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

  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:03/26/2025

  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.

  OPTIMA TAX RELIEF March 6, 2025 Services $495 to pull transcripts from *** website 15 day return policy and they set the return call for 20 days after so you cant cancel or get refund.Asked for refund due to no services being rendered and they refused. The transcripts are old and I had more current info than they offered. The spoke with *** but was not accurate info from what my *** had discussed with them. I paid for 0 info that would help me moving forward. This company is tricking people and charging lots of money without preforming any work whatsoever. This is a bait and switch company that lures you in and promises and doesn't deliver. Many bad reviews and customer concerns. This company is robbing Americans of there money one person at a time.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/28/2025

  Our mission at Optima Tax is to uphold the philosophy that clients come first and all our representatives go through rigorous training to assure we abide by that philosophy. 
  We understand the Clients concerns regarding their refund request 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 has been assigned and will be reaching out to you soon to assist with the concerns you have raised. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we are committed to addressing these concerns promptly. Optima tax appreciates your patience in allowing our resolution team to provide support, we look forward to speaking with you soon 
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/25/2025

  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.

  After having been sent a letter from the *** stating I owe $11,000, I decided to see if Optima Tax Relief could help me. I hired them to do an investigation. Upon completion of their investigation, they contacted me and claimed I actually owe $27,000 to the ***. They then said they could help me but they would charge roughly $8,000. They said they had multiple payment plans, and, while I was still reeling from the shock of the massive $27,000 figure, I chose the plan that would offer the lowest monthly installments. This plan required a down payment of $4,074. I paid this down payment. OTR then said I needed to sign a Power of Attorney (POA) in order for them to do any work. They could not even assign the case to their team if the *** was not signed. I could not sign it at the time, and said I needed a few days before I could sign it.Immediately after, I called my tax preparer. He was equally as shocked as I was to hear this $27,000 figure. We talked, and eventually figured out what was going on.I called OTR to cancel my service and to get a refund of my money. They claimed they would need to take it to a review board meeting scheduled for several weeks later.After this supposed review board meeting happened, OTR reached out to me. They asked why I wanted to cancel. I told them my reasons. They offered me $600 to part ways. Naturally, I declined this frankly insulting figure. They asked me what figure I would be comfortable with. I replied with $4,074. They said they could not do a full refund and asked for another figure. I countered with $4,073.The right and honorable thing for OTR to do is to simply refund my $4,074 and part ways amicably. Because I DID NOT sign the **** no work could be done. No services could possibly be rendered. They couldn't even assign anyone to work on the case.I have tried resolving the matter with OTR. Their refusal to do the right thing has forced me to make this complaint.Thank you for your time.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/27/2025

  At Optima Tax we strive to uphold the philosophy that clients come first and all of our representatives go through rigorous training to assure we abide by that philosophy. 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 resolution. 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:03/21/2025

  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.

  See letter below, which I have sent to Optima.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/25/2025

  Our mission at Optima Tax is to uphold the philosophy that clients come first and all our representatives go through rigorous training to assure we abide by that philosophy.  We take every complaint very seriously and aim to resolve all concerns efficiently. 

  One of our dedicated Resolution Specialists has been made aware of your concerns, has taken the initiative to review your case, and will be reaching out to you soon to further assist and address your concerns and requests stated in this complaint. 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. Should you find yourself unavailable at the time of contact, please don't hesitate to suggest a more convenient time for us to connect. 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 provide support. We look forward to speaking with you soon.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/20/2025

  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.

  I contacted Optima Tax relief this year regarding my overdue tax issues. I was assured that they could help me and the requirement was a ****** fee. I paid the fee and was contacted about two weeks later and told that based on my circumstances, they could not assist me as no fees had been charged by the ***. While recruiting me, salesman ******* ******** contacted me constantly via Email and Phone to secure my money. The company even has a two week refund policy yet took over 2 weeks to say they could not assist me. I chose this company because of their integrity, ethics, focus on doing the right thing and constant ads on *** and other major operations. Their are even testimonials by actual clients. This company has a outstanding score with the Better Business Bureau and I am asking them to do the right thing by me and return my hard earned money. I will recommend them and may use them if they treat me right.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/21/2025

  Upon receiving this complaint, our resolution team immediately established communication with our client in efforts to provide support. We are happy to report all issues/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.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/24/2025

  
  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. The business is very fair, honest and communicates a very high standard of ethics and integrity,  Thank you.
  
