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Need to make repairs in your home but don’t have the money? There is help available.

In this post, you’ll learn about resources for free home repairs or low-cost home repairs:

Free home repair programs

Loans for home repairs and improvements

Home repair programs for veterans

Other options for financing home repairs and improvements

So, what do you do with a house you can’t afford to fix?

Free home repair programs

Government and nonprofits offer grants and services for free to help low-income folks weatherize their homes.

Weatherization Assistance Program

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) offers provide homeowners and renters weatherization services that will cut down utility bills:

  • Cleaning, repairing, or replacing HVAC systems
  • Installing insulation in walls and around pipes
  • Installing low-flow showerheads
  • Replacing appliances with energy-inefficient models

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Aid to Families with Dependent Children, you are automatically eligible.  

You can still apply even if you are not enrolled in these programs. States prioritize WAP funding for:

  • People aged 60+
  • Families with dependent children
  • Families with at least one disabled member
  • High energy users

Households must have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.

WAP is available in all states, U.S. territories, and tribal lands. 

To apply, contact your state WAP administrator.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP helps families lower their energy costs, including making minor energy-related home repairs repairing or replacing heating equipment or air conditioners.

Find out about the LIHEAP program in your state.

FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program

If you experience a disaster that impacts your house, you may be eligible for housing assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

To qualify, you must meet these conditions:

  • You or someone who lives with you is a U.S. citizen, U.S. non-citizen national, or qualified alien
  • Pass FEMA’s identity and occupancy verification process
  • Pass ownership verification for home repair and replacement assistance
  • Primary residence is in an area that the President of the United States has declared as a disaster area  
  • State of your residence is unlivable or inaccessible
  • No homeowner’s insurance or your insurance does not cover all losses

FEMA offers two types of assistance:

  • Financial Housing Assistance — Provides money for temporary housing, repairs, or to replace a home 
  • Direct Housing Assistance — FEMA provides temporary housing, repairs dwellings for displaced people, and initiates new construction in a disaster zone

Tax credits for efficiency improvements

As part of the Inflation Reduction Act,1 U.S. households can access a tax credit to cover up to 30% of the cost for certain efficiency improvements.

Here are the maximum credits for different improvement projects:

  • $600 for “energy property” (efficient heating and cooling equipment)
  • $600 for windows
  • $250 per door
  • $500 total for doors
  • $2,000 for heat pumps
  • $1,200 for qualified energy efficiency improvements to the building envelope, including insulation and air sealing
  • $150 credit for home energy audits

The total annual credit capped at $1,200, with a separate annual $2,000 limit for heat pumps.

State programs will begin to offer rebates for electric appliances and home retrofits, which will reduce household energy bills each month.

All households can access rebates of up to $4,000, while low-income households could receive up to $8,000 for home efficiency.

Low- and moderate-income households can access rebates covering up to 100% of the costs of installing electric appliances like heat pumps, water heaters, and clothes dryers.

Local home repair programs

Here are a few programs that serve local residents. Start by googling “home repair programs near me.”

Rebuilding Together

Based in Washington, D.C., Rebuilding Together is a nonprofit in 37 states and the District of Columbia that matches homeowners with skilled volunteers and financial sponsors to perform home repairs free of charge.

Eligibility requirements vary by affiliate, but in general, you must be a homeowner with a low-income. Preference is given to:

  • Single moms
  • Seniors
  • Veterans
  • People with disabilities

To get help, contact your local affiliate.

Broward Co. Minor Home Repair Program

In Florida, the Broward County Minor Home Repair Program helps local homeowners improve the efficiency and stability of their homes with a 10-year deferred payment loan.

Improvements may include replacing roofs, doors, windows, and HVAC units.

Eligible residents:

  • Live in a single family home, townhome, villa or condo
  • Live in one of the program service areas
  • Have a gross income that does not exceed 80% of the area median income, based on household size
  • Current on their mortgage, property taxes, and homeowner’s insurance premiums

Funding is available until it is exhausted, so it’s best to reach out at the beginning of the year. 

Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation

The Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation is an Ohio-based organization dedicated to reinvestment in urban neighborhoods.

There are two programs that address home repairs for owner-occupied single family homes:

  • Roof Replacement — This program replaces leaky roofs at no cost to homeowners
  • Emergency Home Repair — If you have an emergency with your heating and cooling unit, plumbing, and other important systems, this program will make free home repairs 

The organization uses HUD guidelines to determine eligibility. Contact the organization for more information.

Loans for home repairs and improvements

The following federal and state/local government programs provide loans for home repairs:

FHA 203(k) loan

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 203(k) loan, also known as 203(k) insurance, is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). HUD-approved lenders offer a simplified, affordable fixed or adjustable rate loan for a single family home.

It’s a great option for:

  • Homebuyers — If you are buying a fixer-upper, you can roll the costs of repair into your original mortgage
  • Homeowners — If you already own a home, you can refinance your current mortgage to cover the cost of the renovations
  • Low- to moderate-income individuals — This program helps home buyers and homeowners who cannot afford home repairs upfront, but can pay for them over time.

To qualify for the FHA 203(k) loan, you need a minimum credit score of 500. Although this may vary by lender. There is no income limit to participate in the program.

There is a standard and limited 203(k) loan, and each addresses different needs, but all loan types must meet a minimum amount of $5,000. The total property value must be within the FHA mortgage limit for the area.

Here are just a few home improvement projects the loan can cover:

  • Fixing health and safety hazards (like removing lead paint)
  • Upgrading plumbing, electrical wiring, or HVAC systems
  • Making the home accessible to disabled persons
  • Installing energy-efficient windows or doors
  • Replacing floors, roofing, or gutters

To apply or for more information, contact a participating FHA lender.

Residential Property Assessed Clean Energy Programs

The residential Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program, also known as R-PACE, allows current homeowners to get financing to improve their home’s energy efficiency. 

Homeowners pay back the cost over a 10- to 20-year period at a low interest rate. These payments are usually assessed with the yearly property tax bill. The debt is tied to the property instead of an individual, resulting in a lien on the property until it is paid in full.

This program is currently only active in three states: California, Florida, and Missouri.

Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants

If you are a low-income homeowner living in a rural area, you can get a loan or grant to fix up your home to make it safe, healthy, and modern. 

The loans are for a 20-year period at a 1% fixed interest rate. The grants are specifically for home repairs to remove health and safety hazards. In some cases, the grant and loan can be combined, based on the applicant’s repayment ability.

Loan amounts are up to $20,000. Grants max out at $7,500. 

To be eligible for this program, you must be:

  • Living in a rural area
  • At least 62 years old
  • Earn below 50% of the area median income

To apply or get more information, contact your local USDA service center.

Section 502 Guaranteed Loan Program

The Section 502 Guaranteed Loan Program helps low-and moderate-income families to buy or fix up a home in eligible rural areas. 

This program focuses on making homeownership possible and ensures that people are living in safe, clean, modern dwellings to experience a better quality of life.

To apply, you must:

  • Live in an eligible rural area
  • Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. non-citizen national, or qualified alien
  • Agree to live in the home as your primary residence
  • Meet income eligibility requirements for your state (below 115% of the median household income in your area)

There are no credit score requirements, and Interest rates vary by lender, so applicants are encouraged to shop around.

This program works with approved lenders, backing the loans with a 90% note guarantee. The program offers 100% financing to accepted applicants. This makes it possible for qualified borrowers not to put money down.

To apply, reach out to approved lenders in your state.

Home repair programs for veterans

Disabled veterans and service members can get funding to improve accessibility at home through VA renovation loans and programs. 

This includes improving home entrance access, installing equipment for bathroom safety, and upgrading plumbing or electrical work to support the demands of home medical equipment.

If you are a disabled vet, you can get help through these programs:

HISA provides up to $6,800 to fix or alter your home for disabilities that resulted from your service in the Armed Forces and $2,000 to address issues that did not originate from serving in the military.

The SAH grant gives up to $109,986 for fiscal year (FY) 2023 (Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2023) to buy, build, or make changes to a home you plan to stay in for a while.

SAH, which does not have to be repaid, is for veterans or service members who own or are buying a home and have a qualifying disability connected to service, including:

  • Loss of one or more limbs (or loss of use)
  • Loss of lower leg use and a resulting natural disease or injury stemming from the issue
  • Loss of or inability to use a foot or leg (after Sep, 11, 2001)
  • Blindness in both eyes (20/200 vision or less)
  • Specific severe burns

Similar to the SAH grant, the The SHA grant gives qualified veterans and servicemembers up to $22,036 for fiscal year 2023. However, the qualified service-related disabilities are limited to:

  • Loss of both hands (or loss of use)
  • Specific severe burns
  • Specific injuries that impact breathing or cause respiratory issues

To get help, contact your local VA.

Additionally, the nonprofit Veterans at Home provides free home modifications to veterans to ensure safety and accessibility and keep them independent at home.

Other options for financing home repairs and improvements

If you have equity in your home, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or home equity loan are two options to help you handle home repairs.

Both allow you to borrow money against your home’s equity if you are:

  • Employed
  • Have good credit
  • History of responsibly paying accounts on time
  • Low income-to-debt ratio

Home equity lines of credit

A HELOC is a revolving line of credit that allows you to borrow up to 85% of your home’s value. They function much like a credit card because you can withdraw money and make minimum payments, but they often have much lower interest rates.

HELOCs also provide flexibility. During the draw period, which lasts five to 10 years, you can withdraw money for home improvements, but also consolidate debt or finance a large purchase.

If you’re considering accessing your home’s equity for these purposes, you can apply for HELOC to get started and see where you stand.

The length of the repayment period is usually 20 years. You can no longer withdraw funds once you enter the repayment period. 

Home equity loans

A home equity loan functions a little differently than a HELOC. You still borrow against the equity of your home, but you get the money in a lump sum.

You’ll pay the loan back over a period of anywhere from five to 30 years, typically at a fixed rate.

However, it’s important to note that if you default on the loan, you could face foreclosure.

Cash-out refinance

A cash-out refinance allows you to replace your current mortgage with a new, larger mortgage loan. At closing, you’ll receive in cash the difference between the new loan amount and your old mortgage balance.

You can typically borrow up to 80% of your home’s value and most lenders require you to have at least 20% equity in your home and to have owned the house for at least six months to qualify for a cash-out refinance.

Some repair companies will offer special discounts or financing for repairs. Door Pro America sells and installs many garage door styles and types as well as financing and maintenance agreements for future repairs.

So, what do you do with a house you can’t afford to fix?

If you can’t get the help you need to repair your home to make it livable, you can consider selling your home for cash and finding affordable movers to move into your new place.

Check out these other posts for low-income individuals and families:

Help for single moms: 16+ resourcesFree gas
Government assistance for single momsFree diapers
Free carFree formula
Free smartphoneFree money
Free clothesFree money for bills
Free housingFree food
Free ridesFree beds
Free ipadFree car inspections

SOURCES

  1. “Clean Energy Tax Provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act,” Whitehouse.gov. https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/clean-energy-tax-provisions/

Owe the IRS?

You’re not alone.

