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.

close

Find a Location

Optima Tax Relief has 3 locations, listed below.

*This company may be headquartered in or have additional locations in another country. Please click on the country abbreviation in the search box below to change to a different country location.

BBB accredited

Near

Country

USUnited States

Please enter a valid location.

Filter

• 

  Optima Tax Relief

  6 Hutton Centre Dr Ste 300 Santa Ana, CA 92707

  
• 

  Optima Tax Relief

  5530 W Chandler Blvd Scottsdale, AZ 85266

  
• 

  Optima Tax Relief

  450 N 54th St Chandler, AZ 85226-2528

  

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:04/22/2025

  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.

  In early part of March 2025 I got a call for Optima tax relief in regards to getting my taxes resolved. I went through the normal process and I spoke with this man name *** and he walk me through on how the process would work. He told me that it would cost me $495 dollars to get started for them to get my Tax Transcripts from the **** He mentioned to me once he got my transcripts back that he would give me a call. I heard from him one time and that time was that he gotten my transcripts back, but it was missing a whole lot of information and that he would have to call me back and set up another appointment with me, but that never did happen, because he never called me back. Here we are now going into the end of April 2025 and I still have not gotten a call from them. I finally called them today on April 22, 2025 to ask for my refund, since no one had contacted me. The person I spoken to told me that since I've passed the 15 day ***** period I would have to have an appointment to get my refund back. The appointment he gave me was for May 15, 2025, which is insane to me. I just want my money back, because no one should be taken advantage of like this. If this company was not going to help me, then they should have not taken my $495. I'm hoping the BBB can help me get this resolved, because this is terrible that this company would do this.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/25/2025

  Delivering excellence to all our clients is central to our mission. We take all complaints very seriously and we do our best to turn them around when possible. Optima Tax sincerely apologizes if you have felt our customer service was not held to that high standard. This process can be time-consuming which Optima Tax understands your concerns may come with possible misunderstandings and significant frustration. We want to assure you that your satisfaction is important to us, and we are committed to addressing your concerns and requests promptly. As part of our efforts to provide a quicker resolution, your assigned ********************** team member has attempted to reach out to you today (4/25) to provide you with an update for this matter. Optima tax appreciates your patience in allowing our resolution team to provide support. We look forward to speaking with you very soon.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/25/2025

  
  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. If it doesnt then this matter will not be resolved. Per the representative she stated that I will be getting my full refund back and I hope she is telling me the truth. I signed the paperwork and I hope this company holds up there end and give my refund back. I will be waiting on them now and my refund.
  
  Regards,
  
  L. ******* *******
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/22/2025

  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.

  Back in Sept. of2022 we found out my husband had to have a liver transplant due to nonalcoholic cirrosis of the ******** husband never drank he was more a workaholic then anything.*** couldn't work no more we were paying the *** 1200. to 1500. dollars a month every month til then,we couldn't pay them anymore so we paid 6300. which we had to borrow from our granddaughter to pay optimal tax relief.We were expecting this to be taken care of.We sent all the information they asked for answered their calls when they called .They told us our paperwork just set on a desk because someone quit for a whole year.Finally we got a paper from the *** stating we would get it settled the date of Dec.2 2024 it was not resolved,Then we got another paper from the *** with another date of April *******.which is now passed also .We are having health problems because of all this continuing.we payed them money we had to borrow they never seem to return our calls,it has been since 2022 it is now 2025 almost half through the year.Everybody had said they really won't do anything until you turn them into the bbb,now I believe them that is why I am complaining about this business it is a shame it has to come to this. As optima is supposedly taking care of this the *** is still adding fees and interest onto what we owed which is becoming a whole lot more now then what it was .please help and let other people how slow they can be not just a year but years.I really don't know what else I can tell you but this not very professinal on their part. ********* ********

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/28/2025

  Optima Tax understands your concerns come with possible misunderstandings and significant frustration as this process can become time-consuming. We sincerely apologize if you have felt our customer service was not held to our highest standard. Our top priority is to provide you with the highest level of service and support. In order to properly assist with your requests and gather a better understanding of the concerns you have raised, we believe contact via phone with our Resolution team is the most efficient way to attempt to provide a prompt resolution. We have notified you assigned team member of your complaint and they will be reaching our very soon. We look forward to speaking with you and hope to resolve all concerns you may have. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/22/2025

  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.

