Optima Tax Relief

Since my initial negative reviews, Optima has re-opened my case and is actively trying to resolve this matter. I am appreciative of their efforts and hope to have this issue behind me soon.

If I could go back in time, I would never have used this service or any other. I could have used Turbotax and saved myself the $3400 I gave to Optima. Plus, I would have copies of my actual tax returns filed. I have sent emails on their website with no reply and left voice messages but no calls returned. The miracle hype they espouse on the radio is just that, hype. Don't expect them to work miracles between the IRS and you. I bought it. I paid for it. I have buyers remorse.

Although we paid all necessary fees on time, Optima Tax Rilief did not complete their part of contract- they made a lot of mistakes preparing our taxes and did not negotiate our debt with IRS. They closed our case due to “missing documentation “, but they never told us what documentation they needed from us. We provided everything they asked for. They refused to return our money for the services they did not provide. According to their contract, they cannot be sued in court. You can bring your case to an arbitrator, but it will mean another $3,000. Star E, their Executive Relations Specialist, is very rude and intimidating. Very greedy, unprofessional and irresponsible company.

I called Optima for help. I am already dealing with Phoenix Financial who charge we up front for the service and they tried to charge me additional $900 for services. The representative just "well I cant help you. You are already dealing with someone else". I had already spoken to 2 other companies who didn't see that as a problem and said I would just have to forfeit my poa. It wasn't only his choice words it's how he said it. Most people that call in like myself are in a terrible situation, stressed out, and in need of help. Good thing I didn't contact them first because them I would have felt like there was no way out.

I filed a complaint once before against Optima. At that time Optima contacted me and asked me to drop my complaint and if I did they would continue working with me. So I decided to drop my complaint at that time and give Optima another chance. Since then Optima has done nothing to help me you can never get in contact with the person that you’re originally supposed to speak with. They’re not good at returning emails or calls when you have an appointment. They make promises they can’t keep. They tell you one thing and then do another. My husband and I have been working with Optima for over three years and still no resolution has been made. They only keep making excuses and asking for the same documents over and over to stall for time. They cannot give you clear answers to questions, they are very vague and generic with their answers. They constantly reassign caseworkers (again another stall tactic). Over three years ago my husband and I paid Optima I believe over $5000 to help us settle our debt with the IRS however over three years later nothing has been resolved or near resolution. They IRS is garnishing my Social Security and when we signed on and paid Optima they told us that we would be protected from any garnishment of wages as well as our bank account getting garnished or frozen, however now they are giving us a different answer & stating that’s not the case. I asked them what we paid them for? We were told we were in negotiations with the IRS and during that time we were protected from wage & bank account garnishments. We have jumped through all the hoops and sent them all the documents required every month it’s something different and after three years later we are still at square one and they still have the same vague generic excuses.They take peoples money and make promises they have no intention of keeping. Once they get all your money they then drop the ball. Then all of a sudden they are overload and they don’t always have time as they say to contact you or call you back. The only time they call you back is if you threaten to take them to the Better Business Bureau which is what I’m doing. After three years of working with them they still say we are in the review stages when I ask how long that takes they don’t give me a honest clear answer. They make excuses and use stall tactics as long as they can. This company is a scam and anyone that endorses them should seriously look into them before they continue to endorse them.

I called this evening 4/24/2019, and got Steve. I asked questions like what is involved in the investigation. Steve was not specific and didn’t like that I continued to ask questions. I even asked if a Tax Accountant, CPA or attorney would be representing me and he never gave me an answer. He didn’t like that I told him that I have a Masters degree. As soon as he heard that he said I don’t think we’ll be able to help you. Who in their right mind would hire a company like this?? They want your money upfront but don’t want you to ask questions!!! Not a good business practice. This company is more self serving that customer oriented.

If I could give Optima no stars. Same thing as previously stated with the bombardment of radio advertisements this company is only interested in lining their own pockets. Stay away. After consulting and you're already emotional over your situation, they charged me $495 for IRS and $495 for FTB just for Power of Attorney. You upload documents and you sign documents electronically, not seeing exactly what you are signing. When you learn that they want $16,100 to represent you and settle your tax issues, if you cannot afford to pay them, they have a phone interview to discuss options. I told them if I had $16,100 most of my tax issues would have been resolved by paying on my tax debt. I stalled with the interview because I wanted a second opinion. I called Tax Tiger. They are transparent (and local) and immediately got the FTB to take off the levy so I could pay my mortgage. I have filed a Complaint with the BBB. They do not perform the services they offer or they are evasive. I am requesting a refund of $990 for what I should never have paid in the first place. I recommend before you get hooked, get a 2nd or even a 3rd opinion.