In fiscal year 2024, individual taxpayers will owe an estimated $525 billion in tax debt.1 Based on the most recent tax data from the IRS, more than 10 million taxpayers owe back taxes.2

If you have unsettled tax debt with the Internal Revenue Service and you are unable to resolve the debt yourself, there are quality professional services that can help you arrange a settlement and payment plan — for a fee.

This post has general information about managing tax debt, including reviews 14 of tax relief companies for 2024. We evaluated companies based on:

  • Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot ratings 
  • Guarantee policies 
  • Ease of communication — do they assign a specific professional to your case, one who returns your calls and emails, or better yet, for whom you have a direct number?
  • Age of company
  • General sense of transparency and honesty

None of these companies have transparent standard fees. You have to schedule a consultation to get a quote based on your unique tax situation:

What to do if you’re in tax debt

Start by contacting the IRS to see if you qualify for an Offer in Compromise (Form 656-B), which allows you to settle your tax debt for less than what you owe. 

You’re eligible to apply for an Offer in Compromise if you:

  • Filed all required tax returns
  • Made all estimated payments
  • Are not in an open bankruptcy proceeding
  • Were granted an extension for a current year return (if applying for the current year)
  • Have employees and made tax deposits for the current and past two quarters before applying

You can also try submitting an ​​Installment Agreement Request (Form 9465) with your tax return to see if you can pay your taxes in installments.

If you are not able to qualify for either of these options on your own, Logan Allec, a CPA and owner of personal finance blog Money Done Right, says tax relief companies can help you reduce your debt, often by more than you would be able to without representation.

Of course, there are fees involved.

For an Offer in Compromise, Allec says you should expect to pay at least $3,000 to $5,000 working with a tax relief company.

“That said, this fee can be significantly higher if the client’s debt is above average (multiple six or even seven figures) and if the IRS has assigned a revenue officer to the taxpayer’s case,” Allec says.

He says many tax relief companies aim for approximately 10% of the debt as a ballpark for pricing settlements.

Allec recommends people in tax debt shop around for a tax relief company to get the best price and to make sure the company is fair and ethical.

“Don’t use a tax relief company if the person you speak to there doesn’t spend much time learning about the details of your situation and just wants to sell you an Offer in Compromise that they have no idea if you qualify for,” Allec says.

He says you may also be able to negotiate what you pay a tax relief company, since most people giving quotes are likely working off a fee schedule that has a range of acceptable fees.

“The salesperson may be told by management, ‘Shoot to close at 10% of the debt, but you can go as low as 8% if necessary,'” Allec says.

Cases can be completed in as little as a few days for a straightforward repayment plan or more than a year for a severe tax situation that requires an appeal on an IRS case rejection.

The Federal Trade Commission offers these tips for hiring a reputable third-party tax-relief company to resolve your tax debt3:

  • Be wary of promises to completely eliminate penalties and interest from the IRS
  • If you’re required to make an upfront payment, review the company’s refund policy before signing
  • Check to see if a default billing rate applies if you decide to cancel, as it could significantly reduce your refund (This is a flat fee that applies to the work of all the employees at the company, not just the ones representing you)
  • Avoid companies that charge a monthly maintenance fee 

The FTC also recommends:

  • Contacting the Taxpayer Advocate Service: This is an independent organization within the IRS that can help resolve tax problems or if you’re facing collection actions from the IRS
  • Working with a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic: If you have a low income and are facing a tax dispute, the clinic may be able to guide your next steps

Keep reading for the best tax relief companies to settle your tax debt:

Best tax debt relief company: Instant Tax Solutions

After reviewing a number of tax debt relief companies, our No. 1 recommendation is Instant Tax Solutions because: 

  • High ratings from both the Better Business Bureau and Truspilot
  • Free consultation
  • Flat fee structure — what you’re quoted is what you pay
  • 30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked
  • Honest and upfront advice about your tax situation
  • Direct line to the tax professional working on your case

Instant Tax Solutions was co-founded in 2008 by Ian Woodman and Byron Pedersen and has grown from a home-based business to a nationally recognized tax debt resolution company that does business in all 50 states.

Instant Tax Solutions is staffed by tax attorneys, certified public accountants and enrolled agents, and clients receive a direct line to the professional handling their case. 

Instant Tax Solutions does not claim to eliminate all penalties and interest from the IRS. Instead, it promises to fight for the best resolution for your case by negotiating with the IRS on your behalf to remove all the penalties that it can. 

Instant Tax also offers a no questions asked, 30-Day, 100% satisfaction guarantee. If for any reason within the first 30 days you aren’t satisfied with the service, you will receive a complete refund, no questions asked. 

ProsCons
– Free consultation
– Flat-rate fee structure that’s determined on a case-by-case basis
– Licensed in all 50 states
– 24/7 live customer support 
– 30-day money-back guarantee
– Direct line to the tax professional assigned to your case
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating
– 5-star Trustpilot rating
No specific pricing information on website

Customer reviews: 

Recent review from Instant Tax Solutions customer on Trustpilot.
BBB review of Instant Tax Solutions, one of the best tax relief companies.
Trustpilot review of Instant Tax Solutions, one of the best tax relief companies.

Read on to find out about other BBB best tax relief companies that you can hire to help you with your tax debt. All companies on this list have an A+ rating: 

2. ALG Tax Solutions

ALG Tax Solutions is part of the ALG Group and offers tax relief assistance in all 50 U.S. states. 

ALG also offers an interesting feature on its website — an IRS letter decoder. All you have to do is enter the number in the upper right corner of the IRS letter you received, and the IRS letter decoder will tell you what the letter means, its level of severity and how to resolve the issues presented. You can also schedule a free consultation to have your case reviewed by a tax professional. 

ProsCons
– Free consultation
– Nationwide IRS assistance
– Online IRS letter decoder 
– Online tax case review scheduler
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating
– 4.7-star Trustpilot rating		– No pricing or money-back guarantee information on its website
– Most recent Trustpilot review is from 2019, and there are no written reviews on the BBB site

Customer reviews: 

The most recent review on ALG’s Trustpilot page is from March 2019:

Trustpilot review of ALG Tax Solutions, one of the best tax relief companies.
5-star Trustpilot review of ALG Tax Solutions, one of the best tax relief companies.

3. Anthem Tax Services

Anthem Tax Services provides tax debt relief by experienced licensed tax professionals. The company is licensed in all 50 U.S. states to represent clients in tax litigation. 

Anthem also guarantees you will get your money back if it can’t save you money on your taxes or negotiate an adjustment to your payments.

ProsCons
– Licensed tax professionals represent clients in all 50 states
– Recognized for one of the quickest turnaround times in the industry
– Money-back guarantee
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating
– 4.6-star Trustpilot rating
Pricing is not transparent. You must schedule a consultation to find out about fees.

Customer reviews: 

Recent reviews on BBB for Anthem Tax Services.
Review of Anthem Tax Services on Trustpilot.
Review on Trustpilot about Anthem Tax Services.

4. Community Tax

Founded in 2010, Community Tax is staffed by more than 50 tax professionals, including attorneys, practitioners, enrolled agents, and certified public accountants. 

The company provides a variety of services, including back tax relief and audit defense, to clients in all 50 states. 

ProsCons
– Services available in all 50 U.S. states
– Free consultation
– 14-day 100% money-back guarantee
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating
– 4.4-star rating from Trustpilot		– Limited money-back guarantee
– Pricing is not transparent on the website

Customer reviews: 

BBB reviews about Community Tax, one of the best tax relief companies.
Trustpilot review of Community Tax, one of the best tax relief companies.
Trustpilot review of Community Tax, one of the best tax relief companies.
1-star Trustpilot review of Community Tax, one of the best tax relief companies.

5. Enterprise Consultants Group LLC

Enterprise Consultants Group was founded in 2008 and is staffed by enrolled agents, consultants and tax attorneys. 

Once Enterprise’s tax professionals have resolved your IRS tax issues, they also will educate you on the best tax plan for the future. 

ProsCons
– Services provided in all 50 states
– 100% free consultation
– Transparent flat-rate quote
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating		Claims to only take clients they can help but offers no money-back guarantee

Customer reviews:

Positive review of ECG Tax Pros on BBB.
BBB review of Enterprise Tax, one of the best tax relief companies.

6. Fortress Tax Relief

Fortress Tax Relief is a mid-size firm that has been in business since 2003. It represents clients in all 50 states who are in need of tax relief services. Fortress only has experienced tax attorneys on staff. 

Prospective clients with over $10,000 in tax debt will complete an initial consultation with an attorney. If within 24 hours of the consultation you decide against representation, you will receive a full refund. 

ProsCons
– Free consultation
– All cases handled by experienced tax attorneys
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating
– Flat-fee pricing model		– Requires a minimum tax debt to qualify
– Limited money-back guarantee
– One review on Trustpilot

Customer reviews: 

5-star Trustpilot review of Fortress Tax Relief.

7. Larson Tax Relief

Larson Tax Relief, run by brothers Jack and Ron Larson, has been in business for 19 years and has 15 enrolled agents on staff. Larson serves clients in all 50 states and also won the BBB’s Torch Award for Ethics in 2022. 

ProsCons
– 15-day money-back guarantee
– A+ Better Business Bureau Rating
– Serves clients in all 50 states
– 4.8-star Trustpilot rating		Limited money-back guarantee

Customer reviews: 

One-star review of Larson Tax Relief on BBB.
Five-star reviews of Larson Tax Relief on BBB.

8. Optima Tax Relief

Optima Tax Relief was founded in 2011 and is staffed with tax attorneys and enrolled agents who are licensed to practice in all 50 states. They were the winners of the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics in 2021. 

Optima has a Client Bill of Rights published on its website, which details what you can expect if you hire their professionals to help you resolve your tax debt. Optima also has an app on Google Play or the App Store, which will analyze any IRS notices you receive. 

ProsCons
– Refund of fee for investigation phase  allowed within the first 15 days
– App for analyzing IRS notices
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating
– 4.1-star Trustpilot rating		– Limited money-back guarantee
– No pricing information listed on website

Customer reviews: 

BBB review of Optima Tax Relief, one of the best tax relief companies.
Five-star BBB review of Optima Tax Relief, one of the best tax relief companies.
Trustpilot review of Optima Tax Relief, one of the best tax relief companies.
Trustpilot review of Optima Tax Relief, one of the best tax relief companies.

9. Precision Tax Relief

Precision Tax Relief has been in business since 1967. It has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and also won the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Ethics in 2019. 

All tax relief cases are assigned to licensed tax professionals, including IRS-enrolled agents, certified public accountants and an experienced tax attorney. Additionally, the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.  

ProsCons
– More than 55 years of experience
– Free consultation 
– Flat-fee pricing
– Flexible payment options
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating
– 4.9-star Trustpilot rating
– 30-day money-back guarantee		Does not offer tax audit representation

Customer reviews: 

BBB reviews of Precision Tax Relief, one of the best tax relief companies.
BBB review of Precision Tax Relief, one of the best tax relief companies.
Trustpilot review of Precision Tax Relief, one of the best tax relief companies.

