The State of California was attempting to assess me on the purchase of a recreational vehicle (which I purchased and registered outside of California), and while I was transitioning my official residency to a new state. The assessment, with penalties and interest was substantial, and in my view just another attempt to grab taxes from a resident who had fled their state for that reason! After some personal research, I found Leading Tax Group, and in my view, I found the absolute best!!!! They're just aren't enough adjectives to describe the team there! From my first contact with James, then onto the tax team of Elizabeth Nelson & Rosie Wartiwarian, I knew that if there was any chance of beating this tax assessment, LTG could accomplish it. They're knowledge of the regs, coupled with their 'strategic' approach to fighting on my behalf are, I'm certain, what led to my case being closed with NO OBLIGATION - no penalty, no interest, no tax assessment, NOTHING - other than the reasonable fee and retainer I paid for their representation. Thank you Elizabeth, thank you Rosie, and thank you James, for leading me to these two wonderful ladies. I can't sing their praises enough!!!!! JT read more

I wish I could give a ten-star rating! I have NEVER had a lawyer who I felt has had my back as much as Michael Wells and the team at LTG did for me. Their patience, honesty and their incredible knowledge of the IRS and its workings has now freed me from years of anxiety and fear--and owing zero to the IRS. From the beginning to the end, they kept me updated so I never felt I was forgotten. I wish more attorneys had the same high integrity that this team has. I cannot thank Mr. Wells and the team enough. Now, it's time for me to celebrate! read more

What an amazing group of tax attorneys! They represented us for an audit and we walked away owing zero!!! Thanks to the entire team of tax attorneys and especially their former irs auditor! They know the ins and outs. They didn't let the IRS look at part of my returns (which could have been very very very bad for us) that were not listed on the audit request. Before I hired them I had my cpa try to help and made my situation must worst. If you're going through a tax audit, these are the absolute experts! Trust me!!! read more

Simply the best in the business.  They helped me with a HUGE tax problem.  They took the matter off my plate so I can concentrate on my business again. Thank you!   They also updated me every few days to give me peace of mind that everything is being taken care of.  This was huge to me because the last company I hired to help me, completely ripped me off.   My Attorney at Leading Tax was not just the biggest tax expert but also caring and nice.  I pray everyday to never get my self into this hole again.  I'm just a professional procrastinator.  I've been current this year for the first time ever!  All thanks to Leading Tax Group. read more

Let me share my experience with Leading Tax Group. Like many others, i procrastinated on filing and paying my business and personal taxes. The second I hired LTG, they were on it. They got me protected from levies and liens. They called me almost every day PUSHING me to get them the info they needed to prepare my past due tax returns. I had many many questions and anytime I called them, they helped me. I never got voicemail in the 2 years of the represented me. Prior to hired LTG I forgot to mention that I hired another company who took my money and terminated me as a client simply because I couldn't get them everything they requested in 30 days. Now reflecting on how patient caring LTG is, was a breath of fresh air. I also went to their office multiple times to work with their accounting team to expedite all of my past due tax returns. After my returns were filed, they handled everything A-Z and they updated me every week. They ended up settling both my personal and business IRS and State tax debt into very low monthly installments. I could not be happier. These tax lawyers kick ass! read more

Where do I start. I can not thanks these tax attorneys enough. I fell behind on my personal and business taxes for a few years. I thought I'd catch up next year but with a blink of an eye I was behind on filing and paying taxes for 5 years. I hired leading tax group because I saw their attorneys featured on kcal 9 news. I did some homework and hired them. They not only filed and settled all of my back taxes. They also cared about me every step of the way. They fought me what to do different moving forward. They called me every week to give me peace of mind. The set me up on a payment plan for $1300 Per month on a $780,000 tax debt from my back taxes. They also removed the vast majority of the penalties. There isn't any other company on earth I'd recommend more than leading tax group. Also unlike many others, you can actually meet them in person.... Which is what I did before I hired them. read more

