Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Optima Tax Relief's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  Optima Tax Relief

  6 Hutton Centre Dr Ste 300 Santa Ana, CA 92707

  
• 

  Optima Tax Relief

  450 N 54th St Chandler, AZ 85226-2528

  
• 

  Optima Tax Relief

  5530 W Chandler Blvd Scottsdale, AZ 85266

  

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/10/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Company promised to help with taxes and filing returns. Took over one month to get back. Charged us $495 only to come back and tell us that we would need to pay them $9995 to settle our taxes but would not know what that was. I asked for proof of what they had accomplished with the $495 and never received a response from our tax person at Optima Jimmy. This is a total scam. No tax returns were even included in the $495 and the sales rep said that initially handled this never told us it would be $9995 to handle this? We would like our $495 fee returned as Optima never gave us any paperwork to show what the relief was. They took our money and did nothing. I was told I could even file my returns myself. Never heard back again
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/09/2025

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I hired Optima Tax Relief to assist in getting the best settlement for my past due tax debt. I hired them in January of 2023 and my service has been poor. The communication with them has been poor, although I have consistently uploaded documents to the portal and have been responsive to their requests. I have now set up a payment arrangement with the *** directly, which is something I could have done on my own 2 years ago and never wasted time and money working with Optima Tax Relief. My resolution fee was $2795. I am asking for half of this fee to be returned to me since I feel only half the job was done by Optima and I ultimately had to resolve my tax issue on my own.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/16/2025

  At Optima Tax Relief we are committed to prioritizing our clients. We take every complaint very seriously and aim to resolve all concerns efficiently. Our goal is always to provide meaningful assistance and transparency throughout our entire service, and we sincerely apologize if you have felt it was not held to this standard. In response to your concerns, a member of our Escalation Team has taken the initiative of reviewing your file and attempted to contact you on 6/12. At this time, our team has not been able to establish contact with our client to address and assist with the concerns raised. As we continue to maintain open lines of communication and establish contact, please don't hesitate to suggest a more convenient time to reach you. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/09/2025

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  In 2014 I reached out to Optima Tax Relief to help resolve my tax issues with the ***. They requested that I fill out cost of living living expenses work sheets to reach a compromise with the *** on back taxes I owed at that time. To use their services, Optima Tax Relief charged me $12,000.00 which I paid off during the first 12 months I started dealing with them. Every time I filled out a required cost of living work sheet I would receive a response from Optima Tax Relief that they were working with the *** to resolve my tax issues and I would wait. After a week or two Optima Tax Relief would contact me and inform me that the *** did not accept their offer and the whole process would start all over again. This process has repeated itself time after time for TEN LONG YEARS. The last time I corresponded with Optima Tax Relief was last year when they assigned a new agent to my case and informed me they were working on a resolution and the *** would most assuredly agree to resolve my case. I have tried to find information about my case on the Optima Tax Relief web site and all it says is my case is resolved. Optima Tax Relief no longer answers my phone calls or email inquires. I recently received a collection notice from the *** stating I still owe them for back taxes and the *** is going to revoke my passport so I cannot travel outside the *** because of the amount of back taxes I owe.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/13/2025

  At Optima Tax Relief, our mission is rooted in the philosophy that clients come first. All of our representatives undergo rigorous training to ensure we consistently uphold that standard.

  To properly address your complaint, we have assigned a member of our Escalation Team to conduct a thorough review of your file. Following this review, a team member will reach out to you directly to discuss the matter in more detail and work toward a mutual resolution.
  If you are unavailable at the time of contact, please feel free to suggest a more convenient time for us to connect. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we are committed to addressing your concerns as promptly as possible.

  We appreciate your patience as our Resolution Team works to support you, and we look forward to speaking with you soon.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/15/2025

  I am not satisfied with the response from Optima Tax Relief. They continue to ignore my calls and emails. More importantly, they are doing nothing to resolve my case. It's been ten long  years and they have done nothing but take $12,000.00 from me.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/20/2025

  Upon receiving this complaint, Optima Tax Relief promptly commenced efforts to support the client. After providing further clarification and assistance, the client has informed us that they wish to proceed with the services as contracted.
  

  Our Resolution team will remain available to continue supporting the client throughout their case. We are moving forward with providing services on the client's account as outlined in our agreement.