10. Tax Defense Network

Tax Defense Network, which was established in 2007, is an operation owned by MoneySolver, a student loan and tax resolution services company. 

Tax Defense offers tax services for individuals and small business owners and employs hundreds of licensed tax professionals across the nation, including enrolled agents, tax analysts, certified public accountants, accredited tax advisors, and tax attorneys.

ProsCons
– Free consultation
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating 
– 4.4-star Trustpilot rating
– Dedicated case advisor
– Financing options		No transparent pricing or money-back guarantee information on website
Upon calling, they wouldn’t disclose their money-back policy unless I provided personal information

Customer reviews: 

BBB review of Tax Defense Network, one of the best tax relief companies.
BBB review of Tax Defense, one of the best tax relief companies.
Trustpilot review of Tax Defense Network, one of the best tax relief companies.
Trustpilot review of Tax Defense, one of the best tax relief companies.

11. Tax Hardship Center

The Tax Hardship Center has been serving clients nationwide for two decades. They offer a variety of tax relief services and promise to work to ensure the best possible outcome for their clients. 

ProsCons
– Serves all 50 states
– Free consultation
– Promises fair and transparent pricing
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating
– 4.7-star Trustpilot rating
– 14-day money-back guarantee		– No specific pricing information on the website
– Most recent Trustpilot review is from 2021

Customer reviews: 

BBB reviews of Tax Hardship Center, one of the best tax relief companies.

12. Tax Relief Advocates

Tax Relief Advocates was founded in 2017 by registered tax preparer George Nunez. They use a three-step resolution approach to tackle consumer tax issues: consultation, research, and resolution. 

ProsCons
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating
– Staffed by licensed tax resolution professionals and attorneys 		No transparency about fees or money-back guarantee on website

Customer reviews: 

1-star review on BBB for Tax Relief Advocates, one of the best tax relief companies.
5-star review on BBB for Tax Relief Advocates, one of the best tax relief companies.
1-star review on BBB for Tax Relief Advocates, one of the best tax relief companies.

13. Tax Group Center

The professionals at Tax Group Center have over 30 years of experience, and their offices are open 24/7. They offer a free consultation to determine your needs and won’t take on your case unless they know they can reach a satisfactory resolution for you. 

ProsCons
– Free evaluation of your tax situation
– Provides services in all 50 states
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating
– Staffed with attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents
– 100% price protection policy		– No specific pricing information on website
– No money-back guarantee listed on website
– 2.9 Trustpilot rating

Customer reviews: 

BBB reviews of Tax Group Center, one of the best tax relief companies.
Trustpilot review of Tax Group Center, one of the best tax relief companies.

14. The Tax Resolvers

The Tax Resolvers has been in business for 15 years. As part of its core values, the company promises to deliver personalized service and individual attention to each case. 

ProsCons
– Free consultation
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating
– 4.8-star Trustpilot rating		– No specific pricing offered or a money-back guarantee
– One poor review on the company BBB profile

Customer reviews: 

1-star BBB review of Tax Resolvers, one of the best tax relief companies.
5-star Trustpilot review of Tax Resolvers, one of the best tax relief companies.
5-star Trustpilot review of Tax Resolvers, one of the best tax relief companies.

***Note: This is the only review posted on the Tax Resolvers’ BBB page. 

Alternative to a tax debt relief company: IRS Fresh Start Program

A tax debt relief company can help you get accepted into the IRS Fresh Start Program, or you can do the legwork yourself. 

Does the IRS really have a Fresh Start program?

The Internal Revenue Service implemented its Fresh Start program in 2011 to help individuals and small businesses struggling with tax debt to settle their tax liabilities. The program expanded access to streamlined installment agreements and expanded and streamlined the Offer in Compromise program. 

Some tax relief debt companies still refer to IRS installment plans or the Offer in Compromise as the IRS Fresh Start Program. However, the Fresh Start program itself no longer exists.

How does the IRS Fresh Start program work?

While there is no longer an IRS Fresh Start program, some of the programs/initiatives it expanded are still available:

  • Extended installment agreement: You can qualify for this payment plan if you owe the IRS $50,000 or less and you can pay back the debt within six years. No additional penalties or interest apply once you are approved for this plan. 
  • Offer in compromise: To qualify for this payment plan, all other payment options must have been exhausted. Once you’ve proven you cannot pay your debt through an installment agreement or a lump-sum payment, you make a reasonable offer to pay off your tax debt for less than you owe, and if the IRS accepts your offer, you can settle your debt. 
  • Tax lien withdrawal: This payment plan involves paying the entire amount you owe through a direct debit. 

Who qualifies for the IRS Fresh Start Program?

Both individual taxpayers and small businesses who can prove through documentation that they would experience significant financial hardship when paying their tax balance can qualify for programs that were expanded under the Fresh Start Program. 

How much will the IRS usually settle for?

The IRS will usually settle for an amount that it determines you can easily pay. It determines this amount by considering your assets, income, savings, debts and other expenses.

FAQs about tax debt relief companies

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about tax debt relief companies:

Who qualifies for tax relief?

Start by contacting the IRS to see if you qualify for an Offer in Compromise (OIC), which allows you to settle your tax debt for less than what you owe. 

You’re eligible to apply for an Offer in Compromise if you:

  • Filed all required tax returns and made all required estimated payments
  • Aren’t in an open bankruptcy proceeding
  • Have a valid extension for a current year return (if applying for the current year)
  • Are an employer and made tax deposits for the current and past 2 quarters before you apply

You can also try submitting an ​​Installment Agreement Request (Form 9465) with your tax return to see if you can pay your taxes in installments.

How much does it cost to use a tax relief company?

While every case is different, Alec says you can expect to pay about 10% of the total tax debt to a tax relief company. 

What is the best company to help with back taxes?

The best company to help with back taxes is the one that can successfully take on your case and get a resolution that you will be satisfied with for a price you can afford.

These are some of the best tax relief companies to help with back taxes, based on the number of positive reviews they have on the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot sites: 

  • Instant Tax Solutions
  • ALG Tax Solutions
  • Precision Tax Relief
  • Fortress Tax Relief

Research tax relief companies

Bottom line: Is a tax relief company worth it?

Allec says because it can be difficult to prove to the IRS that you can’t afford to pay and will not be able to pay what you owe, having a professional in your corner can help.

He gives this example:

A taxpayer may be able to negotiate on his own with the IRS and settle their taxes for $50,000 less than they owe.

On the other hand, a professional might charge $10,000 but know how to work the IRS so that the same taxpayer can pay $100,000 less than he owes.

“If a tax professional can do that, their fee was obviously worth it,” Allec says.

These are some other reasons he says it’s worth hiring a tax professional:

1. You’ve been assigned a revenue officer.

Allec says a revenue officer — someone from the IRS specifically dedicated to tracking your case — is typically assigned when you owe more than $250,000.

2. You have years of unfiled tax returns.

If you haven’t filed taxes in a long time — say, five years or more — you may not necessarily want to file all those returns.

“You could be making your problem worse by doing so,” Allec says.

He recommends those people work with a reputable tax relief company to determine which years it would be in their best interest to file and to resolve that debt accordingly.

Also, check out these resources for free help with tax preparation.

3. You’re busy.

If you don’t trust yourself to stay on top of IRS deadlines because you’re too busy with career, family, or other commitments, Allec says you should consider paying a professional tax relief company to stay on top of your case for you.

Trying to get your finances back on track? Check out these posts:

SOURCES

  1. “How much revenue has the U.S. government collected this year?” December 31, 2023. Fiscal Data, U.S. Department of the Treasury https://fiscaldata.treasury.gov/americas-finance-guide/government-revenue/
  2. “SOI Tax Stats – Delinquent Collection Activities – IRS Data Book Table 25” April 14, 2023. The Internal Revenue Service https://www.irs.gov/statistics/soi-tax-stats-delinquent-collection-activities-irs-data-book-table-25
  3. “Trouble Paying Your Taxes? April 2023. Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/tax-relief-companies
How much does it cost to use a tax relief company?

While every case is different, based on reviews from customers who used tax relief companies on this list, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $10,000 to work with a tax relief company.

What is the best company to help with back taxes?

The best company to help with back taxes is the one that can successfully take on your case and get a resolution that you will be satisfied with for a price you can afford.

Is a tax relief company worth it?

If you have a complex tax case that could result in you owing the IRS thousands to millions of dollars, hiring an experienced tax relief professional can help you save money.

Silver prices more than doubled over the past year and projections are strong going forward.

Whether you are looking to cash in on a bullion investment, or buy silver bars now to hedge against inflation, keep reading to learn more about silver bars and bullion.

Table of contents

Selling silver bars: How do I sell silver bullion?

You can sell silver bars and silver bullion in a number of ways: 

Can you sell silver bars to a bank?

No, you can no longer sell silver bars to most banks. The price of silver changes daily, so silver is not considered legal tender.

President Nixon announced in 1971 that the United States would no longer exchange currency for gold or any other precious metal, formally abandoning the gold and silver standards that determined exchange rates for such transactions.

Are silver bars easy to sell?

Yes, it’s easy to sell silver bars to a local pawn shop, precious metals dealer or reputable online silver buyer. 

Check out this episode of Pawn Stars where a man brought in 3,000-oz of silver bars:

Silver bar value

Silver bars are recognized as 99.9% pure and are therefore worth the spot price of silver.

November 12, 2026, silver futures closed at $50.07, compared with $30 at the beginning of 2025.

How much is a silver coin worth?

Unless it is a rare collectible coin, a silver coin is worth the spot silver value of the silver it contains x its purity x its weight.

Silver bullion coins are made by government mints for sale to investors. These are not to be confused with silver bullion rounds, which can be printed with any design and are not produced by government mints. 

These are some common U.S. silver coins and their values based on the current price of silver (May 2026 pricing). The American Silver Eagle is 99.9% pure and the official silver bullion coin of the United States: 

CoinPuritySilver content (troy oz)Spot value @ $77/oz
American Silver Eagle99.9% pure1.0000$77.00
Morgan Dollars90% pure0.7735$59.56
Peace Dollars90% pure0.7735$59.56
Liberty Head (Barber) Half-Dollars90% pure0.36169$27.85
Walking Liberty Half-Dollars90% pure0.36169$27.85
Franklin Half-Dollars90% pure0.36169$27.85
1964 Kennedy Half-Dollars90% pure0.36169$27.85
Liberty Head (Barber) Quarters90% pure0.18084$13.92
Standing Liberty Quarters90% pure0.18084$13.92
Washington Quarters90% pure0.18084$13.92
Liberty Head (Barber) Dimes90% pure0.0720$5.54
Winged Liberty Head (Mercury) Dimes90% pure0.0720$5.54

If you think your silver coin may hold value as a collector’s item, check out our post on coins worth money and learn more about selling silver coins.

How much is a silver bar worth?

A silver bar is 99.9% pure silver and therefore worth the spot price of silver.

November 12, 2026, silver futures closed at $50.07, compared with $30 at the beginning of 2025.

How much does a silver bar sell for?

A silver bar can be sold at or near the spot price of silver, depending on where you sell it. 