This is a great tax firm and clearly a leading group in tax law. They took my case immediately and currently I am assigned to Shadi. Although my case is not so clear cut like others in the field of IRS tax penalties, the attorney has recently informed me that review is under way any time and the length of solving my case may take months if not years. While the attorney requested documents from my native country in Europe and I was ready to present them Danny who is my case manager informed me that wasn't necessary due to the nature of the penalty and that the abatement should go through. I appreciate Shadi and Danny as my legal team and I will update this review with the result of my abatement request when this will be available hopefully in the near future. Thank you Shadi and Danny! read more

Great consolation very professional and knowledgeable in the field very honest and straightforward looking to working with them

Our small company received an EDD audit notification, I spoke with Peter Jacobson, and succinctly he let me know that in our circumstance, we were better off, simply attending to the matter on our own, as opposed to paying for their services, which he said in the end would not be worthwhile I spoke to many other tax assistance, services, and virtually everyone wanted, exorbitant, hourly rates or deposits, fixed fees, or retainers. His forthrightness and honesty really gets them a six star review :-) read more

Was very impressed with this company. They are very friendly and experienced. They went above and beyond which is the exact opposite of the previous company I hired. No unethical sales tactics and straight to the point.  They got the IRS and EDD off my back and let me concentrate on my business. I had fallen behind on payroll because I had no other choice and Leading Tax Group proved that to the IRS and EDD and they backed off! read more

Elizabeth and LTG were a pleasure to work with. I was in a real bind with my returns that were filed late. It was a totally confusing process dealing with the IRS. My father was sick and I forgot to file my taxes on time. Never knew how big of a pain that was going to be. The IRS added so many fees and penalties. Elizabeth Sheldon was the attorney that worked on my case. She was so caring and understanding throughout the process. She knew how worried I was about the whole process. She made it a point to call me frequently and make sure everything was moving in the positive direction. That was so helpful. She was also able to resolve my case with a substantially less settlement offer. One I was not able to attain. Also it was comforting to know someone Profesional and Experienced was on top of it. William, in the office, was also very Profesional and was always following up with me. Thank you Elizabeth and the LTG Team for helping the working man and delivering on your promise. My family and I appreciate everyone of you! read more

Great service! Saved my family estate I can't be thankful enough for the help your company provided.

My wife and I reside on the east coast after living in California for over ten years . Several months ago we received correspondence from the California Franchise Tax Board that indicated we owed significant amounts for several prior tax years. They were the letters you have nightmares about and freeze your ability to move forward, know what to do, who to talk to, where to get advice, and how to get it settled so our lives that were in a fear-driven state moving forward again. We tried a lawyer locally, but he was useless. In desperation, we turned to Yelp for attorneys in California who could help us. I called several. Two sounded like the one I had tried to use locally. The third was LTG. From the moment James answered our call he gave us a sense of security in his immediate knowledge of what we were going through. He gave us answers to our biggest concerns before we had a chance to ask them. He explained step by step what we had to do and how they could help us get our liability resolved. James, David, Erin, and the TLG attorneys hoisted us on their broad shoulders and guided us through the process. Our initial contact was in June, and by the end of July LTG has us in final negotiations for a settlement, one we can afford, and one that puts our minds at ease. They have helped put our emotional lives back together again and we see a bright future. If you engage their services, and I encourage you to do so, you will get all they have to give and more. It is impossible to place a value on their knowledge, insight, caring, and their inside knowledge of how the "system" works. Put your minds and hearts at ease. read more

I closed my business in 2015, and in 2017 I was slammed with an audit from the IRS. I no longer had access to a lot of the records and was hit with over $200,000 including penalties and interest. I was totally lost and terrified about what this outcome would look like for me. That is when I put my faith in Leading Tax Group. We decided that audit reconsideration was the best option, and my attorney Shadi got to work reconciling my expenses. This process was not quick and took even longer due to the pandemic. Shadi worked closely with the auditor and fought for me...she didn't stop until every last dollar was accounted for. As of September of 2022...My tax bill was reversed and I now owe $0. This is the best possible outcome and I couldn't have done this without the brilliant team at Leading Tax Group. I can't recommend them enough...Thank you Shadi! You are the BEST! read more