  Regards,
  
  ***** Session
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/19/2025

  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.

  In December 2023, I contacted Optima Tax Relief. I had received a bill from the *** stating that I owed them in excess of $8,900. This seemed excessive and I wanted to find out if OTR could speak with them and perhaps get the amount owed adjusted downwards a bit. After many months, I contacted OTR. this resulted in a series of phone calls from them. In each call, the woman who phoned stated that they had a resolution for my case: I was to pay the entire amount plus interest plus penalties. They gave me a figure of around $185 per month for 72 months. As you might imagine, I objected to this resolution. they clearly had not spoken to anyone at the ***. This was confirmed when i asked them what the tax bill was for. they could not answer this question. they would say that they would look into it and the, in a couple of weeks, call me back with the same offer (though it would be higher, since more interest would have accrued). I was not seeking anything like a complete pass on the bill. I only wanted them to ask the *** what the bill was for and what the best way to solve this problem was. they repeatedly refused to do so, acting only as I described above. I should point out that they did supply the *** with the next year's tax bill (the disputed claim that I asked to handle was for 2022; this was for 2023). They did a good job with this, but it was easy and i could have done this one myself. It was the 2022 return that I required assistance with. I paid OTR over the course of 16 months around $3,600 for this service. I would like some or all of this money refunded, as they did not really do anything for me. Thanks for your time in ******* this.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/20/2025

  At Optima Tax we strive to uphold the philosophy that clients come first and all of our representatives go through rigorous training to assure we abide by that philosophy. We take all complaints very seriously, and we do our best to turn them around when possible.
  We want to assure you that we are committed to addressing your concerns promptly. As part of our efforts to to provide a quicker resolution, we have notified your assigned ********************** Team member of your complaint and they will be reaching out sooner than scheduled. This will allow an opportunity to address your requests and concerns in detail in order to work towards a mutual resolution. Optima tax appreciates your patience in allowing our resolution team to provide support. We look forward to speaking with you soon.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/18/2025

  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.

  i paid optima tax relief $2,800 .

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/24/2025

  Since receiving this complaint, Optima tax has managed to establish contact with the Client. An assigned resolution specialist is currently working on their request and standing by to assist with any additional concerns. Optima tax will maintain open lines of communication until a compromise /mutual resolution is reached.Optima tax is committed to ensuring our clients come first and we will do our best to resolve these concerns while still abiding by our policies.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/18/2025

  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.

  On approximately March 3rd, 2024 we paid Optima tax relief almost $500. We were advised that was to do through investigation with the *** and was the first part of the process. We had spoken with Optima approximately five days earlier and in a detailed phone conversation explained what we owed, where we were in the *** collections process, what we had done with the ***, why we were seeking assistance, etc. we were advised there would be another fee after this investigation was completed. upon receiving a phone call on March 17th due to this optima investigation being completed we were advised of what they found out and what they found out was literally EVERYTHING we already knew and advised them if. There was absolutely no new information provided to us that we had not already shared with them. We were then advised that in order to proceed to next phase it would cost us $5,000. The way this came across to us in that initial contact, and after explaining that we had already paid a large sum of money to a bankruptcy attorney to get completely misled was that we would obtain new insight and a resolution and that the next phase would be to complete this option. Instead were were told of various options that may or may not work and the almost $500 we already paid was - well for all the information we had already provided. This was misleading and it took us a lot of sacrifice to get this money together as I currently am out of work and only collecting workers comp insurance payments. Had we had been advised that this fee was to only confirm and/or verify the information we provided we would not have proceeded as we had advised of the letters we received, where we were in the *** collections process, amounts owed, etc. We did not nor would have paid almost $500 just yo have Optima retell us what we had already told them. If all they wanted/needed was verification we could have sent the *** letters we received instead of paying almost $500. We got scammed on this

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/19/2025

  At Optima Tax we strive to uphold the philosophy that clients come first and all of our representatives go through rigorous training to assure we abide by that philosophy. 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. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/19/2025

  
  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:03/14/2025

  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.