CashforSilverUSA offers an online calculator based on the current price of silver to help you determine the melt value of a silver bar.

CashforSilverUSA silver calculator helps you get an idea of the value of your silver.

Best online silver bullion and silver bar buyer

CashforSilverUSA, sister site of CashforGoldUSA, is our top choice among silver bar buyers and silver bullion buyers because: 

  • A+ Better Business Bureau rating
  • Price match guarantee
  • Free shipping label and insurance up to $150,000
  • Payments within 24 hours after offer acceptance
  • 10% bonus if you send in silver within a week of receiving your mailer
  • Risk-free cancellation if you decline their offer (and they’ll pay to ship your items back to you immediately)

CashforSilverUSA accepts accepts all forms of silver, including: 

CashforSilverUSA will accept anything that contains solid sterling silver — even if it’s used or broken. They also accept gold, platinum, diamonds and gemstones.

Selling your silver bars and silver bullion to CashforSilverUSA works like this:

  1. Input your contact information and shipping address on their website.
  2. You’ll get a free FedEx shipping label to mail in your items that CashforSilverUSA insures for up to $150,000 for free.
  3. Items are appraised within 24 hours of receipt, at which point you will receive payment by check, Paypal, or bank wire (if your items are worth more than $25,000) if you approve their offer. If you reject their offer, your items will be sent back to you for free.

Get an offer from CashforSilverUSA on your silver bars or silver bullion today >>

Other silver bullion and silver bars buyers

There are many other online silver bullion and silver bars buyers. Here’s how they stack up against CashforSilverUSA.com: 

BBB ratingWhat they buyShipping/InsurancePayments
CashforSilverUSAA+Any silver, gold, platinum, or diamondsFree FedEx shipments insured up to $150,000 by Jeweler’s Mutual InsurancePayments within 24 hrs via PayPal or check; Bank wires for offers over $25,000
ApmexA+Bullion, numismatics, semi-numismatics, rare coins and currencyMust pay for your own shipping, though Apmex offers a discount through its partnership with UPS, with insurance up to  $60,000Payments processed by the end of the next business day via direct deposit, checks, or bank wire ($25 fee if under $10,000)
JM BullionA+Private and government-issued bullion coins and bars, plus collectible coins; minimum purchase amount of $1,000Must pay your own FedEx shipping costs; insurance coverage for loss up to $100,000 for Next-Day Airand $75,000 for 2-day shippingPayment in 1-3 business days after product authentication via direct deposit, bank wire ($25 fee) or check ($30 fee)
KitcoA+Silver, gold, platinum, palladium, rhodium coins and bars; they do not accept metal scrap from private sellers; $2000 minimum$35 flat rate for shipping; $6.50 per $1,000 worth of product for insurancePayments up to one week after delivery via check, bank wire (fees involved), in Kitco bullion products, or deposited into your Kitco account
Liberty Gold and SilverNot ratedAll forms of gold and silver jewelry, coins, and scrapPrepaid UPS return envelope insured up to $1,000; Reimbursesfull cost of USPS shipping for more valuable itemsCheck mailed within 24 hours or bank wire for a small fee

Bottom line: What is the best way to sell silver bars?

Based on my exhaustive research in the precious metals space, my top choice for selling silver bars is CashforSilverUSA because of its A+ BBB rating, price match guarantee, and free and insured shipping process, which is unrivaled by other online silver buyers. 

Get a 10% bonus from CashforSilverUSA today when you ship your items within 7 days >>

SOURCE

“Reason For A 2026 Gold And Silver Surge That’s Predicted To Blow Up The Bitcoin Price,” by Billy Bambrough, Forbes.

How do I sell silver bullion?

You can sell silver bars and silver bullion in a number of ways, including: online metal buyers, auctions, and pawn shops.

Can you sell silver bars to a bank?

No, you can no longer sell silver bars to most banks.

How much is a silver coin worth?

Unless it is a rare collectible coin, a silver coin is worth the spot silver value of the silver it contains x its purity x its weight.

How much is a silver bar worth?

A silver bar is 99.9% pure silver and therefore worth the spot price of silver.

How much does a silver bar sell for?

A silver bar can be sold at or near the spot price of silver, depending on where you sell it.

When it comes to serious relationships, there are two apps that rise to the top of the pack — one is Elite Singles, and the other is eharmony.

I’ve reviewed a lot of dating apps, and living in a giant metro city like New York, I have a pretty good idea about the hot dating apps everyone is using.

What you should know about Elite Singles:

  • Elite Singles brands itself as a dating website for professionals
  • Members complete a 15-minute personality assessment that Elite Singles uses to match them with other members
  • Members must pay to interact with their matches

What I think about Elite Singles:

Often recommended by experts like David Wygant, relationship coach, for career-focused individuals, these platforms are designed to cut through the noise of casual swiping. However, Elite Singles doesn’t compete with the bigger dating apps and websites out there, like eharmony. Here’s why:

  • Elite Singles’ compatibility questionnaire is too general compared to eharmony’s 
  • You can only see your compatibility rating and those of your matches when you use the desktop version
  • Minimum search radius is 50 miles, which means you may be paired with people who live far away
  • You can only like and view profiles (you have to pay to message people)

Curious about whether or not Elite Singles is a fit for you? Here’s what you should know:

What is EliteSingles?

How does EliteSingles work?

Elite Singles requirements

Elite Singles matching:

How much does Elite Singles cost per month?

Is it worth paying for Elite Singles?

Pros of Elite Singles

Cons of Elite Singles 

Elite Singles reviews in 2024

Bianca’s experience with EliteSingles

What is EliteSingles?

According to its app description, Elite Singles is built for U.S. professionals who want a long-term commitment. It boasts that 85% of Elite Singles members in the U.S. have an “above-average education.” 

What that means isn’t exactly clear, but based on 2019 U.S. Census Bureau data, about 40.7% of the U.S. population had an associate’s degree or higher. Despite its claim of being built for professionals, there don’t seem to be any education restrictions to joining. 

Elite Singles members are in their 30s and 40s. (Check out our post on meeting singles over 40 in person.)

Despite its claims of exclusivity, readers report more success finding qualified partners, and a larger dating pool, with eharmony, which pioneered in 2000 the model of a dating site based on a lengthy quiz, and algorithmic matching with the goal of long-term, meaningful partnership and marriage.

eharmony also offers:

  • Free 150-point personality report
  • Apps for iOS and Android
  • 100% of members are proven to be real (no catfishing or married people!)
  • Start with the free version
  • 3 months free if you aren’t happy with your matches!
  • A Better Business Bureau rating

Learn more about eharmony in our review.

How does EliteSingles work?

Right on the homepage, there’s a section to register. I input my email address, created a password, and answered the age ole’ question: I am a [woman] seeking a [man].

After filling out my birthdate and other generic info, I was immediately prompted to take a personality assessment, made up of a mix of general questions to describe your ideal partner, behavioral questions about yourself, and questions on how you’d respond in hypothetical scenarios.

Sample Questions include:

  • Which picture describes your mood during an ordinary week?
  • Which role would you like your partner to fulfill the most?
  • When you kiss someone, how likely are you to initiate the first kiss?
Elite singles review example question about partner roles.
Elite singles review example question about kissing.
Elite singles review example question about spending time with your partner.

Other questions include general lifestyle questions you see on most dating websites, like:

  • Whether or not you want kids
  • What you are looking for in a partner
  • Whether you smoke or drink

Overall, the personality assessment took me 15 minutes to complete, which is way less time than the one on eharmony. I like that all questions were to the point and I was able to provide enough information to give my potential matches a good sense of who I am.

Once you’re done with your personality assessment, you’re quickly directed to the payment page. You cannot use this website without paying for a premium membership.

I handed over (err typed) my credit card details for a one-month subscription and then was ready to start searching. Immediately I had matches waiting for me that were “handpicked” for me (a little sus since I just signed up).

One cool thing about Elite Singles is that you can easily update your search preferences at any time (such as height, location etc.) There’s also a “how we met” page that works very similar to Tinder where you can swipe through profiles.

Elite singles review example match named Daniel.

Once you’ve completed the questionnaire, Elite Singles pairs you with members based on a compatibility score of 1 to 100. The higher the score, the higher the likelihood of compatibility for serious dating, according to the Elite Single’s algorithm.

When you receive your personality assessment, you notice your results are on a graph that sectioned into five components:

  • Openness (habitual vs inventive)
  • Conscientious (agreeable vs disciplined)
  • Extroversion (introverted vs extroverted)
  • Agreeableness (cautious vs compassionate)
  • Neuroticism (emotionally stable vs sensitive)

Overall, my results regarding openness fell in the middle, I was more easy going than disciplined and more introverted than extroverted. The assessment also told me that I was too sensitive (rude) and more cautious, meaning more likely unwilling to compromise (not wrong).

Elite singles review example match based on openness.

Looking through my matches, the highest score I received with someone was 88 percent, but most scores ranged in the 70s.

When I compared Mr. 88’s personality assessment with mine, I noticed we were both in the same level of openness and extraversion, but not so much when it came to agreeableness, neuroticism, and conscientious.

Elite Singles also highlights any personality traits that are similar to yours. When I looked at Mr. 88, I noticed we didn’t share any traits in common.

Elite singles review example match based on conscientiousness.
Elite singles review example match based on conscientiousness.

I’m not sure how accurate this algorithm is. I understand nobody is going to match with you 100%, but the lack of profiles within the 80% range makes it less convincing.

Elite singles review example about how friends would describe your match.
Elite singles review example matches.

I scoped another profile (we’ll call him Mr. 80), personality assessment and it was a lot worse.

Our assessments were compatible in that we’re both very sensitive and introverted (him more than me), but we were total opposites when it comes to conscientiousness, openness and agreeableness. His profile was also very empty, making it hard to decipher whether or not he was a legit match.

Depending on how honest you are with yourself, you might be shocked at what you learn not only about your personal preferences, but also your values and how you would react when faced with a moral dilemma.

Questions such as, “How important is attractiveness to you?” and “Would you stay with a partner through a life-altering change?” are relevant and highlight a potential match’s character — not to mention challenge you to examine your own beliefs.

Because of the depth and number of questions, I’d suggest carving out up to an hour of your time to complete your Elite Singles profile.

One question asks you to rate your level of attractiveness, while another gauges your feelings on raising children.

Elite Singles requirements:

These are the requirements to sign up for Elite Singles:

Who qualifies for EliteSingles?

Despite the name and its reputation for being selective with its members, anyone can sign up and register for EliteSingles. Upon sifting through my matches, I noticed they all had various educational backgrounds.

Many had their bachelor’s and master’s degrees, while some only had their high school diploma.

Elite Singles is targeted toward singles looking for meaningful connections. Since each member is vetted manually, you’d better make sure you are who you say you are in your profile.

According to their website, EliteSingles actively removes any inactive profiles, as well as profiles that are deemed fake or suspicious. They also make you confirm your email address.