  During the initial engagement with the sales person, ******, there was an extreme amount of overpromising in terms of what Optima tax relief would provide via its services, the support received, time the engagement would take, and value for the cost of the service provided. The experience is the same every single time. I provide whats needed immediately. Then I dont hear anything for weeks. I will call the numbers listed on the website, I'll call the phone number and extension to my "case manager" that ****** provided me, and every other phone number I can find. The phone will either ring endlessly, or I'll get told my case manager isnt available and will call me shortly. Then, I dont hear back. When I submit a message via your website, its not responded to. And when I try to schedule an appointment with my case manager on your website, there is no option to select a case manager. I am not sure if i actually have a case manager or not.Then, I will escalate to ******. ****** will provide me a phone number or tell me someone is going to reach out to me. In the times that someone has reached out to me, they just say that the case is being worked and then I will hear somthing in a few days. And then again, I hear nothing. This went on for months until I received a letter from the *** in the mail recently saying I am behind on my taxes. This is very concerning given I hired and am paying a lot to Optima to avoid this exact situation. I was told that Optioma would be communicating with the *** That they are filing my taxes. That is clearly not the case. I then provided OPtima (again)everything needed to file my 2023 and 2024 personal and business income tax returns. I essentially completed all 4 returns on my own and sent to them to finalize as I still have not had a single call with anyone to work through the taxes. At this point, I just need to get them all filed. I am getting letters from both the *** and regulators asking when the returns will be filed.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/28/2025

  At Optima Tax Relief we are committed to prioritizing our clients. We take every complaint very seriously and aim to resolve all concerns efficiently.  Since receiving your complaint, it appears you have been provided with an update on your case and were given the next steps needed to progress your case further along. We understand that this process can be time-consuming which may lead to frustration, which can sometimes result in misunderstandings. However, we are committed to achieving the best possible resolution for each client and this often requires completing multiple steps to thoroughly assess each case. 

  In order to ensure you do not currently have any further concerns or issues, we have assigned a member of our Resolution team to review your file. Upon review they will be reaching out to provide you with any opportunity to gain clarification or voice any additional concerns you may have. Optima tax appreciates your patience in allowing our resolution team to provide support, we look forward to speaking with you soon.

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/21/2025

  Type:Billing 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.

  Optima misrepresented their ********************* options just to get our business. They claim the following but do not deliver - Reduction of penalties imposed by the *** on unpaid taxes - Reduction of interest imposed by the *** on unpaid taxes - Reduction of taxes owed to the ***** Elimination of penalties imposed by the ***** Elimination of interest imposed by the *** Optima coerced us into accepting a payment plan to "protect" us from the *** by setting up a payment plan, claiming it was the best deal we could get. Turns out they LIED, I was easily able to create an account on the ***'s website and choose a smaller amount of a monthly payment, from $485 a month down to $392 a month.Optima sent us a letter stating the monthly payment they set up with the *** would come out on the 28th, but the first payment due in March 2025 came out on March 17th. I called and complained & asked them to fix it, but the untrained employee on the phone said there is nothing they can do about adjusting payments. We paid Optima a total of $3,082.00. RIP ****** April AGAIN, the payment which was set on the ***'s website came out on the 15th RUINING our budget and causing multiple overdraft fees and leaving our account overdrawn for 2 weeks. I wrote emails to Optima and left messages, now they are avoiding us. I was able to log into the ***'s website and as stated lowered my payment and set a new direct debit date of the 28th of each month, Optima LIED, they had the payment set to the 15th of every month. Optima hires people who know NOTHING about taxes to sell their product, and handle phone calls. They have a very small group of so called "Tax Pro's", I'm told they have only 7. Optima is a scam artist company advertising things they cannot deliver, they intentionally deceive people and use fear tactics to get people to act. They should be out of business; they are a predatory business. Optima SCREWED up our payment plan and wouldn't even take responsibility for it

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/28/2025

  At Optima Tax, our mission is to uphold the philosophy that clients come first. To ensure we adhere to this commitment, all our representatives undergo rigorous training.
  

  In order to properly address your complaint, we have assigned a member of our ********************** Team to review your file. Our team will reach out to you soon to discuss the matter further and work toward a mutual resolution.
  

  If you find yourself unavailable at the time of contact, please dont hesitate to suggest a more convenient time for us to connect. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we are dedicated to addressing these issues promptly.
  

  We appreciate your patience as our resolution team provides support, and we look forward to speaking with you soon.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/17/2025

  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 paid them ******* to get my tax debt lowered its been over two years and they failed to comply with their own policies

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/22/2025

  Optima Tax takes your feedback seriously , and we are committed to addressing your concerns promptly. We understand the Clients concerns regarding their case and a refund request. To better assist you, we  are currently reviewing your case in detail. While we remain committed to upholding our service agreements and policies, Optima Tax Relief will continue its efforts to work with our Client regarding this matter. A resolution specialist will be reaching out to you soon to provide the steps we can take moving forward. Optima tax appreciates your patience in allowing our resolution team to assist you, we look forward to speaking with you soon. Should you find yourself unavailable at the time of contact please don't hesitate to provide us with a better time for a phone call. During this time Optima Tax will maintain open lines of communication

