Skip to content
Optima Tax Relief

Optima Tax Relief

www.optimataxrelief.com
What is your customer experience with Optima Tax Relief?

Optima Tax Relief Overview

The generated data is based on reviews and questionnaires provided by PissedConsumer.com users.

Based on reviews, created with AI
Rating Distribution

Optima Tax Relief has a 1.7 star rating from 29 reviews with mostly dissatisfied customers reporting poor outcomes, high prices, and frequent refund requests.

Key Takeaways for Future Customers

  • Check Optima Tax Relief reviews and compare alternatives before paying high fees.
  • Document communications and confirm refund and billing terms in writing.
  • Consider a local tax pro or attorney if transparency and timely customer service matter.

Negative Feedback / Risk Areas

  • Repeated Optima Tax Relief customer complaints about no follow-up and poor communication.
  • Many users report withheld refunds and billing disputes after little or no service.
  • Reports of misrepresented services, delays that increased IRS interest and penalties.

Positive Feedback

A minority of customers report timely resolution and successful tax reductions, noting an instance of negotiated savings and a few responsive representatives.

View full overview ›

Media from reviews

Optima Tax Relief - Optima misrepresented themselves to me.
View all media ›

Turn one complaint into a collective action

PC collective complaint

A Collective Complaint helps you unite consumers dealing with the same issue, such as wrong charges, unexpected fees, damaged items, or misleading promises. It goes beyond a single review by growing stronger with every signature, making it harder to ignore. Once you reach 20 supporters, we’ll send it to the company to encourage a response.

Start Collective Complaint
Show reviews that mention
money phone case refund number interest penalty irs eles taxes
Filter review
Sort by
Clinton C Yzq
map-marker Fort Worth, Texas

There was money taken out of my account and there was no service obtain…

AI Highlights
  • - Money was taken from my account with no follow-up.
  • - I switched to another agency after not hearing from them and requested a refund.

There was money taken out of my account with no follow-up or no phone calls about my case. Then, since I hadn't heard from them in quite a while, I decided to go with another agency, so I was requesting my refund.

View full review
Resolved
Shantane P

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Covington, Georgia

Resolved: The worst company ever. Please do not use the. They will take your money and won’t call back

AI Highlights
  • - Money was taken and contact is difficult.
  • - Messages were left, but no one returned calls.
  • - Greg Baker said someone would call, but never did.
Updated by user Mar 06, 2026

They called after seeing my review apologized for the inconvenience and offered to refund me all money that I paid.

Updated by user Mar 06, 2026

Company fixed the issue and I have been provided with full refund. They called and apologized for their inconvenience and offered to send me a full refund of the money I paid to them.

Original review Mar 02, 2026

They took my money and now its hard to get in contact with anyone. I several times left messages and no one called me back and when I did speak to Greg Baker he said someone would call and I never got the call.

User's recommendation: Don’t use this company they will take your money

View full review
Myriam S Jye
map-marker Santa Ana, California

Resolved: Took our $5,000.00 and did nothing in a year and 9 months, I

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
Updated by user Apr 10, 2018

Optima reached out to us, and we came to a mutual resolution to our case. We are happy to say that it was a fair settlement.

Updated by user Apr 06, 2018

Optima called us and at first offered a $500.00 refund, which we declined. A day later they offered $900.00, again we declined.

A few days later they called and this time offered us a refund of $1,500.00, which we accepted. We thought it was fair, and are very happy this case has been resolved.

Original review Mar 31, 2018

We signed on with optima june 2016. After almost two years they did nothing to come to a resolution and set up a payment plan.

Always having one excuse after another,why there was no solution. They surely do not live up to their ads. It is false advertisement. I finally had to call the IRS myself and set up my own payment plan.

It is a higher payment than I wanted, but at least it will keep them off our backs. We now owe more in taxes than when we stared. They redid some our our taxes, that had already been accepted by IRS, and now we owe $20,000 more, They redid our taxes all wrong, did not give us the deductions we were entitled to as a small business. We all need to start a class action suit against them.

They are crooks. They also refused to give us a refund, they did offer $900.

as a courtesy. We of course refused.

Cons:
  • Took our money and in almost 2 years
Reason of review:
Not as described/ advertised
Loss:
$5000
Preferred solution:

Full refund

Optima Tax Relief Reply:
Hi, please allow us the opportunity to demonstrate how much our staff truly cares by helping to provide you with excellent service. We understand your concerns and we would like the opportunity to continue working with you. One of our dedicated Quality Assurance Specialists has already been made aware and has taken the time to review your case and will be reaching out to you shortly so that we can find further solutions to your concerns. We will not rest until we create a successful experience for you, as well as for all of our clients. If you prefer to speak to us at your convenience, please feel free to give us a call at (800) 965-3192. We really do value your feedback, since learning from you allows us to implement adjustments to help upgrade our client experience. We look forward to speaking with you, and hope to resolve any concerns you may have.
View full review
Velvie Ggi

Update on client

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
AI Highlights
  • - I haven't heard any update on my case for 1.5 years and want it resolved.
  • - New email is daworthy@***.com; please delete the old email for team 125.