Elite Singles has some rules typical of dating apps, as well as some that qualify Elite Singles as a premium site:

  • Membership requires you complete an extensive online survey about your interests, values, goals, tastes and preferences
  • That you are real (a human verifies your identity and photo)
  • While you can see limited info of other members’ profiles for free, and receive a free personality analysis for free, this is a mostly pay-only dating app

Before you meet up in person, you may want to do a background check. You can run your date’s name through a site like TruthFinder, which will pull all online public records on the person and compile them into an easy-to-read report.

What does Elite Singles mean by “above-average education?”

Elite Singles does not specify what it means by reporting 85% of its members hold an above-average education, though it appears to mean that a large percentage of Elite Singles members have enrolled in post-high-school classes, even if they did not attain a degree.

Elite Singles matching:

What kind of people are on Elite Singles?

Elite Singles claims 381,000+ new members join per month. According to their website, 82% of members hold a bachelor’s degree, and supposedly every eight minutes someone on Elite Singles finds their soulmate.

Elite singles review on success rate.

Billing itself as a source for professionals who are serious about finding a meaningful romantic match, the idea seems to be that singles willing to spend significant time and money on creating a profile will be more likely to be serious about dating and career.

If you’re looking for something casual or have a swipe-and-go mentality, joining Elite Singles is not for you.

The site is geared toward educated professionals and requires a minimum of three months for any of the paid memberships.

What age group is EliteSingles for?

Elite Singles’ website claims, “the majority of our members are aged 30-55.” As I dug through my matches, I noticed a good chunk of people were in their 30s and 40s.

How much does Elite Singles cost per month?

For a premium membership, there are currently two options.

As of September 2026:

  • 1-month membership: $ 499
  • 3-month membership: $ 999

Premium members receive:

  • Unlimited messaging
  • View all member photos
  • “Intelligent matchmaking”
  • See everyone who visits your profile, and turn on read receipts for your messages
  • Confirmation of messages received

In the free basic version, you can:

  • Go through the personality profile and get the results
  • Create a profile
  • Match with others

However, with the free version, you won’t be able to see anyone’s profile photo or send anyone a message. Therefore, the website is pretty useless unless you pay for a membership.

EliteSingles cancellation policy

If you have a premium membership, you can cancel your membership at anytime by clicking the person icon on the top right corner and selecting Account. Under Membership in green you’ll see an option to Cancel/Refund Your Membership. You click that and it gives you a ton of reasons for you to choose as to why you’re canceling your membership. They’ll give you one last chance to change your mind and after you insist that you want to cancel, you input your password. And that’s it! You still have access to Elite Singles until your subscription ends.

For mobile users, you’ll have to go into your phone’s App Store or Google Play account and cancel it from there.

EliteSingles customer service

EliteSingles surprisingly has great customer service. While it’s very difficult to find the page to submit a request on their website (I had to Google it), once you fill out the online form, they get back to you quickly. They assist their customers through a platform called Pissed Consumer. I reached out about a question regarding membership and got a response with 24 hours.

Is it worth paying for Elite Singles?

Yes, it is worth paying because as I mentioned before, the free version will get you nowhere. If you want any real traction with Elite Singles, you have to pay.

Pros of Elite Singles

  • Most people on Elite Singles are looking for serious, long-term committed relationships—including marriage.
  • Their Thoughtful and concise personality assessment helps their algorithm find better matches for you.
  • Free personality report. Get a deep analysis of your personality traits after completing the online survey. This is yours to keep, whether you sign up and pay or not.
  • Website safety: According to the website, Elite Singles checks every user profile for authenticity, by hand, to verify that each user is legitimate—reducing the chances for spam, catfishing, married men posing as single, and other sleazy behavior. The site is also encrypted to protect your data. The site states:

“In order to avoid this on Elite Singles, we manually check each individual profile to guarantee that everyone on our site is serious about the search for love. We use SSL Encryption, Fraud Detection, and Manual Profile Verification to ensure our members feel completely comfortable when using our service.”

Cons of Elite Singles 

  • Matches come to you: Unlike other dating sites, Elite Singles doesn’t force you to spend endless hours scrolling and matching. Instead, Elite Singles delivers five to seven matches to your inbox per day. If you don’t like any of them, you have to wait until the next day for more matches. If you’re accustomed to accessing thousands of profiles options at any given time, this can be frustrating. Swipe happy people beware. This method of receiving curated options can, however, force members to consider each suggestion with more thought than they usually would.
  • Cannot use the app for free
  • Minimum distance is 50 miles, which is inconvenient for people who are unable to travel

Listen to this Like a Mother with Emma Johnson interview with Millionaire Matchmaker Patti Stanger, on dating as a successful single woman:

Elite Singles reviews

Elite Singles reviews are mostly negative. The biggest complaints from reviewers across the board was about canceling their memberships. Members claimed it was hard to cancel and claim that Elite Singles was still charging them long after cancellation.

Other reviewers call it scam, claiming most profiles were fake (again I take those reviews with a grain of salt, since they mostly come from unhappy daters).

App stores

Elite Singles has a 4.0 out of 5-star rating on Apple’s App Store from more than 1800 reviews. Most recent reviews only give the app one star, citing lots of scammers and poor app functionality.

4-stars Elite Singles review from Apple App Store from February 2025.

On Google Play, Elite Singles has a rating of 2.7 stars. The most recent negative reviews complain about the app glitching and not recognizing that members have already paid.

Elite Singles Google Play Review 1 From July 2024

BBB

Elite Singles’ parent company Spark Networks has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and reviewers rate it 1.12 out of 5 stars.

Only a handful of the review on the company’s BBB page are about Elite Singles:

Elite Singles BBB Review from February 2025
Elite Singles BBB Review from August 2024
Elite Singles BBB review from July 2024

Trustpilot

Elite Singles has 1.5 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.

Here are a few recent Trustpilot reviews about Elite Singles from those who used it:

Elite Singles reviews from Reddit 

Redditors were very critical about Elite Singles on this reddit thread:

Has anyone tried elite singles?
by indatingoverthirty

Some Redditors thought the profiles on Elite Singles were boring; others warned about the site being a scam and said it’s impossible to cancel a subscription (echoing the sentiments of reviews on other sites).

But one Redditor did claim to find their wife on it:

Negative Elite Singles review on Reddit.
Positive Elite Singles review on Reddit.

Bianca’s experience with EliteSingles

I like any dating app that makes you show off your personality. Elite Singles’ personality assessment is quick and direct (sometimes I get bored with the extremely long compatibility quizzes). They ask a good mix of general and behavioral questions, allowing you to express yourself and giving people a good sense of who you are. However, I was disappointed at the lack of compatible options with my matches.

Also, if you’re more of a dating app person, you can only see your compatibility rating and those of your matches when you use the desktop version. 

Highly compatible match on Elite Singles.

Elite Singles’ minimum search radius is 50 miles, which means I’m getting matches from people outside of the NYC metro area. Therefore, I’m seeing people who live in MD or NJ — places I will not travel for a first date.  

Lastly, I don’t like any dating app that makes you pay to interact with other members. I can “like” and view profiles but cannot message anyone. But since you have to pay for every app and website these days, no I don’t think it’s worth it based on my experiences and what reviews say. Fingers crossed I don’t have the same experience as other reviewers and they won’t keep charging me!

Bianca Mendez is a dating app expert whose work has appeared in Woman’s Health, Bustle, Latina, Refinery29, and many other publications. She also served as a sex and dating editor at Elite Daily. You can check out her other dating app reviews here.

Bottom line: Which is better, eharmony or EliteSingles?

While both eharmony and Elite Singles offer extensive personality questionnaires to gauge your compatibility with potential matches, there are subtle differences between the two:

  • While Elite Singles’ introductory quiz is much more extensive, eharmony’s questions are psychology-based.
  • Both eharmony and Elite Singles are very safe and vet each profile, though eharmony checks to make sure members are not married.
  • eharmony has been in the U.S. market for more than 20 years, and has great brand recognition, which means more people are on their dating site. More people = more potential matches.
September 2025Elite Singleseharmony
Method200-point personality test, dating preference profile, and free personality report.150-point personality test and personality profile.
ConnectionSerious, long-term, committed relationships.Serious, long-term, committed relationships.
Typical user90% are aged 30+,82% have college degreesAverage age: 30
Elite Singles vs. eharmony Costs as of September 2025Basic account: $0Basic account: $0
SecuritySSL-encrypted SLL-encrypted site, each member is verified by a human.All members must prove who they are, and site has been known to close accounts if they find the member is married, lies about themselves or otherwise violates eharmony’s code of conduct.
Apps?iOs and AndroidiOs and Android
Cool featuresFree basic membership. Free personality report. No need to endlessly scroll, as Elite Singles chooses matches for you.“Quick Questions” option allows users to select questions they would most like matches to answer. Detailed personality profile.
BBBA+A

The verdict? Both eharmony and Elite Singles are quality dating sites, but eharmony wins for brand and technology strength. Plus, they check to make sure members are not married = golden.

eharmony stands out with:

  • Higher volume of users, increasing chances of a meaningful match.
  • Competitive pricing
  • eharmony is more popular, so there are more members you can potentially match with.

One bit of advice: Each dating site out there attracts different types of people in each geographic area, so ask your friends and singles in your area who you trust which sites they like best in your city. Also, eharmony’s free version is a good way to check it out without commitment—even if romantic commitment is your ultimate goal.

Interested in checking out other dating sites and apps? Here are our dating app reviews:

Christian MingleZooskCoffee Meets Bagel
BumbleOKCupidPlenty of Fish
13 international
dating apps		Jewish dating sitesDating.com

No time for dating apps? If you have little time, but do have money, consider a professional matchmaker. We review the top sites and explain the process.

What does Elite Singles mean by “above-average education?”

Elite Singles does not specify what it means by reporting 85% of its members hold an above-average education, though it appears to mean that a large percentage of Elite Singles members have enrolled in post-high-school classes, even if they did not attain a degree.

What age group is Elite Singles for?

Elite Singles’ website claims, “the majority of our members are aged 30-55.”

How much does Elite Singles cost per month?

For a premium membership, there are currently three options as of September 2025: 3-month membership for $57.95 / month; 6-month membership for $44.95 / month; and a 6-month membership for $31.95 / month.

Is it worth paying for Elite Singles?

Yes, it is worth paying because the free version will get you nowhere. If you want any real traction with Elite Singles, you have to pay.

If you are sure you want a serious, long-term, committed relationship or marriage, there is a clear standout in the dating site scene: eharmony has long established itself as the leader in connecting singles looking for meaningful partnership. eharmony has:

  • A Better Business Bureau rating
  • Free basic plan
  • Vetted profiles to prove members are a real people (and not married)
  • Research from Harvard and University of Chicago that finds that the site does actually produce marriages — and those marriages have low divorce rates.

Signing up for eharmony is a time and emotional commitment — one that could take more than an hour of your time.

I tried eharmony and in my personal experience, other user reviews, and eharmony’s success rate are a few indicators that make us fans of eharmony for those seeking serious, long-term commitment, standing out from a sea of other online dating apps, many of which are very worthwhile, but attract a wide range of daters with different relationship goals.

[wp-review id=”13116″]

Our review of eharmony.com:

How does eharmony work?

