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:01/26/2025

  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.  

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/13/2025

  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.

  I paid 500$ a month for 8 months to optima then I found out from the *** that they havent helped me at all and when I asked for a refund the said they will only give me 600$ no more.

  

  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. 
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/17/2025

  I was told by optima that I would get a call by Friday and nobody has called me yet I also havent heard or received anything else from Optima about my refund. 

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/29/2025

  Optima Tax has reached out to the client upon receiving the complaint on 1/17 to address their concerns and made good-faith attempts to reach a mutual agreement. Unfortunately, we were not able to come to an agreement with the client.  Although it is not typical for us to offer refunds outside of our cancellation period, a generous courtesy refund was offered. Our courtesy offer will remain on the table should the client wish to accept. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/11/2025

  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.

  We had a professional tax person who didnt actually file our timely return and we didnt know about it until 1-2 years later. They then went out of business. We contacted Optima to help us take care of this and start a payment plan- paid them $4282.20 in July 2024 for this service and they will not call us back in what to do next. They keep saying that they are expediting it to the tax professionals but this has been the same line at least 5 times in the last 2 months. We are getting threatening letters from *** and we still cant get them to respond to us. We dont know what to do.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/16/2025

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

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/16/2025

  
  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:01/10/2025

  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 originally signed up for help with some tax issues with Optima Tax Relief (OTR). They offer a 15 day money back guarantee, so I inquired about their services. They were to do an initial investigation and then consultation, but wanted a $495 (refundable) deposit. On 10/22/2024, I signed up for the initial review. On 10/23/24 the funds were deducted from my ***** banking account (via my Debit card ending in 3772). On 11/06/24 I received an email stating there was progress on my case and my consultation was scheduled for 11/08/2024. When I got the call from my representative (****) on 11/08/24, he began to discuss all sorts of different requirements and fees that were not previously discussed. He told me I had until Monday (11/11/24) to make a decision. I understood this as exercising my right for a refund. I called back that same day (11/08) and spoke with I believe *** about questions and issues. He assured me him or **** would call me back on Monday (11/11) to get my final answer. Neither one called or emailed on Monday. On Tuesday (11/12) I called OTR to exercise my refund. I got through to a supervisor, and she agreed there were mishaps and non communication about details that warranted my refund. She told me she would call back Wednesday (11/13), in the morning, to finalize the refund. She didn't call, I had to call her that day and said she was still working on it. This back and forth went on, as she claimed she was 'getting it approved'. She would not give me any documentation or email to acknowledge they were initiating the refund. I was uncomfortable with the excessive delay and the failure to document or communicate any details, as this was very deceitful and fraudulent of their refund policy.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/16/2025

  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.