Optima Tax Relief Review 2025: Is It Legit and Worth It?

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Our take: Optima Tax Relief is one of the most recognized names in the tax resolution space, offering full-service help from CPAs, tax attorneys, and enrolled agents. It’s a solid option if you owe at least $10,000 in tax debt and want hands-on support. However, it lacks the transparency and guarantees offered by some of our picks for the best tax relief companies.

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Tax Relief Services

• Free initial consultation
• Full-service team with CPAs and tax attorneys
• Help with both IRS and state tax issues
• Ongoing protection plans (Optima Tax Shield™)
• 15-day money-back guarantee for the investigation phase

• $10,000 minimum tax debt to qualify
• $295 upfront investigation fee
• No listed average costs
• Mixed customer reviews on BBB
• Protection plans add monthly fees ($29.99 – $69.99)

Table of Contents

1. What is Optima Tax Relief?
   1. Company background
   2. Who is it best for?
2. How it works
3. Services
   1. Tax consultation and preparation
   2. Tax resolution services
   3. Tax negotiation and settlement
   4. Optima Tax Shield™
4. Costs
   1. Discovery phase fee
   2. Ongoing service fees
5. Is it legit?
   1. Customer reviews
   2. Accreditations and professional affiliations
   3. Complaints and lawsuits
   4. Is it a scam?
6. Pros and cons
7. Alternatives
   1. vs. Anthem Tax Services
   2. vs. Larson Tax Relief
   3. vs. TaxRise
8. FAQ

What is Optima Tax Relief?

Optima Tax Relief® is a tax resolution firm that helps individuals and businesses deal with federal and state tax debt. Founded in 2010, the company is headquartered in Santa Ana, California, and operates nationwide. It claims to have resolved more than $3 billion in tax liabilities for its clients.

Optima offers services like tax consultation, preparation, and resolution. Its team includes licensed professionals (tax attorneys, enrolled agents, and CPAs) who work with clients through a structured process. While it provides comprehensive help, you must owe at least $10,000 in tax debt to work directly with Optima.

It also offers a paid protection program called Optima Tax Shield™, designed to help clients stay compliant and avoid future tax problems.

Company background

Company name	Optima Tax Relief LLC
Year founded	2010
Headquarters	Santa Ana, CA
Availability	All 50 states + D.C. for federal tax help; most states for state tax issues
Min. tax debt	$10,000 (smaller debts may be referred to partners)
Free consultation?	Yes
Investigation fee	$295 (refundable within 15 days if dissatisfied)

Who is it best for?

Optima may be a good fit if:

• You owe at least $10,000 in back taxes to the IRS or your state
• You’re overwhelmed by tax debt or IRS collections
• You want professional help to explore relief options like Offer in Compromise or installment plans
• You prefer to avoid handling the IRS directly

On the other hand, if your tax debt is under $10,000 or you’re looking for a low-cost DIY option, there may be better-suited alternatives.

And before settling on a tax relief company, we recommend consulting with at least three of the best tax relief firms to ensure a good fit.

How Optima Tax Relief works

Optima Tax Relief uses a structured, three-phase process designed to evaluate your situation, stop IRS collections, and resolve your tax debt. The process is handled by Optima’s in-house team, which includes CPAs, enrolled agents, and tax attorneys.

Step 1: Free consultation

Your journey with Optima starts with a free, no-obligation consultation. A tax professional will:

• Review your tax situation
• Explain your relief options (such as payment plans, penalty abatement, or an Offer in Compromise)
• Determine whether Optima can help

If you decide to move forward, you’ll pay a $295 investigation fee, which is refundable within the first 15 days if you’re not satisfied.

Step 2: Investigation phase

During this phase, Optima:

• Communicates with the IRS to pause collection efforts like wage garnishments
• Reviews your tax history and financials
• Recommends a strategy based on your eligibility

This phase may result in recommendations like:

• Currently Not Collectible status
• IRS installment agreement
• Innocent spouse relief
• State tax relief options
• Penalty abatement

At the end of this phase, you’ll get a clearer picture of what resolution options are realistic and what it might cost.

Step 3: Resolution and execution

Once you approve a plan, Optima moves into the resolution phase. Its team handles everything from:

• Filing unfiled tax returns
• Negotiating with the IRS
• Submitting Offer in Compromise paperwork
• Setting up installment plans
• Responding to IRS letters and deadlines

You’ll also have a dedicated case manager for updates and support throughout the process.