I dont feel good because I havent heard any update on my case, its going on a year and a half now and I would like to get this resolved, my new Email is daworthy@***.com, please delete the old email, this is for team 125, please let me know

View full review
Jasmine Mxx

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Consultation

Never talk to anybody my phone just beat like an alarm very discouraging about my next phone. Call to you guys.

View full review
Tyshawna Ffa

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

We still have not received our money back

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
AI Highlights
  • - No refund issued; penalties and interest accrued.
  • - The case dragged on 3 years; they blocked my number.
  • - We hired another firm; taxes fixed in 30 days.

I am so upset with them they sould of refund our money they got us more interest and penalty with the irs had our case for 3 years and done nothing now they block my phone number because I keep asking for our refund we hired someone eles and they fix our taxes in 30 days we had to pay them to get fix

User's recommendation: Don't use them

View full review
Robert P Sro

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Santa Ana, California

Official Complaint....

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
AI Highlights
  • - No forgiveness; we must pay the full IRS debt.
  • - Taxes were done incorrectly, raising payments.
  • - Communication was erratic and case status unclear.

Review of Optimum Tax Relief

After speaking to my husband when I got home from work, he informed me of the conversation where you mentioned there might be no forgiveness program and that we would need to pay the full amount due to the IRS. This led me to question what evidence was placed forward to the IRS on our behalf.

With all that said, when we signed up with Optimum, we were assured that there would be a solution to our debt problem.

We were assured, that our debt wasn't as bad as others and was manageable. So far, it's been chaos when our taxes were done incorrectly, leading us to have to pay more to the IRS. The contact from the time we signed up to now has been erratic, having to constantly send in new paperwork and hearing the same information over and over again. No one knew the status of our case, and it was only after a very strongly worded email that we got information.

The left hand never knew what the right hand was doing, as proven by how many times we were asked for tax info for already prepared taxes, or a second set of tax paperwork being sent to the IRS making us pay double.

Very simply, we were lied to on this matter and paid for services that cannot be rendered. Countless times of uploading documents that representatives cannot seem to find, and now we are hearing there is no solution, and we have to pay the entire debt to the IRS. In essence, we were fed false hopes. Certainly, it was not told to us that it might be for nothing; otherwise, we'd have not signed that contract and more than likely paid another lawyer to take care of the problem.

We have been paying Optimum a monthly fee since January 2023.

We have paid a significant amount for constant setbacks, a tax-preparing team who botched the taxes, and having to hire a new tax lawyer because of the amount owed, which Optimum knew from the initial phone meeting. Now we might have to possibly pay the full debt to the IRS. Couldn't we have made a payment plan with the IRS ourselves and used that money given to Optimum to pay down our debt? Instead, when we sent you the levy notices, that's when you started working, putting in little effort for the end result to be a hefty payment in five years and the remaining debt, and then being told that's all you can do.

What type of negotiation is that? It definitely wasn't on our behalf because it puts us more in debt.

I should note that we are coming to the end of our payment plan with Optimum, and now we are being told contrary information to what we were told initially by phone conference. Since giving my husband the so-called offer from the IRS, which is no real reduction of our debt and with a payment we cannot afford, we have not heard another word from anyone at Optimum.

Again, unless we reach out to the people we are paying good money to help resolve our IRS issue, we receive no follow-up. The last date of contact was May 23rd, with what I consider an ultimatum because of the finality of how we were spoken to.

Since that date, there has been no contact from Optimum.

To clarify, in over a year we have incurred more debt using their service. We do not have money to throw around needlessly, and this has cut down our income dramatically, yet we paid and on time. For nothing? We no longer have faith in Optimum Tax, and with no solid resolution to our case and still having to pay the same amount in debt that was supposed to be reduced and a high monthly payment that Optimum knows we cannot afford, we hereby state that Optimum Tax Service no longer represents our family in this case.

Optimum essentially cheated a disabled veteran and his family.

After checking the BBB and other reporting agencies, I can see why so many people are asking for their money back, there are lawsuits filed. Nothing you did has helped us in any way, not at all, and my review on BBB will reflect that.

Loss:
$6788
Pros:
  • No pros
Cons:
  • Tax errors
  • Non-communication
  • Irs mishandling

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: I would give them a zero if I could.... or a negative -0 Do not use optimist tax relief and with over 700 complaints on BBB mine will be added to the list.

View full review
Anonymous
map-marker Scarborough, Maine

They did nothing for my tax problem

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
AI Highlights
  • - Paid thousands to Optima for almost four years; still owe and have liens.
  • - They take your money and do nothing; worst company; call the IRS.

