At a Glance
Rating Breakdown
Performance Overview
Scores out of 5, based on our editorial analysis
About Optima Tax Relief
Optima Tax Relief is the largest tax relief company in the United States by case volume, headquartered in Santa Ana, California. Founded in 2011, they have resolved over 75,000 IRS and state tax cases and employ 400-700 tax professionals including tax attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents. If you have seen a tax relief commercial on TV, there is a good chance it was Optima. Scale gives Optima two advantages. First, their tax professionals have collectively handled more IRS cases than any other firm, which means they have seen nearly every possible case scenario and know how the IRS responds to different approaches in different situations. Second, IRS Revenue Officers in many districts recognize Optima's power of attorney submissions, which can smooth initial case processing (though it does not affect settlement outcomes). The trade-off with scale is the client experience. Optima handles hundreds of active cases at any given time. You may go through a sales team, a case assessment team, and a resolution team — each transition requiring you to re-explain your situation. Reviews consistently praise the resolution outcomes while noting that the process can feel impersonal and communication gaps occur when cases are handed between teams. Fees run $3,500-$9,000+ for most cases.
Key Features
Largest Case Volume
75,000+ resolved cases gives them the deepest IRS pattern recognition in the industry. Whatever your situation, they have likely handled hundreds of cases just like it.
Full Professional Staff
Tax attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents — the largest professional team in tax relief. Your case gets matched to the right type of professional.
Tax Protection Plan
After resolution, Optima offers ongoing monitoring and protection services to prevent future tax issues. Includes annual tax review and audit representation.
BBB A+ Rating
A+ rating despite being the largest firm — maintaining quality at scale is not trivial, and the A+ suggests their processes work.
Expedited Levy/Garnishment Release
For clients under active IRS collection, Optima can request expedited release of levies and garnishments while working on long-term resolution.
How It Works
Free Consultation
A tax specialist reviews your situation and explains your options. No commitment required.
Investigation Phase
The team pulls IRS transcripts, reviews compliance history, and builds your case profile.
Resolution Plan
Your case manager presents a strategy with realistic expectations for outcome and timeline.
IRS Resolution
Tax professionals negotiate with the IRS on your behalf. They handle all paperwork, calls, and deadlines.
Ongoing Protection
Case resolves with an approved agreement. Optional Tax Protection Plan provides ongoing compliance support.
What They Do
- IRS Negotiation
- Offer in Compromise
- Installment Agreements
- Penalty Abatement
- Currently Not Collectible
- Wage Garnishment Release
- Tax Preparation
- State Tax Resolution
- Audit Defense
- Tax Protection Plan
Debt Types They Take On
- Federal Income Tax
- State Income Tax
- Payroll Tax
- Business Tax
- Back Taxes
- Tax Penalties
- Unfiled Returns
Fee & Cost Structure
Regulatory & Trust
Review Summary
Notable Case Studies
Offer in Compromise on $156,000 IRS Debt
Former business owner owed $156,000 in combined personal income tax and payroll tax debt. Business had closed 3 years prior. Client was employed at $62,000/year with a mortgage, two dependents, and no significant assets. IRS had filed federal tax liens on all property.
Six Years of Unfiled Returns with IRS Criminal Referral Risk
Client had not filed returns for 2017-2022 and had received a letter from IRS Criminal Investigation requesting an interview. Estimated total liability from substitute returns exceeded $200,000. Client was a high-income earner ($180,000/year) who had neglected filing due to a combination of mental health issues and avoidance behavior.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Largest tax relief firm with 75,000+ resolved cases — unmatched depth of IRS experience and pattern recognition
- BBB A+ rating at the industry's largest scale is a meaningful quality signal
- Full professional staff (attorneys, CPAs, EAs) can handle any case complexity from simple installment to criminal defense
- Tax Protection Plan provides ongoing compliance monitoring after resolution
- 8,500+ client reviews with 4.2+ average rating provides strong social proof
Cons
- Assembly-line feel — multiple team handoffs can result in communication gaps and clients re-explaining their situations
- Heavy TV advertising increases overhead, which is reflected in fees that are at or above industry average
- CFPB complaint count (35 in 3 years) is proportional to their volume but still meaningful in absolute numbers
- Sales team can be aggressive — high-pressure consultation calls are a common complaint in reviews
- $10,000 minimum tax debt excludes smaller cases
User Reviews (10)
OIC accepted at 12 cents
Owed $156k. OIC accepted at $18,700. That is 12 cents on the dollar. I know that is not typical but it happened. Optima's team knew exactly what the IRS would accept based on my finances. Took 11 months but absolutely worth it.
good results impersonal process
Results were great — $8k in penalties removed and a manageable payment plan. But I talked to 4 different people over 5 months. Every time I had to explain my situation again. Big company problems.
tax protection plan is worth it
After resolution I signed up for the Tax Protection Plan. $300/year. They filed my taxes, caught a deduction I would have missed ($4,200), and monitor my IRS account for any new issues. Worth it for the peace of mind alone.
saved me from criminal charges
Had not filed taxes in 6 years. Got a letter from IRS Criminal Investigation. Optima's attorney stepped in before I said anything to the IRS that could be used against me. Filed all returns, set up payment plan, criminal investigation closed. That attorney may have kept me out of prison.
ok
ok results. penalty abatement worked.
best in the business
Best in the business.
got it done
Got it done.
sales call was aggressive
The consultation call felt more like a sales pitch than a professional assessment. "The IRS could levy you at any time" and "spots are limited." Classic high-pressure tactics. I enrolled despite the sales experience and the actual resolution team was much better. But the initial impression was not great.
expensive for a payment plan
Paid $5,800 to end up with an installment agreement. Could I have done that myself? Probably. But I was terrified of the IRS and wanted someone handling it. Expensive peace of mind. Would recommend for complex cases but for a simple payment plan you are probably overpaying.
would not take no for an answer
I called for a free consultation. The salesperson quoted me $7,200 and said the price was "only valid today." When I said I wanted to compare with other companies he called me back THREE TIMES over the next 48 hours with "updated pricing." This is not how a professional tax firm should operate. The resolution team may be great but I never got past the sales gauntlet. Lost my business permanently.
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Important Tax Relief Disclaimers
- Tax relief companies cannot guarantee specific outcomes with the IRS or state tax agencies. Results depend on your individual tax situation, compliance history, and the applicable tax laws.
- Tax relief services typically require upfront fees or retainer payments. These fees are separate from any taxes, penalties, or interest you owe to the IRS or state agencies.
- The IRS offers its own programs (installment agreements, offers in compromise, currently not collectible status) that you can apply for without hiring a tax relief company. The IRS does not charge application fees for most programs.
- An offer in compromise (OIC) is accepted by the IRS in approximately 30-40% of submissions. Tax relief companies that guarantee OIC acceptance are making claims they cannot support.
- Tax relief fees typically range from $3,000 to $10,000+ depending on the complexity of your case. Some companies charge investigation fees ($500-$2,000) before beginning resolution work.
- You have the right to represent yourself before the IRS. If you prefer professional representation, enrolled agents, CPAs, and tax attorneys are all authorized to represent taxpayers.
- Zogby does not provide tax relief services. We are an independent comparison service. We do not negotiate with the IRS or state tax agencies on your behalf.
This page is informational, not financial or legal advice. Talk to a qualified professional before making any big money decisions.
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