My hats off to these brilliant tax attorneys! They saved me tens of thousand of dollars and took the burden of dealing with the irs audit off my plate. Very thorough and knowledgeable staff and attorneys. If you are facing any irs nightmares.... look no further because leading tax group is the best. And the best part is that their fees are less than most other tax companies. They are worth every penny the cost in my humble opinion. read more

I'm a very tough critic and these tax attorneys really deserve a thousand stars! My attorney worked with me from day one and really fought for me every step of the way! They delivered real life changing results as many other yelpers gave experienced. Out of all companies I have rated on yelp, leading tax group is by far the best in every way you can imagine. read more

Where should I start? Let me start by first saying that I was taken advantage of by my CPA before I started looking for help. I did a lot of research, then hired Leading Tax Group about 18 months ago. They took my IRS tax problem off my plate the day I hired them. My bank accounts were frozen the day I hired them . Every penny I had was frozen by the IRS due to the representation I had from my CPA. LTG was able to release all of my funds the very next day. Fast forward to present day. They prepared all of my missing returns, worked out an amazing settlement and removed all my irs penalties and late fees. Ltg is simply the best!!! Thank you for everything that you do :) read more

I was also scammed by a few different tax relief companies like many other yelpers here. I met Mr. Jacobson at their Encino office on Woodley and Ventura. He was very knowledgeable and not trying to BS me like the other sales people at the previous companies. I appreciate the authenticity. He actually did the opposite and explained to me the best case and worst case. He didn't promise any type of reduction. He did promise to protect me from IRS collection and that is exactly what happened. The results came out to be much much better than I expected and I'm forever grateful! read more

I was notified pre covid of an impending EDD audit on my small business. After a year of waiting and countless nights of no sleep stressing over if I would have a way to support my family post audit I was contacted by EDD again telling me the audit was commencing. After hours of research and many phone calls to tax attorneys I decided to go with Leading Tax Group. and I am very glad I did. My case was handled by Mikhail Kalutskiy. Mikhail provided very professional service and gave me piece of mind right from the start. Eventually saving my business over $10,00.00 in penalties EDD was trying to impose and also advised me how to get my business restructured in a way that I would be safe from any future audits. I highly recommend Leading Tax Group, especially Mikhail. I couldn't be happier with their services. 5 stars across the board. read more

Leading tax group ENCINO Let me tell you my story. I hired several other Cpa and tax resolution firms before I hired leading tax group. These companies did nothing but worsen our tax problems and take our money. The second we hired LTG, the stepping in and fought the irs and state of CA like no ones business. I am very very please with the entire process as well as the final results! I found these guys on yelp and I hope you call them before you get ripped off by these scam companies that advertise a million times a day. Thanks LTG! ! read more