I pay optima thousands of dollars and almost 4 years later (thats how long it took)I owe more and many liens on my property. They take your money and do nothing worst company to deal with what a joke call the irs yourself.

User's recommendation: Run people

View full review
Giga B

This review is written by an individual who has purchased the reviewed product/service and/or confirms being a paying customer of this company. Check our FAQ

Verified Buyer
|

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

PLEASE READ IF YOU INTEND OR THINKING OF WORKING WITH OTR.

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
AI Highlights
  • - Free consultation may feel sales-driven.
  • - Investigation costs $295 and mainly requests IRS transcripts; copies should be obtained.
Contains 1 confidential file for company representatives

1.FREE CONSULTATION: This can often feel like a classic "sales" call, where the primary goal seems to be convincing you that OTR is genuinely here to assist you. However, it's important to remember that their primary objective is to serve their own interests.

It's not fair to fault the individual conducting the call, as they are merely executing their job, which is to "close" and secure the sale. If you've ever watched the movie 'Boiler Room,' you'll understand the comparison.

2.INVESTIGATION $295: There's a significant discrepancy in the term 'investigation.' In reality, it primarily involves a request for IRS transcripts, which are also accessible at no cost through your IRS account portal. Obtaining these transcripts, even upon request, can often be a challenging endeavor. In my case, I decided to part ways with their services and terminate my contract within two months of hiring them, fortunately making an early exit.

If you decide to engage in this process with them, it's crucial to insist on receiving copies of the documents as soon as they claim they are ready.

As a client, you have every right to possess all materials pertaining to your case. They may mention the size of the file as a reason not to provide them immediately, but you can suggest having the documents mailed to you, if that is more convenient. If possible, wait for the documents to arrive and meticulously review them before committing to a contract with them. Compare the documents you receive with what is readily available on your IRS portal.

Should you discover any valuable information, you can then cautiously proceed to the next step of considering their services.

3.CONTRACT AGREEMENT: If your situation allows for it, consider negotiating the 15-day refund period and having it explicitly included in the contract before finalizing the agreement. It's essential to diligently follow up on any services you've engaged them for during these initial 15 days. It's worth noting that they are unlikely to provide a full refund. For example, if you've paid them $5,000, you may be surprised to receive an offer of only $500 as a refund.

4.SERVICES: Their document view system is limited to one-way access.

You can only see the documents you've uploaded and signed, with no visibility into their activities on their end. A reputable company that has nothing to conceal typically provides transparency in this regard. It's important to be aware that you might not have the opportunity to converse with a 'tax professional' or a dedicated 'case manager.' Most of your interactions will likely be with their front-line customer service agents.

5.OVERALL EXPERIENCE & RECOMMENDATIONS: It's crucial to maintain meticulous records of all your interactions and communications throughout your engagement. This includes documenting conversations and any relevant details.

In addition to sharing your feedback and complaints on review websites, consider reporting your concerns to organizations like the Business Consumer Alliance and BBB.

If your experience involves clear instances of unethical practices, as mine did, it's advisable to report such valid complaints to relevant government agencies like the FTC and even the IRS, if applicable. Please ensure that your submissions are based on genuine grievances and unethical conduct. It's worth noting that numerous complaints with vague, generic responses from OTR have surfaced, and this issue should be addressed.

OTR operates in an arena where consumers are facing significant financial challenges, and it's imperative that their services are administered professionally and with the utmost care. Sadly, in my experience, the IRS provided more informative assistance than OTR did.

Loss:
$1388

User's recommendation: NOT WORTH IT! NOT A 'RELIEF' AT ALL

View full review
Anonymous
map-marker Orlando, Florida

Refund

Not good but was told it was your company policy. Wasnt given very much info except for that.xxxx

Thanks

User's recommendation: Can’t argue a company policy.

View full review
Dr. Onyeisi O
map-marker Santa Ana, California

IT'S A SCAM...DON'T DO IT!!!

AI Highlights
  • - Paid about $4,000 to Optima Tax Relief, including a $495 consult fee.
  • - No resolution was provided; debt continued to accrue with the IRS.
Updated by user Jul 13, 2024

It's been over 4yrs I contracted the service of this company and paid about $4k for their charge in total including a non-refundable consultation fee of $495, yet I got NO RESOLUTION like they had promised! I now owe the IRS more due to the daily interests being added on my initial debt.It's certainly not worth the try with Optima Tax Service; rather, I'll advise a person with issue to contact the IRS yourself and work out a payment plan.

Updated by user Jul 13, 2024

It's been over 4yrs I contracted the service of this company and paid about $4k for their charge in total including a non-refundable consultation fee of $495, yet I got NO RESOLUTION like they had promised! I now owe the IRS more due to the daily interests being added on my initial debt.It's certainly not worth the try with Optima Tax Service; rather, I'll advise a person with issue to contact the IRS yourself and work out a payment plan.