  
  Additionally, the client has been advised that our Escalation Team is standing by to assist should any issues arise in the future.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/06/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I retained Optima Tax to resolve past ********* business tax issues I have incurred sometime around January 2023. I have paid them about $7,500. To date nothing has been done., and communication has been sparse and feckless. Requests for information on what kind of plan or plans Optima has in mind for my issues, but have been unable to obtain so much as a glimmer of possible plans or avenues for relief. Instead, all questions met with an answer from someone other than a case manager with words to the effect, "we are awaiting an *** revenue agent." If I want to talk to my case manager I am advised it is a several week wait for an in-person telephone response to my query.Despite earlier outlining the cause of my tax issues to Optima, I have received no response or input regarding the impact, or lack thereof, the cause may have on a resolution of my tax obligations.A few weeks ago, I requested my money back and was assured Optima Tax would be more communicative and more diligent. Yesterday I received an email indicating, my case is still (my emphasis) with the governments responsibility IN=QUEUE for pending to be assigned to an *** Revenue Officer by the ***. We will need to wait until you are assigned to a Revenue Officer for the business account to determine the resolution. Two-and-a-half years and the case has gone nowhere while penalties and interest continue to *********** on a phone call I was told no one was available for me to talk to for up to a few weeks. Upon insisting that was not credible, and after asking for a manager, I finally advised someone would phone me back. Three hours later - nothing. Recently, I had requested my money back, and I was told there would be more diligent effort put forward. But once again, I have seen nothing but stonewalling.Optima is costing me money. I want my money back, so I can hire an entity that will make at least some effort on my behalf,

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/13/2025

  At Optima Tax Relief, we strive to uphold the philosophy that clients come first. All of our representatives undergo rigorous training to ensure we consistently deliver on that commitment. We take all complaints very seriously and make every effort to resolve concerns whenever possible.
  Prior to receiving this complaint, a dedicated Case Manager reached out to provide an update on the status of your case and to offer clarity on the external factors contributing to its durationmany of which are unfortunately outside of our control.

  
  Additionally, your assigned Resolution Specialist has made multiple attempts to contact you via phone and email on June 11, 12, and 13 to discuss the concerns youve raised regarding your case. As of today, we have not been successful in reaching you.

  
  To effectively address your concerns, we kindly ask that you contact us directly by phone, as it is the most efficient way for us to provide assistance and support. In the meantime, Optima Tax Relief will continue to maintain open lines of communication should you choose to re-engage.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/05/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I CONTACTED OPTIMA TAX RELIEF COMPANY TO SETTLE MY IRS DEBTTHEY SAID I QUALIFIED FOR THERE PROGRAM. ****** TOOK A PAYMENT OF ****** ON MY CREDIT CARD TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE A CASE MANAGER AND IT WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO BECAUSE *** COULD GARNISH MY WAGES AND BANK ACCOUNTS. I EXPLAINED IT WOULD BE STRUGLE TO MAKE THE $481.00 MONTHLY PAYMENT. THE COMPANY STARTED DEBITING THE MONEY FROM MY CHECKING ACCOUNT. AFTER MONTHS OF DOWNLOADING INFORMATION AND GIVING THEM MY TAX INFORMATION FOR 2023 THEY DID FILE MY TAXES BUT DID AN EXTENTION WHICH COST ME MORE MONEY. THE COMPANY NEVER ALLOWED ME TO TALK TO A TAX PROFESSIONAL EVERY CALL WAS DIRECTED TO AN ******************************************************************** NEGOTIATING WITH THE *** ON MY BEHALF. AFTER NINE MONTHS THE *** STARTED TO CONTACT ME TO SET UP PAYMENT PLAN DIRECTLY . I TRIED TO TALK TO THIS COMPANY ABOUT A REFUND THEY OFFERED ME ****** AND WANTED ME TO SIGN OFF SETTLED. THAT WAS NOT FAIR. I AGREE TO PAY FOR 2023 TAXES AND EXPECTED A REFUND OF MY MONEY. PLEASE HELP COMPANIES SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. I ASK FOR INVOICES OR RECEIPTS OF TIME SPENT ON MY TAX CASE NO RESPONSE. THE *** SAID THEY WERE NEVER CONTACTED BY THIS COMPANY OTHER THAN A POA THAT I SIGNED ON FILE.THANK YOU ******** F ******

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/11/2025

  Optima Tax Relief strives to uphold the philosophy that "clients come first." We strive to provide clear communication, transparency, and dedicated support throughout the resolution process. 
  We understand the Client may still have some unresolved concerns regarding their service and are actively reviewing the details of their case. While we remain committed to upholding our service agreements and policies, Optima Tax Relief will continue its efforts to reach an amicable resolution in this matter. A resolution specialist will be reaching out to you soon to further address and clarify any misunderstandings regarding payments and work completed for their case. Optima tax appreciates your patience in allowing our resolution team to provide support, we look forward to speaking with you soon.
  

   

  
   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/04/2025

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On 10/2024 Optima Tax received a deposit of $2700 and promised to get tax help with an additional monthly payment of around $865 . After the deposit and 1 month of payment i received a resolution to pay the *** $1300 a month. I notified Optima that I wouldn't be able to pay the *** $1300 a month plus the $865 a month to Optima Tax. They immediately cut me off stopped working the case and wouldn't file me 2024 taxes as agreed. They just started to hound me for their monthly payment and closed my account. I can never get a hold of anyone working the case and they won't respond to the emails. Their advertisements on the radio and social media are completely false!