Can I use eharmony for free?

How much does eharmony cost?

What an eharmony subscription includes

Does eharmony work? What is the success rate of eharmony?

Is eharmony reliable?

Pros of eharmony

Cons of eharmony

eharmony reviews

Can I cancel eharmony anytime?

eharmony alternatives

Bottom line: Is eharmony worth it? Is it worth paying for eharmony?

How does eharmony work?

eharmony uses an algorithm to match you and potential partners.

In this swipe-happy generation, it can be tough to make a real connection. For many, the mentality is “hot or not,” which, for those seeking a genuine relationship, can make online dating sometimes feel empty, even mean-spirited.

That’s why eharmony makes its members take a compatibility quiz upon signing up, which works to determine your best matches. You must be a paying member to see others’ photos, search by location and religion, and otherwise make meaningful connections with other singles.

eharmony says they use actual science, not just your likes and dislikes, to match you with potential suitors who really “get” you, and with whom you have the highest chances of a meaningful connection.

eharmony uses what it calls “main effects,” which is “the potential direct impact of your traits and your partner’s traits on your and their feelings” to figure out what kind of person you should be with, making it different than almost any other dating website out there.

After taking care of the basics, including adding a nice photo of yourself and filling in general information such as where you live and your age, you’re prompted to verify your information and complete the compatibility quiz.

Verify your information

This is where eharmony stands out: First eharmony took steps to verify my photo, presumably checking it for being a fake, or old, or identifying me as being a cheat.

You can also opt for SMS verification where you enter your mobile number, and they’ll send over a code for you to enter.

eharmony text message verification.

Complete compatibility quiz

Next, you take a five-part compatibility quiz. They ask you a series of multiple choice questions that include interests, what you’re looking for in a partner, personal habits, and hypothetical scenarios.

If you can’t finish the questionnaire in one sitting and need more time to answer these hard-hitting questions, don’t worry — you can come back to it later. But I was able to finish it in 20 minutes.

Compatibility quiz on eharmony review.

These are some example eharmony questions:

  • Are you easily excited about things?
  • If you like a song, what is the usual reason?
  • What is your immediate reaction if a person you’re very close to does something that upsets you?
  • What are your main reasons for wanting a relationship?
  • Let’s say you and your partner get invited to a friend’s wedding. As you get ready for the party, which thoughts are you most likely thinking?

The one thing that bothered me is that some answers felt outdated or just didn’t apply to me at all. 

Compatibility quiz on eharmony review about friend's wedding.
Compatibility quiz on eharmony review about reading books.

After taking the quiz, eharmony lets you showcase your personality with prompts, similar to those on Hinge or Bumble.

Compatibility quiz on eharmony review about ideal first date.

Review your personality profile

Once you complete the questionnaire, you will have access to your personality profile. It’s broken down into four parts:

  • Fundamentals of your personality
  • How you behave in a relationship
  • Your everyday life
  • Style of communication

When you match with other members, eharmony gives you a compatibility score that compares their results of the quiz to yours:

Compatibility quiz on eharmony review about personality fundamentals.

I would say that eharmony was spot on with my matches. I had high compatibility scores with everyone I matched with, so compatibility wise, I think we could be good together.

Compatibility match on eharmony review.

However, their profiles are lacking. Even with a reputable dating site like eharmony, people still don’t fill out their full profiles. Also, there weren’t a lot of compatible matches, even in my New York City search radius.

Can I use eharmony for free?

eharmony has a basic free version, which includes taking the compatibility quiz and viewing match’s profiles. But like other dating apps, to really interact with potential matches and get any real value from eharmony, you have to sign up for the paid version.

How much does eharmony cost?

eharmony offers subscription plans priced for 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months.

As of September 2025, these are the costs of an eharmony membership:

Free basic account:$0
Premium Light$38.94/mo for 6 months
$23.94/mo for 12 months
$17.94/mo for 24 months
Premium Plus$44.94/mo for 6 months
$26.34/mo for 12 months
$20.34/mo for 24 months
Premium Unlimited$47.94/mo for 6 months
$29.94/mo for 12 months
$21.54/mo for 24 months

What an eharmony subscription includes

These are some of the benefits that are only available in the paid version:

  • Unlimited messaging
  • Ability to view unlimited photos
  • See who has visited your profile

Does eharmony work? What is the success rate of eharmony?

When compared to other dating sites, eharmony does work. The results are in the numbers: couples who meet on eharmony are more likely to get married, and less likely to get divorced.

Researchers at the University of Chicago and Harvard conducted a study of marriages, breakups and divorces by online dating site where the couple met, and found that couples who met on eharmony had the highest marriage rate, highest marriage satisfaction rate, and the lowest breakup and divorce rates. eharmony had the best results out of all the major dating sites.

eharmony marriage and divorce rates

  • 25% of the more than 19,000 marriages studied by the University of Chicago started at eharmony
  • 3.86% divorce rate, (vs. national U.S. average of ~50%, per Census data)

The compatibility screening digs deep. eharmony’s algorithm delves into who you are as a person, a method that has proved successful for thousands of users.

8 rules for dating a single mom

Is eharmony reliable?

Between strong third-party review on sites like the Better Business Bureau, the academic studies at top universities published in leading journals, a long history and strong user base, eharmony remains one of the leading dating sites and apps for people looking for serious relationships. 

Let’s look at the pros and cons of eharmony:

eharmony proseharmony cons
– Caters to serious daters seeking a compatible partner
– Stringent verification process that weeds out fake profiles and married people
– Uses detailed profiles to spark conversations
– Quick responses from customer service		– Long process to go through compatibility questions (but worth it to find compatible matches)
– Knowing too much information upfront can impact getting to know someone organically

What are the pros of eharmony?

Focused on compatibility

eharmony’s long, involved quiz and matching process really does stand out among dating sites. It serves more as a digital matchmaker than a swipe-left-right app or speed-dating platform.

Attracts more serious daters

Because of its long history of focusing on serious relationships, including marriage, eharmony appeals to singles who are looking for commitment.

Verification process for added security

What’s also nice about eharmony is its state-of-the-art ID verification, providing you with an added level of comfort and security that the person you’re meeting is who he says he is.

eharmony routinely closes accounts for a multitude of reasons, including that users are inappropriate or abusive with other members, getting caught lying/cheating.

Instant conversation starters

eharmony requires each user to create an in-depth profile, which means you have plenty of information to use to strike up a conversation on that first phone conversation or date.

It’s a lot easier to prep for a first date when you already know that the guy has kids and doesn’t like Indian food. You may even be able to avoid a few awkward moments over appetizers, such as finding out your date is interested in making America great again in a different way than you are.

Opportunity to move at your own pace

The best part about chatting on eharmony stems from their “Quick Questions” option, which allows users to select questions they would most like their matches to answer.

This is a great way to help you (and the other person) learn information about potential matches that is important to you — as well as express to other singles what your priorities are.

With the ability to chat before meeting, it’s also more likely you will feel comfortable by the time you’re ready to meet for drinks or dinner.

A first date can be intimidating, especially if you haven’t been on one for a while. Having the extra cushion of “getting to know you” time can make first dates less of a big deal and more of a fun experience. And isn’t that the way they’re supposed to be?

Dating a widower: 6 things you need to know

Prompt customer service

eharmony claims their customer service is available 24/7. Like most companies, their site first directs you to a deep library of FAQs articles, but it is easy to find the ‘Contact Customer Care’ button on most of these pages, which leads you to a form on which you can send an email.

Our experience is that eharmony CS does respond within the promised 24 hours.

You can access eharmony CS through your membership portal, or as a guest.

What are the cons of eharmony?

The more you know, the worse a date can be

Sometimes a first date is filled with magic because you spent the entire time learning about someone you knew nothing about before. Sometimes, especially when you have experienced heartache and disappointment, a long list of information about a potential date can actually be a long list of reasons to talk yourself out taking a risk and saying yes to meeting.

With so much information available to you beforehand, you run the risk of losing some of the butterflies you may have felt otherwise. But what I can attest to is this: some of the best conversations I’ve had while on a first date stemmed from a tidbit from the guy’s profile, leading to a greater understanding of the individual and a much more meaningful connection.

Surprises aren’t always pleasant, however, and a spark does sometimes lead to a fire. That said, being prepared never hurt anyone, and online dating led me to my most successful relationship so far.

Unlike other apps and websites, eharmony doesn’t want you to be a member forever. The goal of the site is to take your online relationship offline.

eharmony reviews

We think eharmony is the best option for people who are looking for a serious relationship. It’s worth the cost because of its plethora of features, large dating pool, and high success rate of creating successful matches. We also like that it’s a long-time BBB-accredited business (since 2001) with an A rating.

Here’s what others had to say about eharmony:

According to Consumer Affairs, one reviewer, J, from Texas met their spouse on eharmony. Despite the time investment needed to set the profile up, this reviewer liked the detail required because it was helpful for weeding out people looking to hook up, not date. The lengthy process also allowed better evaluation of potential prospects, and ease of communication assisted in the vetting process pre-date, saving daters time and money. 

Irene, a user from Maryland, met her husband Joe on eharmony. Married 9 years, she says she enjoyed numerous relationships over the years from the site before meeting the one. “You get what you pay for,” she wrote.

Scott from Indiana, who was divorced, met his future wife after a few bad matches on the site. Referring to the site’s matching process, he says: “It does work if you let it.” The couple has been married more than a decade.

Better Business Bureau rating and reviews

Accredited and in business since 2001, eharmony has an A rating with the BBB. 

eharmony reviews on Reddit

eharmony has plenty of play on Reddit – including both success and horror stories for online dating in general, and eharmony in particular:

Depending on where you live and what you are looking for, those who used eharmony reported success in finding a long-term mate — but you have to pay to connect with other members. A couple examples:

I know the sample size isn’t huge, but both of my friends who tried eHarmony found amazing matches. One couple is engaged, the other has been dating for a few years now and are super serious. I suppose it’s definitely a YMMV situation.

Decipher, Reddit user

Also:

I’ve never used a paid dating site, but my mom does. She used OKC for a bit but didn’t like it. She says the men on paid dating sites are more serious and don’t send sexual messages. I figure that’s probably accurate because why pay to send “hey bb wan sum fuk” messages when you could do it on OKC/Tinder/etc for free. I think your experience might heavily depend on age. I’m not sure something like Match/eHarmony would be that useful for someone who is in their 20s.

Reddit user

Keep in mind that location has a huge influence on dating app quality no matter the app or site — just like real-life dating. The smaller the community in which you live, the smaller the local dating pool. Ask your single friends which apps in your area have the best selection of singles in your area.

eharmony reviews on Trustpilot

eharmony fails Trustpilot, where it has 2.8 stars out of 5, based on more than 3131 reviews as of September 2025 — with about half of recent reviews from the United Kingdom. Common complaints include issues with canceling the service and accusations of fake profiles.

Can I cancel eharmony anytime?

One of the main complaints from eharmony members is that it is difficult to cancel. Members of eharmony get a 14-day cooling-off period on any subscription that you cancel.