Original review Jun 13, 2024
I am a REAL PERSON, and not the other ghost or paid actors here who are giving 5 star reviews/ratings to this company; and you can reach out to me with my name on any of my social media handles (Facebook, Instagram, etc.,) for any questions or inquiries on this subject.
I certainly will not recommend Optima Tax Relief to anyone...for now I know that, taking this route with Optima Tax "deceit" was one of my BIGGEST MISTAKE in life!
This company has no business integrity or accountability; it is a COMPLETE WASTE OF TIME consulting this firm, consequently, the interest on your debt with the IRS will continue to grow...DON'T DO IT!!!
After over 4yrs I contracted the service of this company and paid about $4k for their charge in total including a non-refundable consultation fee of $495, yet I got NO RESOLUTION like they had promised! I now owe the IRS more due to the daily interests being added on my initial debt.
It's certainly not worth the try with Optima Tax Service; rather, I'll advise you contact the IRS yourself and work out a payment plan.
Loss:
$4000
Pros:
  • No reason to do this with this fraudulent company
Cons:
  • Do nothing but make your irs debt increase with wasted time

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: IT'S A SCAM...DON'T DO IT!!!

View full review
Bruce D Zhd

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Thank you for helping me

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full

They got back to me immediately, and solved the problem because of your company , thank you for all your help.

View full review
Anonymous
map-marker Casper, Wyoming

I hired them to help on my tax relief They wanted there money up front and have done absolutely nothing to help me. I would never use them

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full

They never got back to. When you call they call back 3 weeks later. They did nothing to help me but wanted there money

User's recommendation: Do not use them

View full review

Tax Expert Talks

New Tax Season: What Are The Key Changes?

New Tax Season: What Are The Key Changes?

How to file your taxes? What tax software to use? What’s changed in the tax law? To help you prepare for tax filing season, Pissed Consumer interviewed Jerry Zeigler. Watch his expert tips on tax preparation. Find out how to avoid tax filing mistakes, tax scams, and make the most value of your returns.

Read full article
Jerry Zeigler
Jerry Zeigler

Jerry Zeigler is an AFC, an Enrolled Agent, and SaverLife financial coach. He has been in the tax field since 2011.

Anonymous
map-marker Las Vegas, Nevada

DOCTOR@***.COM

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full

Probably the worst customer relations I have ever had the misfortune of dealing with. Totally unresponsive to customer needs!

User's recommendation: Don’t

View full review
Katie C Lel

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Crap people that sent us to finishline

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
Updated by user Apr 16, 2024

I haven't heard them anything from them

Updated by user Apr 03, 2024

No, I will deal with the IRS alone

Original review Apr 01, 2024

My husband heard their ad on the radio and they shoved us off to finishline cause we didn't meet their debt bracket. Finishline screwed up our IRS audit and kept our 1900.

Preferred solution: Apology

User's recommendation: Avoid it's a scam

View full review
Anonymous
map-marker Kannapolis, North Carolina

Processed payment with no resolution within 15 days

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
AI Highlights
  • - Johnston spoke Mar 1, 2024.
  • - Payment set up Mar 16; no contract.
  • - Mar 29 appointment text; refund denied Apr 1.
  • - Debt $9,000; min $10,000.

Spoke with Mr. Johnston on March 1,2024.

He sat up payment on the 16th of March. Called on the 21s. He stated it can take up to 10 days. I never signed any contract or paperwork or given any personal information.

On March 29th received a text for appointment I never scheduled. On the April 1st called to get a refund and was told the company could not. Also my debt is $9000 so why did he sign me up when the minimum is 10,000. Is this a scam?

Mr. J Premysler needs to be fired!

View full review

About

Summary

Optima Tax Relief is a company that specializes in providing a wide range of law and financial services. The company had been in business for 12 years and its corporate office is based in Santa Ana, CA. Optima Tax Relief is privately-owned and operated by Harry Langenberg and Jesse Stockwell. The list of company’s services includes tax liability investigation, resolution proposals, tax preparation and compliance, tax settlement and negotiation. Aside from consulting Optima Tax Relief offers a wide range of audit services. The company also provides some specific services like penalty abatement, collection appeal, wage garnishment release etc.

Optima Tax Relief reviews and complaints

Optima Tax Relief is ranked 24 out of 185 in Taxes category

Area Served

USA

Payment Methods

MasterCardVISA

Why Trust Reviews on PissedConsumer?

  • Professional auto and live moderation
  • 100% user-generated content
  • Equal opportunity and protection
  • Zero tolerance for fake reviews
  • Verified content
  • PissedConsumer is on the Inc. 5000 list

For more information read Blog article