Curadebt has been in the debt relief industry since 2000, making it one of the older companies in the space. They offer both debt settlement and debt negotiation services, including specialized programs for IRS tax debt — something most competitors don’t handle. But is Curadebt the right choice for your situation?
This review covers how their program works, what it costs, and what you should know before enrolling. Get a free savings estimate from Curadebt today.
Debt settlement can negatively affect your credit score and may have tax consequences. Results vary. Consult a financial advisor before making decisions.
What Is Curadebt?
Curadebt is a Hollywood, Florida-based debt relief company founded in 2000. Unlike many competitors who focus exclusively on credit card debt, Curadebt also handles:
- Credit card debt
- Medical bills
- Personal loans
- Business debts
- IRS and state tax debt
- Back taxes
The tax debt program sets Curadebt apart from most other debt settlement companies. If you owe the IRS, they have specialists who handle that separately from consumer debt.
How the Curadebt Program Works
Free Consultation
You start with a free phone consultation. A debt specialist reviews your debts, income, and monthly budget. There’s no minimum debt amount listed publicly, but most clients have at least $5,000 to $10,000 in unsecured debt.
Enrollment and Monthly Deposits
Once you enroll, you stop paying enrolled creditors and begin making monthly deposits into a dedicated savings account. These funds will eventually be used to settle your accounts.
Negotiation
Curadebt’s negotiators work with creditors once enough funds accumulate. Like most debt settlement companies, they aim for lump-sum settlements for less than the full balance owed.
Settlement Approval
You review and approve each settlement offer before funds are released. No settlement is finalized without your sign-off.
Curadebt Fees
Curadebt charges fees based on the enrolled debt amount. Their fee structure is performance-based — they collect only after a settlement is successfully reached. Fees typically range from 15% to 25% of the enrolled debt, depending on your state and situation.
Here’s an example breakdown:
| Enrolled Debt | Estimated Settlement | Fee (20%) | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $15,000 | $9,000 | $3,000 | $12,000 |
| $30,000 | $18,000 | $6,000 | $24,000 |
These are estimates. Actual results depend on your creditors and individual negotiation outcomes.
How Long Does Curadebt Take?
Curadebt’s programs typically run 24 to 48 months. The more debt you have and the more accounts involved, the longer it takes. Tax debt programs may follow a different timeline depending on IRS processes.
Curadebt Pros and Cons
Pros
- Handles both consumer debt and IRS tax debt
- Performance-based fees — no upfront charges
- Free initial consultation
- Over two decades of experience
- Member of the American Association for Debt Resolution (AADR)
Cons
- Credit score damage is unavoidable during the program
- Not available in all states
- Creditors may still pursue legal action while you’re enrolled
- Settled debt may be taxable income
- Less name recognition than National Debt Relief or Freedom Debt Relief
Curadebt Tax Debt Program
This is where Curadebt is unique. Their tax debt specialists work directly with the IRS on your behalf. Services may include:
- Offer in Compromise (settling your tax debt for less)
- Installment agreement setup
- Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status requests
- Penalty abatement
- IRS appeals
If you have both consumer debt and IRS debt, Curadebt can work on both under one program — a capability most competitors don’t offer.
Credit Score Impact
Like all debt settlement programs, enrolling with Curadebt means you’ll stop paying creditors on enrolled accounts. This causes delinquencies to appear on your credit report, which can significantly lower your score. Once debts are settled, many clients see gradual score recovery, but that takes time.
Read more: How Debt Settlement Affects Your Credit Score.
Tax Consequences of Debt Settlement
When a creditor forgives part of your debt, the IRS typically considers the forgiven amount as taxable income. You’ll receive a Form 1099-C for each settled account. Depending on your financial situation, the insolvency exclusion may reduce your tax liability. Consult a tax advisor before enrolling in any settlement program.
For more detail: Debt Settlement vs. Bankruptcy: Key Differences.
Is Curadebt Legit?
Yes. Curadebt has been accredited by the AADR (American Association for Debt Resolution), formerly known as the AFCC. They’ve maintained an active business since 2000. Their fee structure follows FTC rules — no upfront fees before settlements are reached.
Who Curadebt Is Best For
Curadebt is a strong fit if you:
- Have significant unsecured consumer debt and want an alternative to bankruptcy
- Also owe back taxes to the IRS or state
- Prefer a company with a long track record
- Can set aside a consistent monthly savings amount for 2–4 years
If you don’t have tax debt, you’ll want to compare Curadebt against larger competitors. See our roundup: National Debt Relief Review.
Bottom Line
Curadebt is a legitimate debt relief option with a meaningful differentiator: their ability to handle IRS tax debt alongside consumer debt. For people dealing with both, that’s a significant advantage.
The credit score impact and potential tax consequences are real, and you should understand them before you enroll. Start with a free consultation from Curadebt — no obligation required.
Debt settlement can negatively affect your credit score and may have tax consequences. Results vary. Consult a financial advisor before making decisions.