  Since October 18, 2024 Optima Tax Relief has promisd me that that would send in writing what services I am paying for and a power of attorney agreement. They did neither. I told ***** ******* at ************** and **** ***** at ************** that I did not trust them or Optima Rel[ef that I want a cancellation of ***** services and i wanted my $4,000 back. This ws done on January *******. I found them to be very ignorant and they kept telling to keep the services ad that they had een trying to get in touch with me

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/17/2025

  Optima Tax Relief upholds the philosophy that "clients come first," We strive to provide clear communication, transparency, and dedicated support throughout the resolution process. 
  We understand the Clients concerns regarding their refund request and are actively reviewing the details of their case. In order to address your concerns effectively and work toward a resolution, we kindly request that you speak with us via telephone. Upon reviewing your file, a resolution specialist will be reaching out to you soon. 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.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/17/2025

  the business has not given me poa agreement nor a written description of what my services for 4K are for. I do need to send them anything more. I do not trust them. I want cancelation and my money refunded.  Nothing more from them!

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/26/2025

  Upon receiving the complaint, our resolution team immediately reached out to the client to offer support and address their concerns. We are pleased to report that all issues have been successfully resolved, and we have reached a mutual agreement with the client.
  

  Optima Tax Relief believes that we have appropriately addressed the clients concerns and considers this matter fully resolved. Should you have any further questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
  

  Thank you for your attention to this matter.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/28/2025

  
  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:03/11/2025

  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 Tax Resolution charged me 10k .... they charged and filed my late tax returns that were way past the 10 yrs the *** can collect.Then I didn't follow a few directions. Partial my fault ...They kept my 10k and sent a letter stating they no longer represent me. Noting I mean nothing happened other than me paying ******* I mean RUN from this firm.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/17/2025

  At Optima Tax we strive to uphold the philosophy that clients come first and all of our representatives go through rigorous training to assure we abide by that philosophy
  In order to properly address your complaint, we have assigned a resolution specialist to review your file. Upon review, our team will reach out via phone or email to discuss the matter further and attempt to provide a mutual resolution. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we are committed to addressing these issues promptly.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/11/2025

  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 started with Optima Tax Relief on January 10th 2024 and sent $295 to get started with the investigation phase. A couple weeks later I got a call from Optima stating that the investigation phase was completed and that the resolution phase was the next step never was told what the findings was with the investigation only thing they promised was that the penalties and interest would stop with the *** and to pay $****** to get started. I paid the ****** to get started for them to tell me the resolution phase will cost $3258 and I will need to make monthly payments of ****** for 6 months. During this time they were not calling me updating me about my case when I call to get answers about what's going on with my case they told me someone will call me but never do only time they would call is if they couldn't process my monthly payment. The *** was steady sending me letters and adding on penalties and interest which Optima said would stop never did. I've gotten a levy letter from the *** to garnish my check and take my possessions and Optima still did nothing, After paying my account ******************** still haven't done anything, so I decided to reach out to the *** myself just to find out Optima has never reached out to them and they was never doing anything to my case but taking money from me and putting me in more debt. After talking to the *** my debt with them has doubled since I've started with Optima I was told they amended my 2022 taxes and made me owe even more. Optima took from me and had me believing that they can help me by false advertising and having people make false reviews to draw people attention just to scam them. I also tried to settle with them but they offer to give me 400 dollars back way less than what I paid which is wrong I put myself in debt paying them to fix my taxes and been struggling to get back on track. This company has a lot of complaints about the same thing i'm going through and needs to be shut down what they are getting away with is not right.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/12/2025

  Optima ************** immediately reached out to the Client to address the concerns stated in their complaint. We are happy to report that all concerns have been addressed, and we have come to a mutual agreement with the client. 
  At Optima Tax we strive to uphold the philosophy that clients come first and all of our representatives go through rigorous training to assure we abide by that philosophy. We take all complaints very seriously, and we do our best to turn them around when possible. 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. 
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/12/2025

  
  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,
  
  ******** ******