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/05/2025

  At Optima Tax, our goal is always to put our clients first, and we do our best to serve and support each one to the best of our ability. Since receiving this complaint, a member of our escalation team was able to connect with the Client to address their concerns regarding the factors that contributed to their resolution outcome. We are happy to report that all concerns have been addressed, and we have reached a mutual agreement that was favorable to the client.  Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Optima Tax Relief. Thank you.
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/02/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have paid them almost $5000 and now they want to drop my case

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/09/2025

  At Optima Tax we strive to uphold the philosophy that clients come first and all of our representatives go through rigorous training to ensure we abide by that philosophy. We take all complaints very seriously, and we do our best to turn them around when possible. Prior to receiving this complaint, our team had already been notified of the clients concerns regarding the status of their case. Our Escaltion team reviewed the clients case and reached out to address these concerns. It was clarified that the reason behind the closed case status was due to the client's inability to provide the appropriate requested documentation in a timely manner. Additionally, without active communication Optima Tax was left unable to advance their case. Currently our escalation team is in active communication with the client to resolve these concerns; an update on this matter should be expected soon. Optima tax appreciates your patience in allowing our escalation team to provide support. We look forward to speaking directly with you soon.
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/30/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I spent over $3000 dollars that took over 2 years to resolve and got nothing out of it! Your advertising that you will get taxes cut and that was far from the truth! You did nothing but make a payment arrangement, harassed me about my income, and was very rude and when I asked for things to be explained, I got hung up on when I told the worker I didnt want to give you anymore money. I cant believe it took years to make a payment arrangement that I couldve done on my own and my money would have went towards that! I was even told that some of the penalty would be taken off but the worker said we had to agree with the payment arrangement first then theyll fill out a form to take care of it. I did that then someone else said they cant do that and I mustve misunderstood! No yall just plain out lied! And I asked well how much are they going to tax me on top of the taxes Im paying, she said I dont know but very little. Thats not good enough! I felt like I was put through h*** with this company and I was ripped off. If they cant fight to get your taxes lowered then you should be refunded for something! Im on disability and they didnt fight for anything and was very very rude when being questioned about my own case! I want a partial refund!

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/05/2025

  Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention.  We understand these concerns may come with possible frustration.Our goal is always to provide meaningful assistance and transparency throughout our entire service and we sincerly apologize if you have felt it was not held to this standard. Since receiving this complaint, a member of our Escalation Team has been able to connect with the client to properly clarify our resolution process and address any further concerns regarding their resolution outcome. We are happy to report that all concerns have been addressed, and we have reached a mutual agreement that was favorable to the client. Please do not hesitate to contact Optima Tax Relief for any further questions. Thank you. 
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/05/2025

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  ***** *****
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/29/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I hired Optima Tax Relief on January 7, ***************** reducing the tax I owed as a result of restricted stock units that were taxed at the value of the stock on the day I vested vs. the day I sold, which resulted in a significant tax on money I never actually possessed or earned. There were a large number of missteps along the way including losing my 2022 tax filing and failing to submit on time. They also repeatedly told me not to pay down any of my tax debt because it would show I could afford to pay the full amount. After 2.5 years, and SIGNIFICANT follow-up and hounding on my part, they finally reached a "settlement" which would have resulted in me paying $50K+ more than what I owed at the time. I asked for a refund of at least $5000 of what I paid (I think it was $7500) since they did nothing but file my tax return late! They only agreed to refund about $1k. I now owe about $40k in penalties and interest b/c of the advice they gave me about not paying.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/05/2025

  Prior to receiving this complaint, a member of our Escalation Team had already been in contact with the client on May 2 and May 15. Following the receipt of the complaint, the Escalation Team member also sent a follow-up email in an effort to connect and work toward a resolution.

  
  Optima remains committed to maintaining open lines of communication and will continue to pursue a mutual resolution in good faith. We are dedicated to putting our clients first and will make every effort to address concerns while upholding the standards and policies of our organization.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/29/2025

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  In approximately February of 2024, I was notified of an issue with my 2021 Tax Return. I contracted with Optima Tax Relief to resolve the issue by way of an Amended Return. After several months of working with Optima, including the tax preparer's multiple mistakes and requests for my assistance, they were finally able to prepare and we filed the Amended Return. Once the Amended Return was filed, but before it had been processed by the **** Optima closed and concluded my case with ******* April of 2024, I was notified that the Amended Return was rejected by the *** because of faulty preparation by Optima, including the use of incorrect forms. I have attempted to contact Optima on six occasions, and gotten no substantive response about a refund or correcting the filing. The *** maintains a 3 year limitation on amendments to my knowledge, so Optima may have caused irreversible damage which will cost me more than $10,000 due to the faulty amendment.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/03/2025

  At Optima Tax Relief we are committed to prioritizing our clients. We take every complaint very seriously and aim to resolve all concerns efficiently. After further clarification regarding the work that had been done, we are happy to report, that all issues have since been resolved, and the Client has expressed their satisfaction after reaching a mutual resolution that was favorable to them. Our Client has been notified that our team will be standing by should any further support be needed. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Optima Tax Relief. Thank you.
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/03/2025

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  ***** ******