A-1 Tax Associates - Chicago, Illinois

D B.

I had a bad experience with this tax preparer. In short, he failed to notice that I had already paid my IL taxes and failed to note and report this on my tax return.

I only realized this when I received all of my paperwork from A-1. I contacted Irvin right away and he tried to brush this off as if this wasn’t a big deal.

Irvin offered to do an amendment, which he failed sending to me the first time. He had a family thing that happened at the time and I was trying to be understanding of this. However, when I still hadn’t received the paperwork from the preparer after waiting for it for over a month, I reached out. This time he had finally completed the paperwork.

When I expressed my worries about the IRS probably fining me at this point, he basically made me feel like I was overreacting. Then I received a letter from the IRS that not only do I owe them $800 in taxes but the fine as well.

Irvin did offer to pay the fee and the fine at this point, which I was supposed to pay back upon receiving my refunds. This turned into a four month ordeal and I finally received my refund from the IRS in October of 2023.

A couple of things that bothered me while going through this. The whole time I felt like the preparer only cared about receiving his pay from me and he kept calling and emailing me.

I’m not sure about anyone else but when I hire a tax preparer, I expect a certain kind of quality of work from them. That’s what I pay them for and not the careless mistakes they make. However, if it wasn’t for me or if I wasn’t on top of my things, I could have easily “lost” $800 to the IRS thanks to this tax preparer.

Because of all the things said above and if I was said tax preparer, I probably would not have charged my client the full amount of tax preparation fees and would probably have asked for $0!!

By the way, this is not the first time I had something negative happen with this tax preparer. Two years prior to this he failed to report to the IRS that I had over $8,000 in medical bills, even though I provided him with all the invoices at the time. Again, I had to follow up about this and if it wasn’t for me, I could have lost out receiving some money back from the IRS.

I should have probably not returned to this prepared after the first time… But this time I learned my lesson and I will take my business elsewhere.

Ps: I have email threads to prove everything that I stated in this review.

Asha E.

My family and I have been using A1 Taxes for years! Mr. Catherine is truly the best. Although there is a wait sometimes, once you are in his office - he expertly and quickly does his work.

My parents have used him for years, through their businesses and all. He is knowledgeable and thorough. Now almost ten years later, my household uses his services.

yellengal W.

We love everyone at A-1 Tax associates. They all are the best!
We started out with Mr. Larry Vernon, Semi retired. Ms. Jennifer Day, may she RIH!!
We now have
Irv Catherine, as our tax preparer/advidor!
We're been coming here for over 20 years.

Tracie F.

My dad has used A1 for years. Mr Irvin is very professional and friendly. This year they're doing Drop Off service to keep everyone safe. Good job A1, 😊

Larry K.

We've been using their services for our taxes for over 20 years I think. Always been just fine. Stacy is terrific!

Liz D. M.

I highly recommend Irvin Catherine. Irvin is a great person and he has helped me with my taxes for years.

Yolanda T.

Irv Catherine is the best! He's been my tax preparer for over 20 years.

patty M.

I have been coming here for 20 years!
Irv Catherine is the best! Efficient, personable, and professional!