Complaint · Professionalism & Support
I was on the phone and the lawyer hung up on me.
Rank #183
Alvin Brown & Associates
Alvin Brown & Associates is a tax relief firm founded in 1998 and based at 575 Madison Ave in New York, NY. The company operates through their website at irstaxattorney.com, specializing in tax resolution services.
Trust score
5.57 /10
6+
verified reviews analyzed
Editorial Highlights
Based on 5 customer reviews, Alvin Brown & Associates maintains a 4.2-star Google Maps rating. The company shows strong performance in service quality, with 100% positive feedback in this category. However, professionalism and support receives more mixed reviews, with 66.7% positive sentiment across 3 mentions. Customers praise the firm's effectiveness, with one noting they "got the IRS to settle a very large tax debt in an Offer in Compromise for only $1,500." Others appreciate the personal attention, describing how "Mr. Brown was on speaker phone throughout the entire ordeal" and that "he cares about you as a human being." However, there are concerns about staff conduct, with one customer reporting "the lawyer hung up on me."
Strengths
1
Exceptional service delivery with 100% positive feedback in service quality, demonstrating the firm's ability to achieve meaningful results for clients facing tax difficulties.
2
Strong track record of successful IRS negotiations, as evidenced by customers securing favorable settlement terms like Offer in Compromise arrangements.
3
Personal involvement from leadership, with multiple mentions of Mr. Brown's direct participation in client cases and genuine concern for client welfare.
Weaknesses
1
Inconsistent professionalism standards, with only 66.7% positive sentiment in the professionalism and support category, including a high-severity complaint about staff rudeness.
2
Limited review volume with only 5 total reviews, making it difficult to assess long-term service consistency and reliability patterns.
Positive
Complaint
Click on comment to see details
1. Professionalism & Support
the lawyer hung up on me
2. Service Quality
got the IRS to settle a very large tax debt in an Offer in Compromise for only $1,500
Customer review highlights
Representative verified feedback from customers
Positive · Professionalism & Support
Getting investigated by the IRS was the most scary, helpless feeling I ever had. They do not contact you to make friends. They would prefer to intimidate and threaten your existence and your future. Mr. Brown represented me about 10 years ago in a matter. The IRS agents made it clear that they would like to see me in prison. The day before my hearing Mr. Brown spent about 8-9 hours on the phone with me preparing me for the interrogation. The next day I met with two experienced agents who they had flown uo from Atlanta. I was nervous but knew what to expect throughout the five to six hours they questioned me because Mr. Brown had prepared me so well. What made me more optimistic was the fact that Mr. Brown was on speaker phone throughout the entire ordeal. Had that not been the case I would still be in the penal system. Mr. Brown knew exactly what the agents were going after and he just really took these agents to a clinic. I walked completely. A few months back I emailed him in regards to another issue. He remembered me, responded right away and got me in the right direction. How many Attorneys would do that? Alvin Brown is not only a great Attorney, he cares. I mean he cares about you as a human being and definitely has your interest at heart. I also know he loves to win cases against the IRS. If you are looking for someone you will feel comfortable with in an uncomfortable situation, you owe it to yourself to speak to him. I have had a great experience professionally but I also feel he is a friend. That is the kind of guy he is.
Positive · Professionalism & Support
Getting investigated by the IRS was the most scary, helpless feeling I ever had. They do not contact you to make friends. They would prefer to intimidate and threaten your existence and your future. Mr. Brown represented me about 10 years ago in a matter. The IRS agents made it clear that they would like to see me in prison. The day before my hearing Mr. Brown spent about 8-9 hours on the phone with me preparing me for the interrogation. The next day I met with two experienced agents who they had flown uo from Atlanta. I was nervous but knew what to expect throughout the five to six hours they questioned me because Mr. Brown had prepared me so well. What made me more optimistic was the fact that Mr. Brown was on speaker phone throughout the entire ordeal. Had that not been the case I would still be in the penal system. Mr. Brown knew exactly what the agents were going after and he just really took these agents to a clinic. I walked completely. A few months back I emailed him in regards to another issue. He remembered me, responded right away and got me in the right direction. How many Attorneys would do that? Alvin Brown is not only a great Attorney, he cares. I mean he cares about you as a human being and definitely has your interest at heart. I also know he loves to win cases against the IRS. If you are looking for someone you will feel comfortable with in an uncomfortable situation, you owe it to yourself to speak to him. I have had a great experience professionally but I also feel he is a friend. That is the kind of guy he is.
Positive · Service Quality
Attorney Brown was very helpful in resolving all of my tax issues. First he stopped an IRS levy of all of my income. Then he got the IRS to settle a very large tax debt in an Offer in Compromise for only $1,500. I would not be more pleased, and I am grateful to Mr. Brown and his tax law firm. I believe he can handle any IRS tax issue.
FAQs
Quick answers based on verified editorial data
Is Alvin Brown & Associates legitimate?
Yes, Alvin Brown & Associates is a legitimate tax relief company that has been operating since 1998. The firm maintains a 4.2-star rating on Google Maps based on 5 customer reviews and operates from a Manhattan office address at 575 Madison Ave.
What do customers say about Alvin Brown & Associates?
Customer feedback is mixed but generally positive. Service quality receives 100% positive reviews, with clients praising successful outcomes like getting "the IRS to settle a very large tax debt in an Offer in Compromise for only $1,500." However, professionalism scores are lower at 66.7% positive, with some customers noting that "Mr. Brown was on speaker phone throughout the entire ordeal" and "he cares about you as a human being," while others complained that "the lawyer hung up on me."
What are the complaints about Alvin Brown & Associates?
The main area of concern involves professionalism and staff conduct. While 66.7% of feedback in this category is positive, there are notable complaints about rude or dismissive behavior, including instances where staff allegedly hung up on clients. No BBB complaint data is available for additional context.
How does Alvin Brown & Associates compare to other tax relief companies?
Alvin Brown & Associates stands out for achieving 100% positive feedback in service quality, which is relatively uncommon in the tax relief industry. However, their overall profile is limited by a small review count of just 5 reviews and mixed professionalism scores, making direct comparisons with larger, more established firms challenging.
What kind of results can I expect from Alvin Brown & Associates?
Based on customer feedback, the firm has demonstrated success in securing favorable IRS settlements, including Offer in Compromise agreements that significantly reduce tax debt obligations. One client reported settling a "very large tax debt" for only $1,500, indicating the firm's capability in negotiating substantial debt reductions.
How involved is Alvin Brown personally in client cases?
According to customer reviews, Mr. Brown appears to be personally involved in client matters, with customers noting his direct participation in calls and describing him as someone who "cares about you as a human being." This hands-on approach from the firm's principal is highlighted as a positive aspect of their service model.
Should I be concerned about the limited number of reviews?
The firm's 5 total reviews do present a limited sample size for assessing service consistency. While the available feedback shows strong service quality results, the small review count makes it difficult to evaluate long-term reliability patterns or identify potential issues that might emerge with a larger customer base.
What specific tax services does Alvin Brown & Associates provide?
Based on customer feedback, the firm specializes in tax resolution services, particularly IRS negotiations and Offer in Compromise arrangements. Their track record includes successfully settling large tax debts and providing direct attorney representation during IRS proceedings, though their full service range may be broader than what's reflected in the available reviews.
Platform Breakdown
BBB
No reviews
N/A
Trustpilot
No reviews
N/A
Google
5 reviews
4.20