ComplaintsforOptima Tax Relief

Tax Return Preparation

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Initial Complaint
09/26/2024
Complaint Type:
Product Issues
Status:
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.
When I signed up with Optima, I was informed that our (i) taxes would be amended to obtain waiver for penalties and interest assessed against us, (ii) look into programs that we would qualify for, or (iii) if there is any way penalties and interest could be waived to lower federal taxes owed with *********************** (***). I provided copies of the tax returns requested and was informed that there was no need to amend our taxes as we do not qualify for any waivers or programs. At this point, we should have been informed that there was nothing that Optima could do for us, and whatever installment agreements are to be made with the **** could be done on our own.I also requested any correspondence sent to Optima, on our behalf, from the ***. We never received any copies of correspondence. I also requested about the total outstanding balance a few times, but was never provided that information.Sometime last March 2024 (see attached letter for your reference), I received a notice from the *** stating that during Covid, the *** has suspended communications with tax payers regarding any delinquencies, and provided options with respect to the balance owed.I decided to contact the *** to discuss the above mentioned letter and to see if I could make arrangements with the *** for a penalty relief and for an installment agreement to pay off amounts owed.I was able to obtain a penalty relief for the tax year 2017, which lowered our outstanding balance immediately to $79,583.38. The above is what I was lead to believe would be the result of working with Optima. Therefore, I am requesting that fees paid to Optima be returned to me immediately. I started contacting Optima for a refund in April 2024 about my request for a refund. I have made several follow *** via telephone and email, but have not received a definitive response.
Business response
10/01/2024
Optima Tax has reached out to the client and will keep open lines of communication until a mutual agreement is reached. 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 will continue their efforts until this matter is resolved. Please do not hesitate to contact Optima Tax with any questions. Thank you.
Initial Complaint
09/26/2024
Complaint Type:
Product Issues
Status:
Resolved
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
In April 2024, I enlisted the services of Optimatax to resolve my overdue taxes, paying over $1600 for their assistance. Despite this, after six months, my case remained unresolved. I made numerous calls, requesting to speak to a manager, only to be reassured that my case was being handled and that my submitted documents were under review by a power of attorney. During this time, I repeatedly received notices from the **** warning me of substantial penalties if my taxes remained unpaid. When I contacted Optimatax again to express my concerns, they advised me to ignore these IRS notices. As a result of their negligence, the *** took action, and now 25% of my paycheck is being garnished. Each time I called Optimatax for managerial assistance, no one was conveniently available. Based on this experience, I strongly advise against using Optimataxs services. They operate like a scam.
Business response
09/30/2024
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 are reviewing the clients file and will soon reach out to the client to address their concerns.
Customer response
09/30/2024
somebody already contacted me. They told me theyd compensate me $100. This is absolutely not acceptable.
Business response
10/01/2024
Optima ************** immediately reached out to the client to address the concerns stated in their complaint and are happy to report that we have come to a mutual agreement. Although it is not typical for us to offer refunds outside of our cancellation period, a generous courtesy refund was offered. The client has accepted our offer.
Initial Complaint
09/25/2024
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
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.
I went to then to enter one of the programs they were offering to relieve my debt with the *** only to find out 10months later they have done nothing l still owe lRS the same amount and interest from the start of the this journey. Now l feel scammed.
Business response
09/26/2024
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 are reviewing the clients file and will soon reach out to the client to address their concerns.
Customer response
09/26/2024

