Quick Facts
Full Review
Optima Tax Relief is probably the tax relief company you've seen advertised the most. They're headquartered in Santa Ana, California, and they've built a huge brand through TV, radio, and online advertising since launching in 2011. Their BBB profile shows an A+ rating with reviews averaging between 4.2 and 4.56 stars depending on the snapshot.
But here's what the ads don't tell you. Optima faced a class action lawsuit alleging deceptive business practices, including claims that they overpromised results and charged high fees for minimal work. The lawsuit raised questions about whether some clients received adequate service relative to what they paid. That's a serious mark on the record, even if the company has made changes since.
Fees and the Guarantee
Optima's fees average around $4,000, with a range from roughly $1,200 for simpler cases up to $7,000 or more for complex situations. The investigation phase (where they review your tax situation and determine your options) is billed separately. Their 15-day money-back guarantee applies only to the investigation phase, not the resolution work. So if you're unhappy after they've started working on your case, you're largely committed financially.
What Clients Report
Reviews are genuinely mixed. Positive reviews mention successful resolutions, knowledgeable staff, and real IRS debt reductions. Negative reviews focus on high fees, slow communication after the initial sale, and results that didn't match what was discussed during the consultation. The pattern of complaints suggests a gap between the sales experience and the service delivery experience.
Who Should Consider Optima
If you owe $10,000+ to the IRS and want a large, established firm, Optima is an option. But go in with clear fee expectations, get everything in writing, and understand that the money-back guarantee has real limitations. Compare their quote against at least two other firms on this list before committing.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Large, established firm with significant resources
- BBB A+ rating with thousands of client interactions
- 15-day money-back guarantee on investigation phase
- Wide range of tax services including audits, liens, levies, and OICs
Cons
- Class action lawsuit alleged deceptive business practices
- Fees average $4,000 and can exceed $7,000
- Money-back guarantee only covers investigation, not resolution
- Mixed reviews suggest gap between sales promises and service delivery
Where to Read More
Read reviews on: BBB, Trustpilot, ConsumerAffairs