I signed up for help with my back taxes in June 2018. I will start by saying no one guaranteed me any savings. But it starts with you giving them all your information. They knew how much money I make what I owed the IRS and they are supposed to know what the IRS rules are. I paid $700 for this review. I was then told it would be another $4000 for them to "Negotiate" with the IRS to settle my debt. I was hesitant but ended up deciding to pay the money for the service. My final out come was NO settlement just a payment plan and making the payment plan doesn't even stop interest or fees from accruing. I was told today that yes I paid $4000 for them to set up a payment plan for me. But I was protected during this time. Really if I would have just paid the IRS the $4000 I would have been protected and owed less!!! I was told today it turns out I make too much money for any reduction from the IRS. Which really sucks because Optima has had my paycheck since day one. They knew the day they took my money they couldn't help with the balance yet they lead me to believe they were trying. After all the working with them I just feel like an idiot for going down this path. I would recommend to everyone to work with the IRS or the IRS collection agency directly and not waste your time with this firm. I am in a worse place now March 2019 after working with this company then I was in June of 2018 with $4700. I can only guess if you don't have a job or very low income they can help you. But then where would you get the $4700 to pay them.

I'd heard and read good things about Optima, but was very disappointed with my experience. I had been laid off from my job in 2013 and was out of work for over a year (I also had to file bankruptcy as a result). I had to use my 401 k to live and was reluctant to file after that, as I thought it might 'flag' my account with the IRS. When I got the inevitable letter from the IRS, they wanted $45K, just for 2013. I called Optima, and immediately it seemed too 'sales pitchy' to me. I paid the $495 to start the 'investigation', and heard nothing for 2 months. I had the 'resolution' call and they wanted $10K to continue working on my case. No word on what the resolution would actually be, only that I now owed $91K for not filing since 2013 (I make a modest wage). I heard about a loan to pay the $10K, but nothing about the IRS. I have no savings, no 401K, old car, and I rent. In a way, I'm glad they wanted the $10K , as it made my decision a lot easier.

WARNING, DO NOT !!!!! Scam artists. They require $550 to start their investigation, then will require an additional $4000 after you get signed up. I asked for a refund bc the agent told me that he was unable to review my file bc there was a gov’t shut down! So how can you tell me that it’s $4K without reviewing my file then?! I would have more respect if they just said it’s $4500 up front! Additionally, they did not provide me with a plan of attack or any assurance that their services are even worth the additional $4k. I get it if you can’t gaurantee any results but then the resolution conference is all a lie if you never reviewed the file and don’t have a plan of attack! I received a partial refund of $150 of the initial $550 and they did NOT perform any services. SCAM. I recommend sitting face to face w a certified tax lawyer and not these clowns!