To cancel your eharmony membership, navigate to:

  • Manage profile >
  • Amend subscription >
  • Cancel automatic renewal >
  • opt out of all their offers they will push on you >
  • Confirm cancelation

Can you cancel your eharmony membership and get a refund?

eharmony is pretty aggressive about charging — you pay in minimums of 6-month packages, but you can cancel at any time to avoid future payments.

How to log into eharmony and delete your account

First, you may choose to hide your eharmony account, which makes it inaccessible to any other users, and will not show up on searches, though will still be visible to those with whom you have already connected, or who have ‘favorited’ you. This can be useful if you want to take a dating break. To immediately hide your eharmony account:

  1. Click on the arrow next to your photo
  2. Click the “Data & Settings” link
  3. Under the “Profile Visibility” section, click the green slider to make your profile invisible 

If you delete your profile you will no longer have access to your messages or matches. Deleting your profile is permanent. It isn’t possible to restore your profile after you delete your ehamony profile.

To fully delete your eharmony account while in the middle of a subscription package, you must contact Customer Care.

If you do not have a subscription, you can delete your eharmony profile:

How to delete profile on eharmony.
  1. Click on the arrow next to your photo
  2. Click “Data & settings”
  3. Under “Profile Status,” click “To permanently delete your profile, click here”

You will be asked to enter your login info to confirm the permanent deletion of your profile and personal data.

eharmony alternatives

Check out my reviews of other popular dating sites and apps:

SingleParentMeetZooskDating.com
Plenty of FishAdult Friend FinderMatch.com
Coffee Meets BagelOKCupid13 international
dating apps
Catholic dating sitesChristian dating sitesTawkify
Seeking ArrangementMillionaire Match

eharmony FAQs

Is eharmony a hookup app?

No, eharmony is not a site for hookups and booty calls. For those encounters, there are other places (like Tinder) to get your needs met.

Does eharmony do background checks?

While eharmony does not conduct criminal or other background checks, eharmony manually verifies each member is not married, fake, or otherwise gross using phone number verification, profile photo verification, social media scan and other methods.

How to run a background check

Does eharmony have an app?

Yes! eharmony’s app is available for Android and iOS. The app is easy to use and has all of the same features as the desktop: survey, matching, messaging and profile management, with the goal of making meaningful connections.

Need help with your profile? 14 examples of good dating profiles and how to pick profile pics.

What kind of people are on eharmony?

eharmony has about 750,000 paid subscribers and 10 million active users, which means eharmony has all kinds of people!

Whether you’re Jewish, Christian, or Muslim, black, Asian or Caucasian, straight or LGBTQ, love dogs or hate chinchillas, there’s a potential special someone for every member on eharmony. However, it’s important to recognize that online dating experience can also vary by geography, just like with other sites.

eharmony has long had a reputation, perpetuated by its marketing, that it attracts relationship- and commitment-minded singles.

The average age of an eharmony user is 30, while with Elite Singles, the average age is older than 30. Both sites are popular among singles over 40. Also, check out our post on places to meet IRL if you’re over 40.

Is the LGBTQ+ community welcomed on eharmony?

eharmony arose during a time when the world wasn’t as accepting of a place as it should have been. In 2005, eharmony became the subject of a very public lawsuit as a result of its discrimination against members’ sexual preferences.

However, today eharmony welcomes everyone, regardless of sexuality, and many LGBTQ are members on the site. The search function allows you to search for same-sex partners.

Recently, the religious right got upset at the fact that eharmony is now so inclusive, and promoting LGBTQ partnerships in its marketing.

Bottom line: Is eharmony worth it? Is it worth paying for eharmony?

Yes, most users say eharmony is worth the cost. 

Based on our eharmony review, we believe it is worth paying for eharmony for the following reasons:  

  • Large dating pool: eharmony has about 750,000 paid subscribers and 10 million active users.
  • Success rate: eharmony has long had a reputation for successfully matching people for long, happy relationships and marriages with a very low divorce rate.
  • Reputable online dating site: accredited and in business since 2001, eharmony has an A rating with the Better Business Bureau. 

However, when using any online dating site, there is a caveat: finding love takes time and can leave some daters feeling emotional and unsatisfied when it doesn’t happen as fast as they want.

eharmony’s extensive compatibility questionnaire can be exhausting — but the more time and care you take to fill it out, the higher your chances of dating success.

How does eharmony work?

eharmony uses an algorithm to match you and potential partners.

Can I use eharmony for free?

eharmony has a basic free version, which includes taking the compatibility quiz and viewing match’s profiles. But like other dating apps, to really interact with potential matches and get any real value from, you have to sign up for the paid version of eharmony.

How much does eharmony cost?

eharmony offers plans like Premium Light, Premium Plus, and Premium Unlimited, all with 6-month, 12-month, and 24-month subscription plans.

What is the success rate of eharmony?

Researchers at the University of Chicago and Harvard conducted a study of marriages, breakups and divorces by online dating site where the couple met, and found that couples who met on eharmony had the highest marriage rate, highest marriage satisfaction rate, and the lowest breakup and divorce rates. eharmony had the best results out of all the major dating sites.

Is eharmony a hookup app?

No, eharmony is not a site for hookups and booty calls.

Does eharmony do background checks?

While eharmony does not conduct criminal or other background checks, eharmony manually verifies each member is not married, fake or otherwise gross using phone number verification, profile photo verification, social media scan and other methods.

What kind of people are on eharmony?

eharmony has about 750,000 paid subscribers and 10 million active users, which means eharmony has all kinds of people!

Ready to start a new career but don’t have the time or money to get an expensive degree?

There are a number of jobs with easy certifications that can be completed in a short amount of time, and some of them could earn you $100K or more per year. 

Our picks for career certifications

  1. Bookkeeping certification
  2. Proofreading certification
  3. Birth and postpartum care certifications
  4. Childcare certification
  5. Health care certifications
  6. Project management certification
  7. IT certification
  8. Social media marketing certification
  9. Real estate certification
  10. Fitness certification
  11. Legal certification

Our picks for career certifications

Learn about quick job certifications that pay well.

Here is our list of 11 quick certifications that pay well:

1. Bookkeeping certification

A woman holding a calculator while working at her desk. Here are 11 quick job certifications that pay well.
  • Preferred course: Bookkeeper Launch
  • Cost: $2,499+
  • Course length: 90 days
  • Potential pay: $100,000+ per year

A bookkeeper tracks and records financial transactions for a small business or large corporation. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for bookkeepers is $45,560 per year or $21.90 per hour, though rates for experienced bookkeepers can range from $60 to $126 per hour.

Between 2021 and 2031, the growth rate for bookkeeping is expected to decline by 5%. However, the demand for bookkeepers is expected to remain steady, with just under 200,000 jobs open annually through 2031.

You can earn a bookkeeping certification in less than one year. There are several legitimate bookkeeper training programs online, but our favorite is Bookkeeper Launch, which gives you the tools to kickstart your own bookkeeping business. 

We also like Bookkeeper Launch because: 

  • Program can be completed in 90 days
  • A+ Better Business Bureau rating (accredited since 2020)
  • Course goes beyond bookkeeping skills to help you market yourself and build a successful bookkeeping business
  • Access to an exclusive community of bookkeepers for networking and career advice

At over $2,499, the course is expensive, but it has a proven track record of successful graduates who swear it’s worth the investment.

2. Proofreading certification

Proofreading a copy. Check out these 11 quick job certifications that pay well. Click here.
  • Preferred course: Proofread Anywhere
  • Cost: Starts at $697 for lifetime access
  • Course length: 30 days (self-paced)
  • Potential pay: Up to $92,000 per year (pay varies by industry)

Proofreaders are responsible for finding spelling and grammar errors in books, newspapers, magazines, marketing copy, online, and anywhere else text appears.

You can get hired as a proofreader at a media organization, marketing firm, or publishing house, or you can build a client list and work remotely as a freelance proofreader.

According to BLS data, the median salary for proofreaders varies by industry, ranging from $37,180 to $60,870 annually ($17.88 to $29.27 per hour). 

Proofreading jobs that support newspapers, books, and periodicals tend to be on the lower end of the salary range, while financial service companies and merchant wholesalers tend to pay more.

At a rate of 2%, the projected growth of this profession is slower than the average of 5% between now and 2031. 

If you want to become a professional proofreader, Proofread Anywhere offers plans starting at $697 for lifetime access to its courses. We like Proofread Anywhere because:  

  • A+ BBB-rated course
  • Includes tips for setting up and growing your business
  • Self-paced, so you can learn on your own time at your own pace
  • Free 7-day e-course to see if it’s the right fit

Check out our full Proofread Anywhere review.

While there’s no nationally recognized certification for proofreading, you can earn certificates on learning websites like Skillshare and LinkedIn Learning to show potential clients and employers. 

Skillshare has an annual membership for $165, while LinkedIn Learning has plans that start at $19.99 per month. You can take classes at your own pace.

3. Birth and postpartum care certifications

A woman holding a baby. Check here the 11 quick job certifications that pay well.

If you want to work with pregnant and postpartum women, these are some certifications to consider:

Birth doula

  • Preferred course: DONA Doula Training
  • Cost: Starts at $400
  • Course length: 16 hours
  • Potential pay: $92,000+ per year

Birth doulas help women navigate the physical and emotional impact of pregnancy, labor, and the birthing process. 

A birth doula’s median salary is $57,295 per year or $28 per hour. The growth rate for this job is expected to hit just over 6% over the next decade (ZipRecruiter, Future Market Insights).

Doulas of North America International (DONA) offers birth doula training among other courses relevant to this career path. DONA certifications require at least 16 hours of class time and start at $400. 

Postpartum doula

  • Preferred course: International Doula Institute (IDI) Postpartum Doula Training
  • Cost: Starts at $790
  • Course length: Six to 12 weeks (self-paced)
  • Potential pay: $92,000+ per year

Postpartum doulas support new mothers after delivery, helping them adjust to life with a new baby. They offer non-judgmental support, extra help for the family, and share evidence-based techniques to help the mother. They may provide services for the first year after birth, if needed.

A postpartum doula’s median salary is $71,120 per year or $34 per hour. The growth rate for this job is expected to hit just over 6% over the next decade (ZipRecruiter, Future Market Insights).

A postpartum IDI certification takes six to 12 weeks on average and starts at $790.

Lactation consultant

  • Preferred course: IDI Certified Breastfeeding Counselor 
  • Cost: $814
  • Course length: 18-90 hours of training, depending on role
  • Potential pay: $100,000+

A lactation consultant works with mothers who are expecting to prepare them for breastfeeding after the birth of the child. 

Lactation consultants are usually nurses, doulas, nurse midwives, OB/GYNs and other highly-skilled, certified professionals. However, you can still get certified as a lactation counselor or breastfeeding educator if you do not have a professional medical background.

A lactation consultant’s median salary is $73,291 per year or $35 per hour. The growth rate for this job is expected to hit 12% through 2028. (ZipRecruiter, Zippia).