James Sharmat, Erin Prado, and James Alderete were like David against goliath, and they did what no other firm, attorney, clinic, tax advocate, or elected official's representative could do. Let me share this amazing story. My business closed in 2009 after I left for active duty in the US Army. In 2010, I filed for bankruptcy and listed the BOE as a creditor, and was properly discharged. In 2010, I noticed BOE of my business closure giving them 90 days to determine whether or not personal liability would be assessed. BOE strategically waited until after the discharge, and the last day before the statute of limitations would expire and assigned the entire liability to me. The BOE investigator who made this decision never spoke to me, never reached out to me, and never took my statement. Why? Because I was deployed to Afghanistan fighting on a mountainside taking care of 42 Soldiers under my command. I get back in 2011, and learn of this assignment while dealing with a broken back, two blown out knees, and ruptured arches in both feet. I contact the Tax Advocate's office who advises me that they will look into it. Months later they come back and say that the investigator improperly handled the case, and the amounts were being adjusted. I questioned whether that was lawful in light of the fact the statute of limitations had expired. They stated that since the assessment was made, they can "adjust the numbers" as they see accurate. Strange. I contact a Sacramento based tax attorney who focuses on BOE cases. He says there is no point in fighting because you always lose. He says we should just do an offer in compromise. I start the process, but have to stop it because I deployed again. I get back in 2013, and the BOE has gone away. I thought the attorney made it go away. In 2015, I get a call from David Jimenez a collections person with the BOE trying to collect. I tell him that I am 100% disabled, being separated from the military, and that I have nothing to give, that I have no "income" or assets, and to please stop bothering me. I advise him I question the legitimacy of the debt from day one, and the legality of the statute of limitations. He goes away for another year. In 2016, he calls again. This time he says they are writing it off. I provide proof of disability, and think the BOE is being disabled veteran friendly and doing the "right thing". I was wrong. David Jimenez began the write off process and immediately filed a lien against me personally. This lien reported on my credit report, and prevented me from using my VA benefits to buy a home. David admitted he knew they couldn't collect because I was not a California resident, owned no property in California, and I had no "income" they could levy. Yet, he placed the lien "as a matter of policy" and "just in case" they can collect later. This was a 30 year sentence in debtor's prison. I called that Sacramento Attorney who charged me about $3,500 dollars to do an offer in compromise that is rejected (professional liability, maybe). The attorney says he cannot zealously advocate for me without jeopardizing his relationship with the BOE and its impact with his other clients trying to get an officer in compromise. I call the tax payers advocacy office who says I have a strong argument, but they won't challenge the BOE. I call the elected official in Sacramento and ask for help, and they say it is complicated and they can't cross the BOE. All of the legal clinics at the law schools in CA are funded and staffed with BOE attorneys and won't help me. I google tax lawyers and find LEADING TAX GROUP. They stepped up. They took my case. I paid them a reasonable fee, and in less than 1 year they did what nobody else could. The new organization that took over for the BOE, has written off the debt, issued a notice of withdrawal of lien, and the lien is off of my credit. I have bought a home, and am in the process of finishing law school and applying to take the bar in the state where I live, so I can give back as they did for me. They called/messaged each week with status updates. They were vigilant, kind, professional, and very honest with me. They did what nobody else would or could for a disabled veteran, and gave me my life back. They got me free from a 30 year debtor's prison. Don't go anywhere else. Don't call any clinics, advocates, or small attorney shops. Call these guys. I'm sure all the attorney's are fantastic, but if you get James, James, and Erin you are sure to hit a home run. To all my Vet brother's and sisters. Call them. They are veteran friendly, they understand us, and they will fight the good fight for you just like they did for me. Thanks everyone at Leading Tax Group. My family and I are very grateful. read more

About a year and a half ago I've contacted this firm for consultation. Not only the results were very successful but the experience working with them throughout the process was at first class level. Always responsive, informative, attentive, professionals and super patient! This is my feedback, Thanks Elizabeth and David for all your help, much appreciated! read more

I spoke to James today. Although he indicated his company couldn't take my case, he gave me valuable information. I appreciate that he didn't think my case was just a money grab. If there is ever any reason I could use their services, I most certainly will!! read more

I am an accountant. I have clients with accumulated federal and state tax liabilities that were too overwhelming for them to handle. I also have clients that fell behind with their sales tax and/or payroll tax liabilities and felt that it was beyond their skills to deal with. I met with Peter Jacobson at Leading Tax Group a few years ago and referred one of my clients to them. Peter was very informative; didn't beat around the bush, but presented what they can and cannot do in a certain tax situation. LTG did an outstanding job for that individual. Ever since I keep referring clients who need expertise in any tax troubles they may have. I also would like to mention James Alderete who is such a pleasure to work with. Great company and great individuals who get realistic and reasonable results for people with tax problems. read more