WARNING!!! DO NOT TRUST THESE PEOPLE. A BUNCH OF HIGH TECH TALKERS THAT COERCE YOU INTO PAYING THAT INTAKE MONEY OF $995.00. THEY WILL HAVE YOU BELIEVING THAT THEY CAN HELP YOU. A BUNCH OF BS!!!! THEY TOOK MY $995.00 JUST TO SIGN 6 DOCUMENTS. THEN GAVE ME NO TIME WHATSOEVER TO TURN IN MY LAST TWO PAYCHECKS & BANK STATEMENTS ETC... I DID EVERYTHING THEY ASK IN APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS.. BEFORE I TURN AROUND THEY ASKING FOR $3500.00 AND FOR WHAT? THAT WASN'T EVEN THE RESOLUTION. TIL THIS DAY I HAVE NO FREAKING CLUE WHAT THE $3500.00 WAS FOR. I DIDNT HAVE IT ANYWAY... I WAS TOLD 2 WEEKS LATER THAT MY PAPERWORK GOT TRANFERED TO ANOTHER PART OF THE BUILDING & THAT IT'S OUT OF THE AGENT HANDS THAT WAS TAKING CARE OF ME IN THE FIRST PLACE... MY PAPERWORK IS ON THE DESK OF ANOTHER SO CALLED AGENT & THAT HE WOULD BE IN CONTACT WITH ME. NEVER RECIEVED A CALL AGAIN FROM THEM. TRUST ME, LEAVE OPTIMA TAX RELIEF & ALL OF THEM ALONE... I WROTE A REVIEW LATE 2017 & SOMEONE FROM OPTMA TAX CONTACT ME. TRYING TO RESOLVE MY CURRENT ISSUE & COMMENTS OF THEM BEING ALL TALK & THIEVES. THE PERSON SAID THAT HE'LL REPORT MY ISSUE TO A HIGHER STAFF MEMBER. IM THINKING MAYBE A SUPERVISOR OF SOME SORT. TIL THIS DAY JAN/2019 I'VE HEARD NOTHING AT ALL. DOES THIS SOUND LIKE A COMPANY THAT WANT TO HELP A STRUGGLING TAX PERSON.. NO I DIDN'T THINK SO... TALK TO THE IRS YOURSELF. LIKE I DID. YOU'LL FIND THEY ARE NOT BAD AS YOU THINK... THATS REAL TALK FROM A REAL PERSON. ITS FUNNY HOW THE NEG REVIEWS ARE SIMILAR IN CERTAIN WAYS. THE PEOPLE THAT GAVE THEM 5 STARS MUST BE ON THERE PAYROLL... THAT GOES FOR THE BBB ALSO THATS BACKING THEM.. THEY MUST BE GETTING A KICK BACK. A+ RATING MY FOOT!!!! OPTIMA TAX RELIEF ARE CROOKED AS A CURVY ROAD!!!! REMEMBER YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!!!!!!

I'm here to advise anyone who believes they need to use Optima, don't! Go to an experienced tax attorney. Optima will take your money (thousands) and do absolutely nothing. My wife and I used them approximately 4 years ago....they lost our documents a number of times, was given to different agents over 4 times (who each didn't know our case and asked for additional documents which we provided) which was terrible. In the end we paid them over $6,000 and they did nothing! Optima promised us they'd help....I know they say "we don't make promises" but they did and screwed us! I talked my wife into using them....I so regret it. Please do Not use them, don't! I will swear on an affidavit that All is true and correct.

THEY SENT ME AN EMAIL. FOLLOWING IS A SECTION FROM THAT EMAIL. THEY SAY, THEY SAID THEY HAVE NO INCENTIVE FOR WORKING WITH ME. OF COURSE!! I CALLED THEIR BLUFF !! THEY COULD NOT EXTORT ANY MORE MONEY FROM ME... FOR DOING NOTHING! SO THEY TOOK MY INITIAL MONEY AND RAN !! HERE IS THE EMAIL: THEY MEANT THAT CONSUMER SHOULD PAY THEM MONEY AND NOT EXPECT ANYTHING IN RETURN. IF YOU TELL PEOPLE ABOUT IT, THEN IT IS DAMAGE TO THEIR REPUTATION AND THEIR TRUTH COMES OUT. SO THEY WILL TAKE WHATEVER MONEY THEY TOOK FROM YOU AND RUNNNN... Alexis H Attachments Sep 17, 2018, 10:33 AM to me Hello Neil, I urge you to read the clear terms of you agreement which outlines what Optima Tax Relief was rendering for you. At this point in time management sees the review you left as damage done and have no incentive to work with you in reference to your refund request. Please keep in mind that all lines of communication will remain open should you want to speak with me further. All the best, Alexis H Social Media Quality Assurance Specialist Optima Tax Relief, LLC

Don't fall for this. These "experts" are not experts at all. When their investigation team reported to me, "The IRS says all your business taxes are filed and up to date," I insisted I knew that was not true, the salesman's response? "(Chuckle) well, then, were just not going to talk about that because the IRS says they are." Then, when I explained that to the "resolution expert," her response was, "call your accountant." When I tried to get my money back because they refused to follow through, they wanted to give a very small portion of what I paid back to me, but insisted I sign a paper saying I would tell NO ONE what they had done. Don't see negative reviews? Desperate people have to agree to keep their mouths shut to get ANY of their money back. In the end, the person who wanted me to sign told me I must be confused about my business and personal taxes. I'm not confused.

I owed the IRS ALOT of money I did not have Optima Taxgot my resolution with the IRS so low I was shocked they are very educated and professional people

Prompt and professional service is what you get with the Optima Tax team. I had 100% confidence with their expertise in dealing with the IRS. Tax issues resolved.

