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Complaint Details
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Initial Complaint
02/11/2025
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Answered
We paid a large sum of money to Optima Tax for assistance is with our IRS issue. We were told the large amount of money covered comprehensive services and would be all that we needed to resolve our issue. After we contracted, we received a letter threatening a levy, with a date to respond and request a hearing to prevent the levy. We repeatedly asked Optima to respond on our behalf to the *** and they did not do so. We asked to speak to Optima Legal counsel to discuss the matter and they refused, stating their lawyers were too busy speaking to the *** to speak to us and answer questions. Finally we had to hire another party to respond to the letter, prevent the levy and secure a court hearing while we worked out the issue and came to an agreement. In the end, we paid Optima a large sum of money for which they did not end up providing any services. We asked Optima for our money back (obviously after the 10 day period) and they offered us $1000, which is very unfair especially given the amount of work they did which was negligible.
Business response
02/12/2025
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. A member of our ********************** team has been assigned to review your file and will soon reach out to address your concerns.Initial Complaint
02/10/2025
- Complaint Type:
- Product Issues
- Status:
- Answered
Good Evening,I am filing this complaint in reference to paying $250 to Optima Tax for their initial investigation and then another $9500 for them to file my 2018, 2019 , 2020 taxes and get a resolution. I signed an agreement with them in March 2022. In October of 2022, I was diagnosed with Cancer and spent all of 2023 and 2024 recovering from treatment. I owed IRS $40,000 at the time. In Jan. 2025, I checked my account with O.T and found it was still processing after 3 years with no resolution completed. By Jan. 2025, I had paid taxes down to now owing only $7000.00. Optima never gave me a resolution on my taxes, so I canceled services. I asked for a refund of my $9500.00 and was offered $900. I told them they were robbing me for work never done. I am requesting an investigation into their practices and a refund of my money. I can be reached at ************, please call if have further questions.Business response
02/11/2025
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. Optima Tax takes all complaints very seriously, and we do our best to turn them around when possible. We have reassigned a member of our ********************** team to review your file and will soon reach out to address your concerns.Initial Complaint
02/10/2025
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Answered
I hired Optima Tax Relief to help me resolve our Tax Debt, i gave them a $500 down payment to start the paperwork , then we were informed of the final cost of there services which were $5,500 , so we gave them a $2,000 down payments and arranged for payments for the remaining balance, then under devastating circumstances we lost our business in the Palisades wildfires in **********, so we have no income and no job, we lost everything, so i informed Optima Tax Relief about my situation and that i needed to cancel our agreement because i have no income now, they have a 15 day cancellation policy which i went over by couple of days, they agreed to refund the money, and they only sent $300.00 they told me the initial $500.00 was non refundable, but im only asking for my $2000 which we need badly since we are now unemployedBusiness response
02/11/2025
At Optima Tax we strive to provide the highest level of service and support to all of our clients. We are sympathetic to situations with possible misunderstandings and significant frustration. Optima Tax takes all complaints very seriously, and we do our best to turn them around when possible. We have reassigned a member of our ********************** team to review your file and will soon reach out to address your concerns.Initial Complaint
02/09/2025
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Answered
I paid optima to file my taxes. They filed them without child tax credits which I specifically asked for which led to a massive loss in returns. I made them aware of the error. I was told an ammendment would be filed and before I recieved comfirmation, I was then rushed through the graduation process and excommunicated. I spent alot of money to have my taxes handled professionally. I was swindled.Business response
02/10/2025
Our team at Optima Tax is committed to providing excellent service and ensuring your needs are met. We take all complaints very seriously, and we do our best to turn them around when possible. A member of our Executive review Board has been assigned to review your file and will soon reach out to address your concerns stated in this complaint. Our team is available to clarify any additional questions you may have at this time.Initial Complaint
02/05/2025
- Complaint Type:
- Order Issues
- Status:
- Answered
Signed an agreement with optima to resolve my tax issues and file 2023 taxes. Paid them approximately $7000 to reduce amount owed and waive penalties. After six months of agreement they never contacted ***. It was very difficult getting someone to answer my calls or status of my account. No penalties or interest waived, liens were filed against us and I negotiated my own monthly payment to prevent *** from seizing my bank account. I want reimbursement in full. Optima is a scam.Business response
02/11/2025
Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. 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. An assigned member of our ********************** team 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.Initial Complaint
02/05/2025
- Complaint Type:
- Product Issues
- Status:
- Resolved