What services does Optima Tax Relief offer?

Optima Tax Relief provides a wide range of tax resolution and protection services for both individuals and businesses. These services are designed to help with everything from unfiled tax returns to IRS negotiations and state tax issues.

Tax consultation and preparation

• Tax consultation: Get help understanding your tax situation and what relief options are available.
• Tax preparation: Optima can file past-due and current-year tax returns to help you become compliant with the IRS and state authorities.

Tax resolution services

Optima offers support for resolving tax debt through several strategies, including:

• Audit representation: A licensed professional communicates with the IRS or state on your behalf during an audit.
• Wage garnishment relief: Optima works to stop or reduce wage garnishments from the IRS.
• Penalty abatement: The company can request removal or reduction of IRS penalties in qualifying cases.
• Innocent spouse relief: Helps clients avoid liability for tax debt caused by a spouse or ex-spouse.
• Unfiled tax returns: Optima prepares and files returns to bring you into compliance.
• State tax relief: Support for state-level tax issues in most U.S. states.
• Payroll tax relief: Designed for business owners with payroll-related tax debts.
• Statute of limitations review: Optima may evaluate whether certain debts are close to expiring legally.

Tax negotiation and settlement

Optima helps you explore available IRS and state settlement programs, including:

• Currently Not Collectible status: If you can prove financial hardship, collections may be paused.
• IRS installment plans: Structured monthly payment plans for paying off your tax debt over time.
• Offer in Compromise: A negotiated settlement to resolve your tax debt for less than you owe, if you qualify.

Optima Tax Shield™

Optima also offers a proactive tax protection plan for clients who want ongoing support, even after their tax issue is resolved. There are three tiers:

Plan	Monthly cost	Features
Standard	$29.99	Ongoing filing assistance, basic IRS support
Premium	$49.99	Adds audit defense, credit monitoring
Professional	$69.99	Includes identity protection and full IRS communication support

These plans are optional but may be helpful for clients who want long-term peace of mind.

How much does Optima Tax Relief cost?

Optima Tax Relief does not list fixed prices on its website because costs vary based on the complexity of your case. However, there are a few key fees and pricing details to be aware of:

Discovery phase fee

• $295 investigation fee: After your free consultation, you’ll pay this flat fee if you choose to move forward.
• Money-back guarantee: You have 15 days from payment to request a refund if you’re not satisfied.

This phase includes a full financial review, direct contact with the IRS, and a personalized resolution strategy.

Ongoing service fees

The full cost of tax resolution depends on several factors:

1. Amount of tax debt
2. Number of years involved
3. IRS or state programs needed
4. Whether business or individual taxes are involved

Optima does not publicly list average or maximum costs, but it’s common for full-service tax relief to range between $2,000 and $5,000+ depending on your case. Costs are disclosed after the investigation phase, and you’ll need to approve them before moving forward.

Is Optima Tax Relief legit?

Yes, Optima Tax Relief is a legitimate tax resolution company with a 15-year history and a large national client base. It has helped resolve more than $3 billion in tax debt and employs a team of licensed professionals, including CPAs, tax attorneys, and enrolled agents.

That said, no tax relief company is perfect. Optima’s reputation depends on where you look.

Customer reviews

Source	Customer rating	Number of reviews
Better Business Bureau (BBB)	3.98/5	1,616
Trustpilot	4.5/5	4,480

BBB highlights:

• Accredited since 2012
• “A” rating
• Hundreds of complaints resolved in the past year
• Most complaints focus on communication gaps or delays during the process

Trustpilot highlights:

• Many customers praise the professionalism of Optima’s team
• Positive reviews often mention feeling “relieved” and “taken care of”
• Negative reviews typically cite high costs or long processing times

Accreditations and professional affiliations

Optima Tax Relief is accredited by or affiliated with several organizations, including:

• BBB
• National Association of Enrolled Agents
• National Association of Tax Professionals
• Business Consumer Alliance
• IRS Continuing Education Provider

These affiliations suggest a commitment to professional standards and ongoing training.

Complaints and lawsuits

It’s important to note that tax relief services aren’t guaranteed, which can lead to frustration if expectations aren’t well-managed.