Optima helped me get the best resolution for me. They were very friendly and helpful. They fought and represented me better than I could have. They got by debt of over $60,000 down to $15,000. Thanks optima!!!

excellent service, provided the relief I needed. had tax issues going back 5 years, they made me feel at ease and comfortable from the very beginning.

This company took so much of my money and time for no end in sight. I was constantly photo copying and sending the same info and paper work over and over. In the end I gave up after a year+ of no outcome. They also state they protect you from the irs while under there investigation! Lie!!!! My accounts were emptied while I was working with them by the irs. I got no refund from them or help with my debt. I was running circles for nothing. When all was said and done it cost well over $10,000 for them to do nothing but make me send them the same papers 400 times. I should have been being paid for the work I put in. It was damn near impossible to get your case worker on the phone and it was never the same person.

Optima took all the stress away from dealing with a very trying situation. They talked to the IRS so I didn't have to. This made it worth the cost and then some!

This company fired my original rep due to inability to perform to the standards of the position. They never assigned me another worker. When I received the initial review, that I paid $500 for, there was no information regarding the money already paid to the IRS (this part was blank), no information at all regarding state taxes (that portion also was just blank), and no information as to what will be the next steps in the process. They just expect you to keep paying and paying without any information. Please, learn from my mistake and find a rep that will lay out the steps and the costs up front. Do no waste your money here!

Optima Tax Relief were there for me. They were professional and walked me thru every step. They were able to do an Offer in Compromise to lower my tax debt. I highly recommend OTR.

It has been nearly two years since a family member first signed up with Optima. The net results at this point in time are: - No relief or viable solution offered - Ongoing requests to update information (continually provided) - IRS has levied a tax lien on her house - Her credit rating has been destroyed (she maxed out her credit cards to pay up front fees to Optima - IRS tax burden has INCREASED due to ongoing late fees and interest while nothing gets resolved I contacted the leadership of Optima on her behalf to request a review and help. None of the four officers has ever responded; instead, her case worker has returned the communications, but offered nothing new. If she had know six months into the process that her case was weak, she may have been able to settle with the IRS at that time with family support. Instead she has a higher debt, an IRS lien, destroyed credit rating. All the above is in stark contrast to how Optima promotes their capabilities.

The customer service is excellent. They called me every week until my issue was resolved, They save me thousands of dollars, Thanks Optima Tax Relief.

Optima tax relief is advertised heavily on the radio and I made the mistake of calling them to help with a tax situation I was facing. I was called repeatedly by a sales person who made many false statements regarding what he would be able to do. I assured him I caould liquidate a 401k and life insurance to pay the debt if needed, but he urged me to pay 2500 to hav them investigate. I reluctantly agreed and let them determine what they could do. The investigation indicated that they would be able to help me reduce what was owed. He asked for an additional sum of thousands of dollars to go to the resolution phase. I was skeptical that they would be able to help that much and asked if I would be better to just use those dollars to pay down the debt. He assurend me they are the very best at what they do and would be able to make it well worth the investment. After years of paperwork, the final resolution was much higher than what I owed when we started due to the delay in working with them. They tried to strongarm me in to removing honest reviews byt halting the process, but ultimately all they did was fill out a few forms. There is very little value in the company and anyone would be better advised to go with a local accountant.

Optima was very helpful in clearing up a substantial debt I had with the IRS. It was a very reasonable amount compared to what original debt was. I would recommend their services if you have a issue to settle with the IRS.

My gut told me not to trust this company, especially when my,"So called" account professional was reading from a script. Sounds like a telemarketing firm. They record questions with vague answers and only want your initial $1000.00. They lied about money owed to the IRS to increase there commission. BEWARE!!! They also have an employee, Leo Leon, Executive Relations Specialist, who's sole job is to handle charge backs. Tax resolution does not have to cost this much. Sad, when a companies sole purpose is to rip people off and gain financially from people in need. Call any honest accountant and ask for the truth.

Over all it was great to get the 14 year nightmare over. Let's face it, we can't possibly know the tax laws, fortunately there's optima. We can't fix it, but they can. Thank you optima.

I am satisfied with the service I received from Optima Tax Relief. My favorite part is when my installment agreement with the IRS was formulated. This is not the end yet. My case is transferred to another department for review if I am qualified for the Fresh Start Program.