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/16/2025

  Type:Billing 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 in December 2024 / made several payments down payments and they did not anything in over five months and IRS end up levied my checking account sent letter to customers ********************** tax did zero for their money thats been paid They want more money and *** has took all my money how much checking account paid them over $6000 and they did not produce one piece of paperto IRS or made phone calls

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/22/2025

  We understand your complaint comes with possible frustration, to better assist you, we have assigned a member of our ********************** Team to review your file in detail. Upon review, your assigned team member  will  reach out to provide a clear update on your cases current status and the steps we can take moving forward. Should you find yourself unavailable at the time of contact, please don't hesitate to suggest a more convenient time for us to connect via phone call. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we are committed to addressing these issues promptly. Optima tax appreciates your patience in allowing our resolution team to assist with these concerns, we look forward to speaking with you soon. During this time Optima Tax will maintain open lines of communication.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/16/2025

  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.

  The absolute WORST support or contact of any company I have dealt with. For $10K they filed 3 years of back taxes and then crickets for 6 months. Threats from the *** arrived monthly and then a final notice was received. They were notified and Zero updates or information about what was going on. If you are in risk of losing everything you own to the *** you go to them for help, They helped with NOTHING and now your stressed worse then when you started. I could have filed 3 years of simple tax returns myself. But this experience has cost me $10K for zero results OR help and updates as promised. They promise you the world to get your $10K and then disappear.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/20/2025

  
  This issue has been resolved. With regards to BBB # 23213057. And they have have addressed my concerns
  

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/21/2025

  At Optima Tax we take all complaints very seriously, and we do our best to turn them around when possible. Upon receiving this complaint, our resolution team immediately established communication with our client in efforts to provide support. We are happy to report all concerns have been addressed, and we have come to a mutual agreement.  
  Optima Tax believes it has addressed the clients concerns appropriately and considers the matter fully resolved. Please do not hesitate to contact Optima Tax with any questions. Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/16/2025

  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.

  The initial issue started with the initial process of having Optima help with my back taxes. Optima assured me that they could reduce my tax debt and prevent a lien on my property. A $10000 fee was required to hire Optima. I received the opposite. I got no reduction in my tax debt an the lien was still placed on my home. They failed to live up to their agreement. The 2nd issue was during the extended tax filing year for covid, I believe was July 2020. I paid my taxes owed in May of 2020 prior to the deadline. I received a *** notice March of 2021 for failing to file my taxes. Optima had failed to file my taxes with the **** They had no explanation for the error and filed my taxes by the end of March. Optima refused to pay the additional penalties and interest that the *** levied against me. I had to fight with them for weeks to receive a partial payment for the amount owed. They refused to pay the entire amount even though it was their fault. Sept. 2022 Optima received all tax info from me for the 2021 tax year. Optima again failed to complete and file my Taxes until Feb. 2023. They have refused to admit their fault after multiple calls emails to speak to them. they have ignored my requests. My IRS payment plan was stopped by the *** for failing to file for that tax year. Optima has refused to have anyone contact me to resolve this failure to file issue. The contact person that I currently have is insufficient. My contacts with her have not went well. She doesn't seem to understand the issues and I feel due to her broken English I am not getting a adequate conversation. She has ignored the 2nd failure to file by Optima and has only given excuses to me for this issue. I have asked repeatedly to have her replaced and again have been ignored. Unfortunately I feel I am stuck with them and they know that, so I am being ignored. I want them to own up to their very serious mistakes and fix the problems they have created.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/22/2025

  At Optima Tax, our mission is to uphold the philosophy that clients come first. To ensure we adhere to this commitment, all our representatives undergo rigorous training.
  

  In order to properly address your complaint, we have assigned a member of our ********************** Team to review your file. Our team will reach out to you soon to discuss the matter further and work toward a mutual resolution.
  

  If you find yourself unavailable at the time of contact, please dont hesitate to suggest a more convenient time for us to connect. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we are dedicated to addressing these issues promptly.
  

  We appreciate your patience as our resolution team provides support, and we look forward to speaking with you soon.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/14/2025

  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.

