a red flag when I tried to contact my Agent [redacted] for up to 3 weeks and she never responded back come to find out she was supposedly was out with the flu when I did get a response I was assigned to another agent named [redacted] at the time I was struggling to make my final payments as much as he insisted I do. So when I finally did I had realized that I was in need to get in my 2012 tax return in as well and he to me to pay an additional $200.00 they were never submitted from and now the IRS is on my back once again calling telling me to withdraw my Offer in Comprise. In April of last year when they were rushing me to pay additional monies in order to proceed with the process I was telling my buddy that something was up I was beginning to see a red flag and that something’s up with this. I tried contacting [redacted] which supposed to be my Power of Attorney and [redacted] and every time that I called left messages I get the answering service. I tried to get help with Tax Masters and paid out monies but in return got screwed took a lost and now this with Pinnacle Tax. The cold thing about is that they said they never do that to me now here I am about to be finically ruined laid off and possibly on the street can you help me please so that I may recover thanks.

Regards,

Gerald S[redacted]

This company screwed us to the wall , then stole $3200 for services they did not perform .One of the Esquires [redacted] was rude and arrogant , he stated that I was taking up his time when I called to find out the progress on my case. We were told we had to refinance our house to pay a tax debt that we may not owe.We had 11 payments left on our home , now we have 10 years at 1.75% higher interest rate. The monies we got out of the refinance were less than the supposed tax debt and we were told not to send it to the IRS because they would not except a partial payment. Against our wishes Obi filed a CNC case not collectable, causing IRS to put a lien on our home. When I confronted them about the CNC and asked that they file an Offer in Compromise, they said no, we are done I filed my own OIC and it was accepted by the IRS. I want my $3200 back.

Review: I paid Pinnacle Tax service to represent me with a debt with an IRS tax debt. They required fax them my personal information such as bank info, pay stubs, mortgage bills and etc. I faxed this information to them 4 times before they could locate it. I expressed my concern of faxing such confidential informtion and them not being able to locate it. Their reply was they have it but it goes to different sources but could I fax it again. I also had problems with communicating with them. When I would call I would finally get a representative that would say that they're waiting for information from me that they had already confirmed they received. My representative changed several times. One of them explained she was working while having pregnacy complications and was overwhelmed and sorry about no one communicating with me and not being able to locate my paperwork but she would be my rep and make sure I'm taken care of. She said on another occasion that my paperwork was on the desk of the attorney to be reviewed that paticular week and she would be contacting me but that never hapened. Then I received a from another representative that said the company had been in transition and she would be assisting me. She asked me to send my paperwork again and advised that they did have it but it needed to be updated when I asked why was I sending the same stuff over and over. She advised that this was necessary for the attorney to review. I understood updating information like check stubs and bank staements but EVERYTHING again! She started to enquire about my last 2 payments. I told her that it has been over a and I haven't had any results so why should I pay another dime? She assured me that the attorney was looking at my paperwork but about a week later asked me to sign ANOTHER form stating that they are representing me, so at this point I knew they hadn't done anything on my behalf in all that time. They sent me a notice saying that my balance had been paid. Then I reeived an email informing me that I needed to send them updated paperwork for the attoney to review to present to the IRS and they needed it asap. Shortly after this they sent me some paperwork that had my name as Mr ............ that appeared to be what they were going to file on my behalf, so I called and emailed them to let them know I had concerns because my name was not a MR and some things were not accurate so I had questions before signing. I never got an email or response back. When I called I got a recording asking me to leave a message. I'm awrae that these issuses take time to resolve but sadly it never got resolved. They did send me papers saying that they had completed my case and were no longer responsible for assisting me any further since I failed to return the information they requested. I do not have this kind of money to give away to be treated this way after doing everything possible to accommodate them for almost 2 years. However, I do know that they were getting my messages because they sent me some new papers with the MR changed to MS but NEVER responded to my calls or concerns of the misinformation I discoved and needed to discuss before signing. This is the short version of what took place. There are several other unacceptable things that transpired. Nevertheless, I lost thousands of dollars and in over a years time the IRS had never heard from them, even after I signed the 1st form to give them the rights to represent me. This should not be, when you pay hard earned money for a service. Especially dealing with the IRS which is a major issue and already stressful enough in trying to resolve. I'm not looking for anything extra other than to get the service I paid for and to prevent others from experiencing the same thing. Transitioning and changing your name is fine but don't drop the ball on your existing customers that have been extremly patient.Desired Settlement: To take responsibility and finish the job or refund me my money.