IDI offers coursework specific to the role you will take as a lactation consultant:

  • Professional (nurses, doctors, nurse midwives): requires 90 hours of lactation education and 300 to 1,000 clinical practice hours
  • Certified (doulas, breastfeeding educators): requires 20-120 hours of classroom training
  • Peer (WIC peer counselor, La Leche League): requires 18-50 hours of classroom time

4. Childcare certification

A woman with two toddlers playing. Learn the 11 quick job certifications that pay well here.
  • Preferred course: Child Care Lounge
  • Cost: $150
  • Course length: A few hours to one week, depending on the certification
  • Potential pay: $70,000+ per year for home daycare providers and nannies in big cities

Childcare workers take care of children in:

  • Daycares and preschools
  • Elementary and secondary schools
  • Recreation/entertainment venues for children
  • Civic and social organizations
  • Private homes

You can work in a facility, travel to people’s homes, or even start your own daycare business.

The average salary for a child care worker is $27,490 or $13.22 per hour, according to the BLS.

Over the next decade, demand for the job is expected to grow by 6%.

Here are few child care certification providers to look into:

We like Child Care Lounge, an online learning program where you can get your Child Development Associate (CDA) certification, recognized in 40 states. It’s an affordable way to get started in your career working with children. Courses are self-paced and cost $150 to earn your CDA, which has a 120-hour requirement.

Also check out these related job posts:

5. Health care certifications

While health care degrees take years to obtain, there are some careers in the healthcare field that only require a certification to get started:

Medical coder/biller

  • Preferred course: AHIMA CCA
  • Cost: $199-$299
  • Course length: 16 weeks
  • Potential pay: $80,000+ per year

Medical coders keep track of patients’ insurance information, invoices, and payments for health care facilities. 

As a medical coder/biller, you can expect to make an average of $46,660 per year or $22.43 per hour, according to BLS data. This career is expected to grow by 7% over the next decade.

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) offers a 16-week Certified Professional Coder (CPC) prep course for the CPC exam that starts at  $2,870.00. The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) offers the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam for $199 for members and $299 for non-members. 

Home health aide

  • Preferred course: ACA certification
  • Cost: Starts at $99
  • Course length: 2-3 days
  • Potential pay: $42,000 per year

Home health aides assist clients with daily personal care tasks, such as bathing or dressing, but may also run errands, perform light housekeeping duties, or prepare meals. 

Home health aides make a median annual income of $29,430 or $14.15 per hour (BLS). The rate of growth for this career is expected to reach 25% through 2031, indicating a great need for people in this role.

The American Caregiver Association (ACA) certification starts at $99, and courses can take as few as two to three days to complete.

Certified nursing assistant (CNA)

  • Preferred course: Local courses offered by community colleges and technical institutes
  • Cost: $600+ on average
  • Course length: 90 days to 12 months
  • Potential pay: $55,000+ per year

CNAs help clients in medical facilities, assisted living, nursing homes, or private homes with personal care and medical conditions. 

The CNA median salary is $30,290 per year or $14.56 per hour. Over the next 10 years, the growth rate is expected at 5%, which is average for most professions (BLS).

It can take three to 12 months to get certified as a CNA and costs for courses vary since many of them are offered by colleges and universities.

On average tuition costs range from $600 to $2,000 according to Zippia, an online career resource platform. The American Red Cross offers CNA training in some states.

Phlebotomist

  • Preferred course: NHA CPT
  • Cost: On average, $300+
  • Course length: 4 to 8 months
  • Potential pay: $65,000+ per year

Phlebotomists collect blood samples from patients in hospitals, clinics, and other facilities for lab testing. 

The median salary for a phlebotomist technician is $37,380 per year or $17.97 per hour (BLS). The growth rate over the next decade is an estimated 10%.

The National Healthcare Association offers the Certified Phlebotomist Technician (CPT) credential through an exam. To get ready for the exam, you can find accredited courses at community colleges, technical schools, and trade schools. Training can take four to eight months. You might pay anywhere from $300-$1,400+ for tuition, according to Indeed. 

No internet? Check out 13 places to get free wifi at home.

Going back to school at 30 or 40: Is it worth it for single moms?

6. Project management certification

A woman checking a chart on a desk. Check out these 11 quick job certifications that pay well.
  • Preferred course: Coursera Google PM certificate
  • Cost: $39 per month
  • Course length: 6 months
  • Potential pay: $156,000+ per year

If you can effectively multitask, manage priorities, delegate work, communicate, and have superior organization skills, project management could be a great career path for you.

As a project manager, you’ll oversee a project from beginning to end, making sure it is carried out properly and stays within the budget. You’ll work with people on your project team, vendors, and others to accomplish project goals. Project managers work in multiple industries, from IT to construction. 

According to BLS data, the median salary for management jobs across different industries was $97,500 in 2021. The expected growth over the next decade is 7%. 

Coursera offers a Google Project Management certificate that takes six months to complete. You can get started with a 7-day free trial. After the trial period, you’ll pay $39 per month until you complete your course. 

The leading certification for this field is the Project Management Professional (PMP) Certificate issued by the Project Management Institute. You can get it by successfully passing the 180-question PMP exam.

7. IT certification

Two men looking at their devices. Find 11 quick job certifications that pay well here.
  • Preferred course platform: Coursera
  • Cost: $39 per month
  • Course length: 3 to 6 months
  • Potential pay: $175,000+ per year

Web and software development are two popular IT career paths that don’t require prior experience or a degree to get started. 

As a web developer, you’ll create and maintain websites, whether you work for yourself and take on clients or find a more full-time role working for one company. Software developers design programs or applications in the computer, web, and cloud space.

According to the BLS, these are the annual median salaries:

  • Web developers – $78,300 or $37.65 per hour
  • Software developers – $109,020 or $52.41 per hour

Both fields are expected to grow by more than 20% from now through 2031. 

Coursera offers web and software development courses and certificates such as the IBM Full Stack Developer and Meta Front-End Developer. Courses are self-paced, and you can complete them in about three to six months.

Also, check out our post on learning how to code.

8. Social media marketing certification

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  • Preferred course platform: Coursera
  • Cost: $39 per month
  • Course length: 7+ months
  • Potential pay: $162,000+ per year

A social media marketer uses social media platforms to promote a company, product, or person. 

You can work with a company as an in-house social media marketing specialist or build your own client list. The in-house role is usually referred to as a social media manager.

The annual median salary for social media marketer is $112,188 or $53.94 per hour, according to Salary.com. The BLS estimates a 10% growth rate for jobs in advertising, promotion, and marketing over the next decade.

To excel in this career path, you’ll need to:

  • Understand marketing and advertising skills
  • Know multiple social media platforms inside and out
  • Learn how to use tools to create, test, schedule, and track content
  • Gain skills in content creation and design

You can learn these skills and more by earning a Meta Social Media Marketing certificate from Coursera. On average, it takes seven months to complete. No degree or experience is required.

9. Real estate certification

A woman giving a house tour to a couple.
  • Preferred course: Notary.net
  • Cost: $45
  • Course length: Varies, self-paced
  • Potential pay: $230,000+ per year for real estate brokers in major cities like New York and Los Angeles

If you want to work in real estate, there are multiple roles to consider, including:

  • Real estate agent
  • Real estate broker
  • Notary signing agent

Real estate agents and brokers help clients buy and sell homes and earn a commission, typically 5% to 6% of a home’s listing price. Some work for an agency, others are self-employed.

Real estate agents and brokers earn an annual median salary of $48,770 per year or $23.45 per hour. Through 2031, this job has an average growth rate of 5% (BLS).

To become a real estate agent, you’ll need to take a state-approved real estate course and pass a licensing exam. 

You’ll need to be a licensed real estate agent with experience before you can take an exam to become a real estate broker.

Your state real estate commission is a great place to start in learning what is required.

Some options for training, licensing and certification include:

  • Kaplan offers a comprehensive real estate education program. The program has earned an excellent rating on Trustpilot. The school has an A+ rating on BBB. Online courses start at $329, and you have six months to complete the training.

    For New York license renewal, the state requires 22.5 hours of continuing education — the NYREI catalog provides state-approved, self-paced packages and individual electives (3.75–7.5 hours) across legal, finance/investment, commercial, property management, and notary topics.

    Bundles start around $190, single courses $50–$100, and options are designed to satisfy the required core topics for each renewal cycle.
  • The National Association of Realtors offers continuing education to license realtors for certifications and other designations to help you advance in your career.

Learn more about the steps it takes to become a real estate agent:

Notary signing agents are often freelancers that specialize in handling loan documents, deeds, and other property closing documents. They get paid each time their services are required at a loan signing or closing. 

Notary signing agents earn a median annual salary of $39,692 per year or $19.08 per hour according to Salary.com. Since agents are needed in many states to validate certain documents, the need for them remains steady.

One of the most affordable ways to become a certified notary signing agent is through Notary.net’s self-paced training. The course costs $45 and provides guidance on what requirements are necessary based on the state in which you reside.

10. Fitness certification

A woman planking. You can find here 11 quick job certifications that pay well.
  • Preferred course: NCSF certification
  • Cost: Starts at $59 per month
  • Course length: Varies, self-paced
  • Potential pay: $115,000+ per year

If you enjoy working out and helping people reach their fitness goals, you should look into acquiring a fitness certification. 

There are so many fitness certification options, including:

  • Personal trainer
  • Group fitness instructor (yoga, Zumba, Les Mills, etc.)
  • Health coach
  • Nutrition coach

Earnings vary depending on which career path you take. You can also get certified in more than one area to provide more benefit to your clients. 

The BLS reports that the median salary for fitness trainers and instructors is $40,700 per year or $19.57 per hour. This profession is expected to have a 19% growth rate over the next decade, much higher than the average of 5% growth across all industries.

Check out these certifications:

  • National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF) offers personal trainer and strength coach certifications with payment plans starting at $59 per month.
  • International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) provides multiple certifications including options for certified personal trainers, certified personal trainers/online coaches, and health/nutrition coaches. Tuition starts at $69 per month.
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  • Preferred course: None
  • Cost: Varies, starts at $170
  • Course length: Varies
  • Potential pay: $82,000+ per year

These are some career opportunities in the legal field that don’t require years of schooling:

  • Paralegals
  • Accredited legal professionals (ALPs)
  • Court reporters

According to the BLS, the median salary for paralegals and legal assistants is $56,230 per year or $27.03 per hour. The growth rate is expected to reach 14% through 2031.

The BLS reports that court reporters have a median salary of $60,380 per year or $29.03 per hour, but the growth rate (1%) is very low.

To get started in any of these careers, you’ll need to find a reputable certification course.

The National Association for Legal Support Professionals (NALS) offers legal certification exams:

  • Professional paralegal – $295 for non-members, $247 for NALS members
  • Certified legal professional (CLP) – $245 for non-members, $220 for members
  • Accredited legal professional – $195 for non-members, $170 for members

The National Association for Court Reporters and Captioners (NCRA) offers multiple legal certifications but they are meant for people who are already in the profession. 

If you want to learn how to be a court reporter, check out NCRA-approved training programs.

Plus, check out this video to learn more about the court reporting profession:

Interested in securing a high-paying job? Check out our post on six-figure jobs.

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