  Worst and most frustrating financial experience I/we (my wife and I) have ever had. IRS informed us in late 22’ that we owed them a substantial amount of money that we disputed. We decided we needed professional help from an experienced firm that could aid us in resolving our dispute and hired Optima. I had recently been diagnosed with cancer and was on leave from work which added to our decision to seek help. The salesperson sold us on Optima being able to deal directly with the IRS on our behalf. We signed up with them in early 23’ and paid them $14K+. It has been 2 years and 3 months since we hired them. The result has been nothing but a complete lack of communication and negligence. Phone calls trying to get a status update have been infuriating. We were often told that our claim would be “escalated” which didn’t actually happen until recently after I sent an email voicing my extreme displeasure and threatened legal action. Optima claims that they are dealing with the IRS but they know nothing of the problematic issues we have with what we actually owe them, that being the reason we hired them in the first place. Upon recently entering their “resolution phase” they told us they arranged a monthly payment plan , $1,250 for 8.5 years, for the amount the IRS say we owe. Customer service reps attempted to convince us that we should agree to the payment arrangement because they say we can afford to do so. This is not what we signed up for and not what Optima salesperson sold us. If they couldn’t help us why take us on as a client and take our money with the promise of working with the IRS to remedy their errors regarding what we owe. We already had a payment plan in place so that was not helpful in the least. We believe that they are not working with the IRS on our behalf at all. We paid them a large sum of money and they have left us substantially worse off than prior to getting involved with them. We are hiring an attorney to deal with the IRS and Optima.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/18/2025

  Optima Tax understands your concerns come with possible misunderstandings and significant frustration. Prior to receiving this complaint, our team had already been in contact with our client to address some of the concerns they have raised regarding their case. In order to effectively address and assist we have notified our client that they have a scheduled phone appointment with our Support Team. We understand you have brought up some concerns and requests. We want to assure you that we are committed to addressing your dissatisfaction promptly. As part of our efforts to provide a quicker resolution, we have notified your assigned Executive Review Board team member of your complaint, and they will be attempting to reach out sooner than expected. We feel this is the most efficient way to provide support and attempt to provide a prompt mutual resolution as it provides both parties with an opportunity to gather a proper understanding of the dissatisfactions with our services.

  Optima tax appreciates your patience in allowing our resolution team to provide support. We look forward to speaking with you soon. If you wish to still hire an attorney, please have your representative contact our team at [email protected]. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/18/2025

  After over 2 years of Optima ignoring our federal tax challenges and not dealing with the IRS and the disputed amount we owe, we have no faith or trust in this company. We paid almost $15K to Optima to work on our behalf in dealing directly with the IRS. We are in a much worse position due to interest, penalties and negligent actions created by Optima. Their response to me when we got their “resolution phase” was to pay the IRS what they say you owe. This is not what we hired them for and not what they proclaimed they could do for us. We simply want our money back to use to pay for a real tax attorney who is accomplished at dealing with the IRS in these matters.  We have another attorney, a family friend, who is extremely accomplished at dealing with fraud and criminal cases.  He has offered his help to deal with Optima to pursue our refund and additional costs/penalties incurred over the past 2+ years.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/28/2025

  Since receiving this complaint, Optima Tax Relief has successfully reestablished contact with the Client. An assigned Resolution Specialist is actively working on the Client’s request and remains available to assist with any additional concerns. Optima Tax Relief is committed to maintaining open lines of communication and will continue to do so until a compromise or mutual resolution is achieved.
  

  We remain dedicated to putting our clients first and will make every reasonable effort to resolve these concerns while adhering to our established policies and procedures.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/28/2025

  Optima contacted me to tell me they would refund $2,000 of the almost $15,0000 we paid them. I responded by telling them that was completely unacceptable. The costs we have incurred well exceed that and continue to grow ALL due to their negligence. Plus the fact that we now have to hire a tax attorney to deal with IRS and a fraud attorney to pursue Optima legally. Bad, very bad business behavior.  They sent us an email telling our attorney to contact their legal department. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/12/2025

  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 hired optima tax relief in 2022 to help me Resolve my tax arrearages. They states that they could reduce or remove the tax debt and if nothing else at least have a payment plan set up for repayment or deferment. The charged me over $8000. I have given them every piece of information they requested, have had more than 4 different people put on my case after one would leave the company, I have been hung up on a multitude of times, ignored, never called when stated that I was, avoided and made to feel as if my concerns were invalid. My bank was levied twice. One time I got it over turned myself and the second time it was not able to be overturned until I met with the ItS myself. At that time I was able to get a deferment on my own in less than two hours when Optime tax could not do it in 3 years time. I want a refund on my money.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/17/2025

  We want to assure you that your satisfaction is important to us, and we are committed to addressing your concerns promptly. Before receiving this complaint, our team had already been in contact with our client. Currently, you have a scheduled appointment time to speak with our team regarding the concerns and request you have raised for your case. A phone conversation with our Resolution team is the most efficient way to attempt to provide a prompt mutual resolution. As part of our efforts to provide a quicker resolution, we have notified your assigned ********************** team member of your complaint, and they will be reaching out sooner than expected. This will provide an opportunity to discuss your concerns in detail and allow us to work towards a mutual resolution. If you are unavailable at the time of contact, please don't hesitate to suggest a more convenient time for us to connect via phone or email. Optima tax appreciates your patience in allowing our resolution team to provide support, we look forward to speaking with you soon.