My name is Isaac from Encino. Not many firms are well equipped, competent or experienced enough to effectively negotiate a large IRS balance like mine($560,000). I have never been more impressed by a team of attorneys......ever. Each and every time I called the firm my attorneys made time and took my call. This is unheard of in this day and age. They voluntarily kept me in the loop at every stage of my tax case once a week as they promised, and several times per week if warranted. They continued to offer me options for settlement as they were arrived at, keeping me in full control of my destiny on my terms. This was most valuable to me and I feel most grateful to have been extended the luxury of making these crucial choices, as this is MY future on the line. I highly recommend Leading Tax Group if you are under the pressure of a large tax bill. I am eternally grateful for their hard work and outright honesty. read more

I was referred to them by my accountant in Tarzana and I can't thank my accountant for the referral enough! My tax attorneys had did more than I could imagine possible. The removed ALL of my tax penalties and worked out an amazing payment arrangement I can actually afford vs what the irs told me To pay before hiring leading tax group! The also validate parking! If you have a tax problem call these guys! read more

These guys are the real deal ! I received dedicated support and advice throughout the entire process. They believe in transparency which is probably the most important thing when dealing with any tax / accounting firm. I was struggling with a personal tax issue that developed over several years. I earn by way of 1099 from several hospitals in the county and I neglected to file timely personal tax returns for about 4 years. I had received letters from the IRS over the course of time, yet never really followed up with them or tried to resolve my problems mainly cuz I was lazy. So I got a nice fine and looked up a local tax group that specializes in removing fines ... Luckily I found these guys and visited them when I came back to Los Angeles few months back. Thank you for all your help and saving me a ton of money !!!!!! These guys are awesome don't look elsewhere. Highly recommend read more

These attorneys are the real deal. They are more expensive but, as the old sayings goes, you get what you pay for!! Thanks to all of my tax attorneys! read more

I don't know where to start. I read many glowing reviews before I met with them. When I hired them I had a very high expectation. Leading Tax Group went above and beyond all of my expectations! Lets start with honesty, when I met with them first, they didn't file blow smoke (like other tax companies that I spoke to) and make a bunch of promises to me. In fact, the told me all of the things that were NOT POSSIBLE before I even hired them! That is honesty! Next professionalism, My Attorneys called me every freaking week like clock work just to let me know what's going on! Most importantly, experience, experience & experience. I had 3 Tax Attorneys representing us the 12 months or so we were clients. At the end, my tax attorneys set up a very affordable payment arrangement for us and removed all of our penalties! If you have a tax problem, you need to meet these amazing tax attorneys! read more

My tax lawyers not only were experts in resolving my tax matter but they actually knew my auditor!! I was assessed over 100k in taxes and penalties after my accountant initially messed things up! I had all the proof for my expenses but the auditor just disallowed everything. Leading tax group fought for me and I ended up paying $6340.00 total!!! I could not be happy with the results! They did not promise me a reduction they only promised to do they best the could... and I must say WOW after my case Is finally over. read more

Earlier this year I received two letters from the IRS requesting an audit of my 2016 and 2017 tax returns. The natural course was to contact my personal tax consultant who prepared those documents to help me with the audit. After numerous failed attempts with my personal tax consultant, I knew I was in trouble. Months had passed since the receipt of IRS notifications. Where to go, who to trust? I found Leading Tax Group in Encino, CA. I noticed the numerous and exceptional reviews. I met with the Peter, James, David and Elizabeth who were extremely patient, caring, and knowledgeable. They put my nervousness and anxiety at rest. They provided an immediate action plan and started to work on my case immediately!! They are brilliant, aggressive and really know the tax laws to help you deal with the IRS and find resolution. They truly fight for your best interested. After a few months everything was resolved with the IRS. If you need help dealing with the IRS, HANDS DOWN, contact these attorneys as they are honest, work fast, and definitely have your best interest when dealing with the IRS. Look no further!! I will continue to use their services for future annual tax preparation because they give you the confidence things are done the right way!! read more