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
09/15/2024
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
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.
We filed an original complain in 2021 (#********), and there has yet to be an acceptable resolution. We have been waiting for a resolution, and there has been no response. Since 2019, we have been unable to obtain an acceptable refund from OptimaTax for very poor services. We hired and paid in full in 2019 and 2020 to assist us resolve our Federal tax situation with the ***. After collection of our money, OptimaTax failed to provide us with regular updates, didn't answer our questions, and never allowed us to talk to a tax attorney. This is a brief summary of our original complaint. They charged us an exorbitant fee, did not provide any communication or services, and refuse to refund us. This is criminal. See prior claim for supporting documents.
Business response
09/27/2024
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 are reviewing the clients file and will soon reach out to the client to address their concerns.
Initial Complaint
09/14/2024
Complaint Type:
Product Issues
Status:
Resolved
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
We made Optima aware of our TOTAL tax debt concern and the specific tax years with the initial call.Since the initial call, Optima has missed multiple appointments that they scheduled. I scheduled a call on the portal since we had no update and didnt receive that call back either. After multiple attempts, we would reach a representative from Team 225, and again be reassured that they were working with the *** and digging deeper into the case with each phase, calling them the Investigation Phase and Resolution Phase. This repeat cycle of Optima missing appointments went on from March to August, but in the meantime, they were still collecting our on-time payments. By the time we finally received what was supposed to be a Resolution Call, the Team 225 representative provided no additional information from what we gave them AND didnt even have the total debt amount or the specific years that was of concern for us. Even with inaccurate information, Optima returned with a payment plan higher than what we already had established with the ***. I asked Optima why they didnt have current information from the *** and asked when Optima spoke with the ***. Team 225 representative had the audacity to say they didnt speak with the *** and that they just pull public information that we can pull ourselves. I was in total shock with his response and lack of concern. Optima did no real investigation, did not actually work with the ***, and came back with invalid information. We decided to cancel our services and request a refund. When we received the call from the *********************** we were told as a courtesy they would refund a tiny portion of what we paid. I was insulted by this response. Unacceptable for a company that did no research or investigation at all. I recommend working directly with the *** because Optimas quality of work, lack of concern, and lack of effort is not worth your hard-earned money. We deserve a full refund.
Business response
09/19/2024
Optima Tax had already been in discussions with the client to address the concerns stated in their complaint. All lines of communication will remain open until a mutual agreement is reached.
Customer response
09/19/2024
I am unsatisfied with Optima's response and they have not reached out again since the last conversation. Optima did nothing they were supposed to do and only used the information we provided. We deserve a full refund or at least 75%.
Business response
09/24/2024
Optima Tax was unable to reach a mutual agreement with the client. Our courtesy offer will remain on the table should the client wish to accept.
Customer response
09/28/2024
We do not accept Optima's response and offer. Optima is supposed to reach out again after the conversation we had on 09/27/2024.
Initial Complaint
09/11/2024
Complaint Type:
Product Issues
Status:
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.
The company target black and disenfranchise communities.make it seem as they are help making you wait several months before giving a resolution. After the many months of anguish they ask you to pay 3500 to them. Once paid money was then told it didnt reduce the debt at all. They make payment plan. I was seeking a refund .because I was ultimately able to set up Payment Plan with IRS myself.
Business response
09/18/2024
Optima Tax will reach out to the client to address their concerns.
Initial Complaint
09/09/2024
Complaint Type:
Product Issues
Status:
Resolved
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
ON MARCH 7 ***** WE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE *** ASKING FOR A PENALTY OF $ ********* ON 6/30/24 WE CALLED OPTIMA TAX SO THEY COULD HELP US WE PAID THEM THE ORIGINAL FEE OF $ ****** ON 7/8/24 THEY ASKED US FOR $ ******** FOR THEM TO GO FORWARD WIYH THE INVESTIGATION, WE SENT THE AMOUNT REQUESTED SAME DAY 10 DAYS LATER THEY SAID WE NEVER PAID AND SENT THEM COPY OF PAYMENT AFTER 3 DAYS THEY COMFIRMED THEY HAVE IT.******************* SAID WE WOULD GET A CALL FROM RESOLUTION DEPARTMENT AND WE NEVER DID. ON 7/29/24 WE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE *** TELLING US WE DID NOT OWE THE MONEY EVERYTHING WAS CLEARED UP.CALLED OPTIMA SAME DAY AND WAS TOLD WE ARE INTITLE TO REFUND AND WOULD GET BACK TO US ON 9/4/24 AND NOW REFUSE TO REFUND MONEY SAYING THE 15 DAYS CANCELLATION PERIOD WAS OVER AFTER THEY DRAG IT ON ON PURPUSE.
Business response
09/16/2024
Optima Tax has reached out to the client and will keep open lines of communication until a mutual agreement is reached. 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 will continue their efforts until this matter is resolved. Please do not hesitate to contact Optima Tax with any questions. Thank you.
Initial Complaint
09/03/2024
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
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.
We have reached out to Optima since the first complaint was filed. According to their customer portal they have all the documents they require. Our tax returns haven't been reviewed as of this morning. Per Amber ****** she will submit an expedited order but I was told last week that would be the case. We get no return calls or communications from them via email or their customer portal. We have already paid the necessary fee with no resolution with the *** at this point.
Business response
09/10/2024
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 are reviewing the clients file and will soon reach out to the client to address their concerns.
Initial Complaint
08/27/2024
Complaint Type:
Product Issues
Status:
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.
I signed up to get tax relief and all they did was take my money. As soon as they got me to the resolution stage they went completely silent. I tried to schedule 2 separate appointments with them and have yet to hear from someone. I called for an update and all they did was ask me to verify my information and say someone will be in touch with me within 2 weeks. Its been over a month since the last call and I have heard NOTHING. I just received a letter in the mail from the *** saying that I have a payment due in a couple weeks. Complete waste of money with no help at all. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME
Business response
09/03/2024
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 are reviewing the clients file and will soon reach out to the client to address their concerns.
Customer response
09/03/2024
a refund is the only solution that I am looking for. I am no longer looking to continue services. The lack of communication throughout this process gives me no hope that it will be resolved
Business response
09/12/2024
At this time we are working with the client towards reaching a mutual agreement. All lines of communication will remain open until a mutual agreement is reached.
Initial Complaint
08/26/2024
Complaint Type:
Product Issues
Status:
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.
I paid Optima Tax Relief 3.395.00 to resolve a tax issue with the **** Months and Months went by without a resolution. So I decided to make an appointment with the **** The *** informed me that I did not owe them any money. So I asked Optima to Refund my money. Their refund department only offered me 300 dollars.I want my full refund of 3.395.00 back. Optima did nothing for me, they knew when they took my money, that I paid upfront, that I owed nothing to the *** .
Business response
09/03/2024
Optima Tax regrets that we were unable to reach a mutually agreeable resolution in this matter. Our courtesy offer will remain on the table should the client wish to accept.

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