As of 2025, no major lawsuits or regulatory violations are publicly disclosed on Optima’s website.

The company has received complaints via the BBB and other platforms, mostly related to timelines, communication, and pricing clarity.

Is it a scam?

No, Optima Tax Relief is not a scam. It’s a real business with a physical headquarters, a track record of resolved cases, and thousands of online reviews.

However, tax relief services can be expensive and don’t always lead to reduced debt. That’s why transparency and expectation-setting are critical when deciding whether to move forward.

Pros and cons of Optima Tax Relief

Pros

• Full-service team

  Access to tax attorneys, enrolled agents, and CPAs for all tax resolution needs

• Wide range of services

  Includes audit representation, penalty abatement, currently not collectible status, innocent spouse relief, state tax relief, and more

• Dedicated case managers

  Personalized support throughout your case

• Optima Tax Shield plans

  Ongoing protection for filing assistance, audit defense, and credit monitoring

• Free initial consultation

  Learn your options before committing

Cons

• Minimum debt requirement

  Must owe at least $10,000 to qualify

• Upfront investigation fee

  $295 fee after the free consultation to proceed

• Limited cost transparency

  Final fees depend on case complexity and aren’t clearly listed upfront

• Tax Shield costs

  Ongoing protection plans add monthly expenses ($29.99 – $69.99 per month)

Alternatives to Optima Tax Relief

Optima Tax Relief is far from the only company dedicated to helping people solve tax issues with the IRS. If you have tax debt and want to compare your options, we have useful resources, including our picks for the best tax relief companies.

Optima vs. Anthem Tax Services

Anthem Tax Services may be a better fit if you want more cost transparency and protection upfront. It’s one of the few companies that offers a 100% money-back guarantee if it doesn’t reduce or rework your tax debt (excluding bookkeeping and prep).

• Anthem’s discovery phase costs more ($500 vs. Optima’s $295) but comes with a stronger satisfaction guarantee.
• Anthem is also well-rated across review platforms, often higher than Optima, and supports both individuals and businesses in all 50 states.
• Optima offers a broader service suite with Optima Tax Shield™, but without the same refund protections.

Optima vs. Larson Tax Relief

Larson Tax Relief offers the most generous free investigation phase. You won’t pay anything until after a full review of your IRS or state tax situation. It also includes a 15-day money-back guarantee, just like Optima.

• Larson doesn’t charge anything up front, while Optima charges $295 to begin investigation.
• Larson’s customer service reviews are strong and highlight its experienced staff and transparent communication.
• Optima has more branded tools and services (e.g., Optima Tax Shield™), but Larson wins on the depth of its free support.

Optima Tax Relief vs. TaxRise

TaxRise is ideal for people who don’t meet the $10,000 minimum required by Optima or Anthem. It accepts clients with as little as $5,000 in tax debt and has one of the largest customer bases among newer companies.

• TaxRise has resolved over $132 million in tax debt with a growing team and reputation.
• It offers a 100% resolution guarantee under certain conditions and doesn’t charge hidden fees.
• However, it’s less established than Optima, and its investigation fee is not clearly disclosed upfront.

FAQ

How long does the Optima Tax Relief process take?

Most cases take between four and 10 months, depending on the complexity. The initial consultation and investigation phase can take a few weeks, while resolution may take several months based on IRS responsiveness and the relief strategy chosen.

Can I get a refund if I’m not satisfied?

Yes, but only during the Investigation Phase. Optima offers a 15-day money-back guarantee after you pay the $295 fee. Once you move into the resolution phase, fees are no longer refundable.

Will working with Optima hurt my credit?

No. Tax relief services themselves don’t appear on your credit report, and the IRS no longer reports tax liens to credit bureaus. However, some lenders may still check public records, which could reveal tax issues even if they don’t affect your credit score directly.

How we rated Optima Tax Relief

We designed LendEDU’s editorial rating system to help readers find companies that offer the best tax relief services. Our system awards higher ratings to companies with affordable solutions, positive customer reviews, and online transparency of benefits and terms.

We compared Optima Tax Relief to several tax relief companies, using hundreds of data points from company websites, public disclosures, customer reviews, and direct communication with company representatives. We weighted, scored, and combined each factor to produce a final editorial rating. This rating is expressed on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score. Our take is represented in our rating, recapped below.

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