I hired leading tax group a few years ago and just stumbled into them on Yelp... I guess they just teamed up with Yelp. I want to share my experience so other yelpers don't make the same mistake as me. It started with my work getting a notice to take 25% of my wages. I freaked out and panicked. I heard of optima tax relief many times on knx 1070 so I decided to call them. The promises to removed my garnishment right away. After I paid optima over $10,000 they didn't even return my calls. 3 weeks later I was out 10 grand and I still had a garnishment. I was then reffered to leading tax group by my father. My tax lawyers released my garnishment 2 days after I hired them. The set up a payment arrangement That I was able to pay... After I made 7 or 8 payments my lawyers fought for me and got all my penalties removed!! Thanks guys and I'm happy I stumped across u. I have reffered them to several friends of mine and everyone had been amazed by their work!! read more

Leading Couldn't ask for better results! I was audited by the IRS while I was out of the country. When I returned i received a notice of changes for 2013 tax year for $450,000. Leading tax group appealed the changes and reduced the $450,000 down to $35,000. They even prevented the IRS from looking at other tax years. Amazing tax attorneys!! Lesley is the best!! read more

I had many years of un filed tax returns. Then I got a visit from an irs revenue officer. I starting my hunt to find the best tax attorneys to help me. Thanks to yelp, I found leading tax group!! From day one, they put my mind at ease and started to tackle my issues head on. Fats forward about a year and half... my tax returns are all filed, I owe a fraction of the irs bills, and best of all I'm on a payment plan I can afford for the balance. Thanks to everyone that helped and resolved my loooooong nightmare. Ps if you have made the same time of mistakes as me, you need to call these awesome tax attorneys!!! read more

I am so impressed my leading tax group! My tax attorneys removed all of my boe and edd tax penalties! More than $260,000.. i have recomended them to many of my friends and everyone has been impressed. They kept me in the loop every week. They answered all of my questions without sugarcoating my problems! Very honesy and experienced tax attorneys. I dont thinm there is another firm out their with the same type boe and edd experinced that my tax attorneys had! Thanks leading tax read more

If I could give this place a million stars I would! This is the hidden gem of San Diego if you are facing a tax issue. Their tax attorneys know their shit and are beyond knowledgeable! They helped settle all of my back taxes and now I'm fully compliant and can sleep at night! They don't play games and sugarcoat your situation they tell it as it is! read more

Attorney James Sharmat at The leading Tax Group is amazing. I was terrified with my tax debt , and even the idea of talking with the Irs gave me extreme anxiety . Once i retained him , my stress level dropped by 90%. Just talking to him made me feel like everything will be ok. He worked so hard for me , the money i spent was soooo worth it on december 24 i got the best Christmas gift ever a letter from the IRS approving the payment arrangement he negotiated for me . $500 per month for $120.000 in debt. These results would have been impossible with any other attorney , or even worst trying to do it myself I am so impressed with my attorney and Leading tax group and their staff that i will also have them form a corporation for my business . I greatly appreciate he has done for me. read more

They really delivered a lot more than they promised us in the initial consultation. They told us penalties may or may not be removed. We hired them after reading their yelp reviews. Guess what... 10 months later 79,000 of tax penalties completely removed! These are really experienced tax attorneys and I'm thankful for finding them. read more

We did not file for several years. Ltg filed all of our missing returns through their in house accounting team (which I can't recommend enough). Then they worked out terms for all of my back taxes. After we made 6 payments to the IRS the petitioned the irs to remove the penalties. Guess what all penalties were removed and I'm grateful for this and I will never ever make the same mistakes again. Ltg showed me what I need to do now in order to not have tax problems down the line. read more

I refer all of my clients to leading tax group. They always do a great job for my clients and my clients ALWAYS thank me for referring them to LTG. They don't have a sales team and they deliver results! True professionals! read more