In 2019, I hired Optima Tax Relief (OTR) for assistance with my tax issues. Throughout the engagement (********), OTR repeatedly failed to respond in a timely manner. When I received *** notices, OTR only collected copies without taking substantive action. My case was reassigned multiple times with no knowledge transfer, leading to unnecessary delays. When I requested updates, responses were sporadic and often took weeks.Due to OTRs lack of communication, I had to contact the *** myself to prevent further collection activity. In 2021, I formally requested a refund under OTRs money-back guarantee, citing their failure to provide adequate services. Shortly after, I was informed that the *** had temporarily paused collection efforts while OTR worked on my case. However, *** soon became unresponsive ******** early 2022, OTR informed me they had set up a payment plan with the ***. I agreed, believing they would continue pursuing a better resolution. Instead, they took no further action, leaving me with a burdensome $1,500/month plan, later reduced to $1,050 in 2023. The only service provided was a penalty abatement for one tax year. Despite my repeated requests for continued assistance, OTR refused and closed my case as "resolved."I have repeatedly requested a refund, as I could have handled the payment plan myself and received little to no meaningful service. My total payment to OTR exceeded $14,500, and their failure to fulfill their obligations has left me with significant financial strain. Given their lack of service, I am filing a complaint with the BBB and consulting with legal counsel regarding potential litigation. I intend to pursue all available legal remedies to hold OTR accountable for their failure to provide the services promised.Business response
02/05/2025
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. Prior to receiving this complaint, on 01/17/25 a member of our ********************** Team attempted to reach out to the client and address their dissatisfaction. We have not yet managed to make contact. The assigned ********************** member will continue attempting to reach out to the client and will maintain open lines of communication until a mutual agreement is reached.Customer response
02/05/2025
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
01/31/2025
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Answered
My husband ***** ******** and I hired this business 6 months ago to handle our tax issues. I have given all documents required. They sent me several years of our tax documents to be signed, however after numerous phone calls to them and asking to speak with whoever was our accountant we have received no response. They have called twice asking us to just sign the documents. I have repeatedly ask for a call back, letting them know that we are not able to sign because the numbers are wrong. I just now received a text, saying to once again to sign the documents. I still haven't received any calls from whomever did our paperwork. They said to just sign their paperwork. I am done I would rather take my chances with another accountant. I can never reach anyone who can answer any questions. I've had it, with the money I wired to them in the amount of ********* they have done nothing.Business response
02/04/2025
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 , we have assigned a member of our ********************** to review the clients file and will soon reach out to the client to address their concerns.Initial Complaint
01/30/2025
- Complaint Type:
- Product Issues
- Status:
- Answered
The date of this transaction was 04/04/2022, we paid Optima Tax *****, they committed to negotiating a compromise settlement with the **** they never completed the compromise as promised and stopped returning my calls and e-mails, Optima has not made any attempt to resolve this issue, I made an appointment with the ************************ balance due department (St. ***** Office) the representative stated their records indicate they received one telephone call on 06-06-2022 and Optima requested transcripts from from ********* and wage income and Tax returns from *********, our contact person at Optima Tax relief was ******** *******, the reason for the delay Optima told me since it was tax season it will take a while for the *** to schedule the mediation, and a few months later my husband had heart surgery and I was caring for him but when I received a notification from the *** about my past balance I realized nothing had been done, I immediately began contacting Optima (******** *******), by via phone and e-mail all to no availBusiness response
01/31/2025
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 have assigned a member of our ********************** team to review the clients file and soon reach out to the client to address their concerns.Initial Complaint
01/29/2025
- Complaint Type:
- Product Issues
- Status:
- Answered
The person handling my case was ******** *******, Date of transaction was 04/25/2022, I paid out $2,500.00, Optima tax relief committed to mediation a compromise with the ************************ for taxes owed, they never held up there contractual commitment I met with IRS representative and Optima contacted them 06/06/2022 and requested transcripts from *********, tax returns from ********* & wage income, IRS hasnt heard from Optima since 06/06/2022, Ive made several attempts to contact Optima by telephone and e-mail however all to no avail, the reason for the delay they told me when I paid my $2,500.00 that it would take a while due to it being tax season and its just a slow process, my husband became ill and had to have heart surgery and my time was tied up caring for him, now that tax season is hear again I called to get a status update and they wont return my calls or e-mails, if this isnt stealing by deceit I dont know what is.Business response
01/31/2025
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 have assigned a member of our ********************** team to review the clients file and soon reach out to the client to address their concerns.Initial Complaint
01/27/2025
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Resolved
I contacted Optima tax relief concerning a tax issue in 2022 for a 2020 tax issue. They offered to do my 2022 taxes as part of the settlement for my 2020 taxes. It is January 2025, and they have yet to A. File my 2022 taxes, and B. Address my original issue with my 2020 taxes. All the while, the money due is accruing interest. There is little to no communication, it is nearly impossible to get a direct answer, and I have told them I would file with the BBB if I was not satisfied. Apparently they believed it to be an idle threat, because it has been months since my last communication. All the while, my tax debt has been racking up interest. Either get me a settlement, or give me my money back.Business response
01/31/2025
At Optima Tax we strive to uphold the philosophy that the “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, Optima Tax has attempted to reach out to the client to address their concerns. Contact attempt was made on 01/29. Optima Tax will continue to reach out to the client and will maintain open lines of communication until a mutual agreement is reached.
Customer response
02/03/2025
I'm sending this message to confirm the complaint with BBB has been resolved.
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Get a QuoteCustomer Complaints Summary
745 total complaints in the last 3 years.
326 complaints closed in the last 12 months.
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