TaxMasters 'free consultation' may cost thousands, Texas officials say

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has charged Houston's TaxMasters Inc. with allegedly misleading customers and not revealing its no-refund policy, among other issues.

"In the midst of a national economic downturn, TaxMasters used a nationwide marketing campaign to offer services for distressed taxpayers who needed help dealing with the IRS," Abbott said in a statement.

With a national advertising campaign on the Internet -- including sponsoring segments of Dennis Miller and Charles Osgood shows -- and television ads on CNN, MSNBC and Fox News, TaxMasters promises to "get between" you and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service in a tax dispute. The Texas AG's office says the company sells a "free consultation" with a tax consultant, but callers are routed to salespeople who recommend a solution that could cost $1,500 to $9,000 or more.