CuraDebt is a debt relief company that handles both consumer debt and tax debt. That makes them different from most competitors. If you owe money to the IRS and to credit card companies, CuraDebt can address both under one roof.
But is CuraDebt the right choice for your situation? This review breaks down how the program works, what it costs, and what past clients say — based on available user reviews and published data.
CuraDebt at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2000 |
| Minimum Debt | $5,000 unsecured or tax debt |
| Fees | 20%-25% of enrolled debt |
| Program Length | 24-48 months |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Debt Types Handled | Credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, IRS tax debt, state tax debt, business debt |
| Free Consultation | Yes |
| Upfront Fees | None for consumer debt; tax relief may require retainer |
| State Availability | Most US states |
Our analysis shows CuraDebt earns a rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on user reviews across Trustpilot, Google, and the BBB.
How CuraDebt Works
CuraDebt’s process follows the standard debt settlement model with one key addition: they can also negotiate IRS and state tax debt.
- Free consultation. You call CuraDebt or fill out their online form. A counselor reviews your total debt picture — including any tax debt — and tells you what options are available.
- You enroll your debts. You choose which accounts to include in the program. This can include credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and tax liabilities.
- You stop paying enrolled creditors. For consumer debt, you stop making payments. This is standard practice in debt settlement and is necessary to motivate creditors to negotiate.
- You build a savings fund. You deposit money into a dedicated savings account each month. This becomes your settlement fund.
- CuraDebt negotiates. Their negotiators work with each creditor to reach a lump-sum settlement for less than the full balance owed. For tax debt, they may pursue IRS programs like Offer in Compromise or installment agreements.
- You approve and pay. You review and approve each settlement offer before anything is finalized. Once you agree, funds are released and the debt is resolved.
For more context on how debt settlement works in general, read our guide: how debt settlement works.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Handles both consumer debt and IRS/state tax debt | Fees are on the higher end at 20%-25% |
| Lower minimum than most competitors ($5,000) | Less name recognition than National Debt Relief or Freedom Debt Relief |
| A+ BBB rating | Tax relief services may require an upfront retainer fee |
| In business since 2000 — over 20 years of experience | Credit score will drop during consumer debt settlement |
| Free consultation for both consumer and tax debt | Not available in every state |
| No upfront fees for consumer debt settlement | Fewer online client reviews than larger competitors |
| Can negotiate business debt as well as personal debt | Program can take 2-4 years to complete |
Fees and Costs
CuraDebt charges 20% to 25% of your enrolled debt. This is higher than the starting rates at National Debt Relief and Freedom Debt Relief, which can begin at 15%. However, CuraDebt’s fees are still competitive for the range of services they provide.
Here’s how the math works in practice:
| Enrolled Debt | Fee at 22% | Settlement at 50% | Total You Pay | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | $2,200 | $5,000 | $7,200 | $2,800 |
| $20,000 | $4,400 | $10,000 | $14,400 | $5,600 |
| $30,000 | $6,600 | $15,000 | $21,600 | $8,400 |
Note: Tax debt relief pricing may differ. CuraDebt’s tax services sometimes require an upfront retainer. Ask about this specifically during your free consultation.
Keep in mind that settled debt may be treated as taxable income. Read our guide on debt settlement tax consequences to understand what to expect at tax time.
Who CuraDebt Is For
CuraDebt is the right choice if you:
- Have both consumer debt and tax debt you need help with
- Have at least $5,000 in debt (lower threshold than most companies)
- Owe money to the IRS or a state tax authority
- Run a small business with outstanding debt
- Want a company with a long history and strong BBB rating
CuraDebt is especially useful for people whose debt situation spans both personal and tax categories. Most other debt settlement companies only handle consumer debt, so CuraDebt fills a real gap in the market.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
CuraDebt may not be the best fit if:
- You want the absolute lowest fee — other companies start at 15%
- You prioritize a company with millions of client reviews and name recognition
- You need real-time tracking tools (Freedom Debt Relief offers a better dashboard)
- You want to handle only a single type of unsecured consumer debt
Customer Reviews
Based on user reviews, CuraDebt gets solid marks for its knowledgeable staff and ability to handle complex debt situations. Common themes include:
What customers like:
- Staff who understand both consumer debt and tax issues
- Clear communication throughout the process
- Successful outcomes on IRS Offer in Compromise cases
- Helpful for people who were turned away by other companies due to tax debt
Common complaints:
- Some clients felt the tax relief retainer fees weren’t made clear early enough
- A few reported slower communication during busy periods
- Some debts couldn’t be resolved despite enrollment
How It Compares
| Company | Minimum Debt | Fees | Handles Tax Debt? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CuraDebt | $5,000 | 20%-25% | Yes (consumer + tax) | Tax debt + lower minimum |
| National Debt Relief | $7,500 | 15%-25% | Partial (some tax) | Multiple debt types, lower starting fees |
| Freedom Debt Relief | $7,500 | 15%-25% | No | Transparency, dashboard, long track record |
For a full comparison, visit our roundup of the best debt settlement companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CuraDebt legitimate?
Yes. CuraDebt has been in business since 2000, holds an A+ BBB rating, and has helped thousands of clients settle consumer and tax debt. They’re a legitimate company with a long operating history.
How much does CuraDebt charge?
CuraDebt charges 20% to 25% of your enrolled debt for consumer debt settlement. Tax debt relief services may have a separate fee structure that includes an upfront retainer. Always confirm the full fee details during your free consultation.
Can CuraDebt really settle IRS debt?
Yes. CuraDebt can pursue several IRS resolution strategies including the Offer in Compromise program, installment agreements, penalty abatement, and currently-not-collectible status. Not everyone qualifies for these programs, but CuraDebt can help you find out if you do.
How long does CuraDebt’s program take?
Consumer debt settlement typically takes 24 to 48 months. Tax debt resolution timelines vary based on the IRS program used — some cases resolve in months, while others can take longer.
Will CuraDebt hurt my credit score?
For consumer debt, yes — stopping payments on enrolled accounts will lower your credit score during the program. Tax debt settlement generally doesn’t directly affect your credit score the same way. Learn more: does debt settlement hurt your credit?
What if I can’t avoid bankruptcy? How does debt settlement compare?
Debt settlement is often worth exploring before filing for bankruptcy. See our comparison: debt settlement vs. bankruptcy.
Final Verdict
CuraDebt is a solid choice for people who need help with both consumer debt and tax debt. Their lower $5,000 minimum makes them accessible to more people. Their 20+ year track record and A+ BBB rating show they’re reliable.
The fees are on the higher end. And their name recognition isn’t as strong as National Debt Relief or Freedom Debt Relief. But for someone who owes money to the IRS on top of credit card debt, CuraDebt is one of very few companies that can handle the full picture.
Get a free consultation and ask them specifically about your tax situation. There’s no cost, and you’ll know right away whether they’re the right fit.