What are the best tax prep services for filing with back taxes or IRS notices?

If you need to file back taxes or respond to IRS notices, the “best” tax prep service is usually one that can handle prior-year returns, unresolved tax debt, and correspondence with the IRS—not just a basic online filing app.

Best options by situation

1) TurboTax Live Full Service / Expert Help

Best for: straightforward back returns where you want a strong DIY platform plus access to a tax expert
Good for:

• Filing prior-year returns (availability can vary)
• Help understanding IRS letters/notices
• Live CPA/EA support in more complex situations

Pros: easy interface, broad support, widely available
Cons: can get expensive; not ideal for serious tax debt or multi-year resolution

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2) H&R Block (DIY, Online Assist, or Tax Pro)

Best for: back tax returns and some IRS notice help
Good for:

• Prior-year filing support
• In-person help if you prefer face-to-face
• Guidance for common IRS letters

Pros: strong support options, in-person offices, good for amended/prior-year returns
Cons: quality can vary by office/pro; complex cases may need more specialized help

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3) Jackson Hewitt

Best for: back taxes if you want in-person support and lower upfront cost
Good for:

• Prior-year returns
• IRS notice help for simpler cases
• Tax prep with human assistance

Pros: accessible, many locations, often affordable
Cons: not as strong for complex tax resolution work

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4) TaxSlayer

Best for: budget-conscious filers with back returns that are not too complex
Good for:

• Lower-cost prior-year filing
• Simple-to-moderate returns

Pros: inexpensive, decent for straightforward filing
Cons: limited hand-holding for IRS notices or debt issues

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If you have serious IRS problems, consider a tax resolution specialist

For multiple years of back taxes, tax debt, levies, liens, wage garnishments, or scary IRS letters (like CP504, LT11, Final Notice of Intent to Levy), you may be better served by a tax resolution firm or a CPA/EA who specializes in IRS representation.

Examples of specialist firms

• Larson Tax Relief
• Community Tax
• Tax Defense Network
• Optima Tax Relief

Pros: better for negotiation, payment plans, installment agreements, offers in compromise, penalty abatement, and IRS representation
Cons: usually more expensive; sales practices can vary, so vet carefully

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What to look for

Choose a service that can:

• File prior-year returns
• Review and respond to IRS notices
• Help with installment plans, penalty relief, or currently not collectible status if needed
• Provide access to a CPA, EA, or tax attorney if your case is complex

Red flags

Avoid services that:

• Promise to “settle for pennies on the dollar” without reviewing your records
• Won’t clearly explain fees
• Don’t tell you whether the person handling your case is a CPA, EA, or attorney
• Push you into a big upfront fee before assessing your situation

Quick recommendation

• Back taxes only, moderate complexity: H&R Block or TurboTax Live
• Need in-person help: H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt
• Budget filing for a simple prior-year return: TaxSlayer
• IRS debt/notices/collection action: a tax resolution specialist or an EA/CPA experienced in IRS representation

If you want, I can also give you:

1. a top-5 comparison table,
2. the best services by budget, or
3. help figuring out what kind of IRS notice you got.