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

  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:01/30/2025

  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 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 avail

  

  Business Response

  Date: 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

  Date:01/29/2025

  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.

  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

  Date: 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

  Date:01/27/2025

  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 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

  Date: 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 Answer

  Date: 02/03/2025

  I'm sending this message to confirm the complaint with BBB has been resolved. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/26/2025

  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.

  My first transaction was July 2023 was $295.00. On November 3, 2023 started monthly payments of $873.00 with the exception of Nov. I made 2 in Nov. $1,746 than $873.00 thereafter through July 3, 2024. I had a total of 11 payments totaling $9,025.00. I hired this company in Sept. 2023 because they claimed they would help me reduce my tax debt due errors preparing returns for 2015, 2016, & 2018. The reason it has been over a year is I didn't receive a call with their options until July 2024, which ironically was when I made the last payment. This was financially straining & at times I had to take from my small savings account. I was verbally given these options: Installment Agreement a monthly payment of $700 or same as 1st option but where 1st year payment would be $400/month after 1st year, $765 a month. I received no written formal agreement with terms. Conveniently they sent no written correspondence only phone calls. The email (see attached) is the all I received in writing which I had to request (see attached) I was told options are based on income for 2023. Because these were unacceptable nor doable I explained I work as a **************** salary is mostly a commission based & my 2024 income was significantly less. She requested 3 months paystubs which I sent. I finally received a call in Jan. 2025 stating my revised options which had increased! I asked why & she stated was due to outstanding balance for my 2023 tax return. I filed & paid in Oct. 2024 as requested (Optima filed an extension *************** $205 interest.) I was told she'd have to send to a team to reevaluate. Again I believe they are trying to stall settling this as they have full access to my *** account (see attached) & should have this information. Also, in one of conversations they told they contacted the *** & got my information on taxes owed than sent them to some person in the *********** to refigure them. What!? No telling who now has access to my social security etc.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/29/2025

  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. Our ********************** has attempted to reach out to the client on 1/29 to address the concerns stated in their complaint. Optima Tax will continue to reach out to the client and will maintain open lines of communication until a mutual agreement is reached. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/24/2025

  Type:Customer Service 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.

  Sept 2024 - Jan 2025 My experience with Optima Tax Relief has convinced me they are nothing but scam artists. It took weeks and multiple requests for them to send me copies of the tax returns they filed on my behalf. These delays cost me added late penalties. I am writing to encourage people in financial stress to hire qualified accountants - anyone but Optima. Their customer service is incredibly obtuse and disrespectful as well.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/29/2025

  At this time, the client has requested that Optima Tax no longer contact them - preventing further discussions towards addressing their concerns or reaching a mutual agreement. Optima Tax remains open and willing to move forward towards a mutual agreement. We will honor the client's request to cease contact so we encourage the client to reach out to us at their convenience.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/23/2025

  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.

  Transaction date - Current I reached out to Optima Tax Relief to help on a tax issue, they asked for a 10K retainer, I did so in good faith and never received any of their services the issue was handled on my own.I have repeatedly asked for a refund and was advised they can provide 1% which is highly unacceptable Emails, phone calls, nothing resolved and not in a very professional manner. There is no reason for them to HOLD my retainer when NO SERVIES were EVER needed.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/29/2025

  Optima Tax had already been in discussions with the client to address the concerns stated in their complaint. At this time we are currently working with the client towards a mutual agreement. All lines of communication remain open until a mutual agreement is reached.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/16/2025

  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.

  This company made every promise to me none of which was fulfilled. They sold me on what they do claiming to have had my issues resolved within just a couple of months. It took almost six months after calling them every week and my original handler who was supposed to be like family to me never answering my calls again. I was told I owed over ****** in tax penalties but they would negotiate on my behalf. I called so many times I cant even count and nobody would help. Finally somebody answered and said they would have my case resolved in no time and that yes it had been too long. I was called back 2 days later by somebody who could barely speak English but was told I owed the same amount I started with when I first called. Im at a loss for what I paid this company $5,000 dollars for? I couldve paid a lawyer 500 or dealt with the *** myself to file my own taxes and saved over ***** dollars! This company treated me horribly, lied to me and avoided me. I feel they are fraudulent and shouldnt be able to do this to people like me who dont have a lot.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/20/2025

  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 are reviewing the clients file and will soon reach out to the client to address their concerns. 
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/15/2025

  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.

  Was lead to believe I would be getting a service in exchange for money. There was no service provided.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/20/2025

  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 are reviewing the clients file and will soon have our ********************** team reach out to the client to address their concerns stated in their complaint. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/14/2025

  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.

  From 8/2024 through 9/2024 we paid $6,068 to assist help with *** debt. We were told they would help with getting our debt down (including past interest and fees continuing to accumulate), and most recently we were told that they would file our taxes for us for tax year 2024. Last week I received a call from Optima informing me that our case was being closed - all that was done for the $6,000 we spent was an installment plan. I questioned the representative last week about getting our debt reduced and our taxes being completed for 2024, only to be told that these services were only available for additional fees. This is not at all what we were told we were getting for the amount of money we paid. I reached out to our initial contact when we decided to work with Optima, however the first meeting he was a no-show, and the second meeting he contacted me prior to the scheduled meeting time (which I have in an e-mail confirming the time) to inform me that he was "leaving early for the day" due to having come into work early. This is completely unacceptable. We could have set up our own installment plan. Just more debt we have now accumulated. Do not choose to work with this organization!

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/17/2025

  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. 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

  Date:01/14/2025

  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.

  3/10/24 I contacted Optima Tax Relief after recieving an add to address an IRS issue. My 2021 tax year needed adjusting and they did an investigation for first week, then responded back that they could definately resolve my tax issue. I continued to ask for status updates and after one month, nothing. Two months, nothing. Three months, nothing. After six months I requested another manager or a full refund, and again nothing. At nine months I cancelled any further payments and asked for a full refund, 100% of money I paid.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/20/2025

  Optima Tax had already been in discussions with the client to address the concerns stated in their complaint.

  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 once again. We will maintain open lines of communication until a mutual agreement is reached.