In 2008 I contacted Taxmasters to ask about sevices. I was told they required a deposit, secured by credit card. I told the man I was not going ot authorized any, ANY, charges untill I consulted with wife. the estimated charges were in excess of 2K dollars, and I was not sure we could afford this, and I told the man this was the case. He said NO charges would be made, pending my approval for services. They sent me a contract, which I reviewed with care, and decided with my wife that this was indeed more than we could afford to pay. I called the man, at the number he gave me, and got answering service. Persistance payed off, as I reached a live person eventually, and informed them I would NOT be using thier services. Next month, I recieved a VISA statement showing Tax Masters had hcarged 5000 dollars to my card, and I called them to get it refunded. They refused. VISA issued thru my credit Union was informed that the charges were NOT authorized, but since I had given Tax Masters the security number off the card, it was deemed valid. Recalled tax Masters to protest, and was eventually put in contact with a Mr Charles of Finance. He agreed to refund the money, but never has to date. next month there was additional charges of 750.00 on the car, charged by Taxmasters. Following month, now third time, 750.00 charged to my card by, Tax Masters. OFrmal complaints to c?redit union resulted in credit for these 750.00 charges( three) but Tax masters refued to refund the initial $500, say ing there had been work done on my behalf. NOT SO, as I had made it clear and plain that NO work was to be done untill I had reviewed thier terms and discussed it with my wife. tax masters told me they need a letter of request to gain refund. I sent an Email, attaching the e-mail that Mr Charles had sent me. NO REFUND has been forthcoming to this day, after almost two years. My ongoing struggle with IRS continued untill I became despondent and caved in to thier demands, hastened by the lein on my SS check. It appears, from conversation with IRS, that thy have had other comlaints of wrong doing by Tax Masters, and they suggested filing with thier Consumer comlaint dept..Since I have worked for the government, as did my father, and both grandfathers, I have NO confidence in thier ability or willingness to pursue satifaction on my behalf. Everytime I see Patrick Cox touting his Tax service on TV, I get an unpleasant reaction, similar to watching the 911 attack on NY Twin Towers. PSTD so I am told. HOW can an organization continue to operate in this manner? It appears the consumer laws or regulations have way too many lophole for the weasels to slip thru. My father worked for Treasury and I have always been feaful of IRS intrution, having been audited twice, I have been even more fearful and resulting in very careful review of all tax matters. I use Turbo Tax software, HR Block to prepare taxes. My only income is from disability and SS, so it does not take a rocket scientist to figure my taxes, but it is still stressful. Tax Maters has NOT refunded the 500 dollars, has NOT done any authorized work on my behalf, and was TOLD not to do anything untill I had reviewed thier contract, which I did, and NEVER signed. BEWARE of Tax masters, as they are lawyers who are billing by the hours, so it appears. totall time on phone with Mr Charles was about five mins. at cost of 500 dollars (as the other2150 was credited to Visa).