We might earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of the links. The McClatchy Commerce Content team, which is independent from our newsroom, oversees this content.

Home » Optima Tax Relief

Optima Tax Relief

Tax Relief and Preparation Solutions

Optima helps you get relief from the IRS and state tax authorities in three easy steps.

Allison Martin

Written by  Allison Martin   Banks

Tracy Yochum

Edited by  Tracy Yochum   McClatchy Commerce

Published on February 19, 2024. Updated July 14, 2025

6 min. read

Year Established

Headquarters

Availability

2011

Santa Ana, CA

All 50 states

Year Established

2011

Headquarters

Santa Ana, CA

Availability

All 50 states

Details

Tax debt resolved

Over $3 billion

Services

Tax relief, tax consultation, tax preparation, tax settlement, tax resolution

Optima protection plans

Basic, standard, professional

Team members

Tax attorneys, CPAs, Enrolled Agents

BBB-rating

A+

Customer support

Phone or email

As a well-recognized firm in the tax resolution industry, Optima has carved out a reputation for providing relief and guidance to individuals and businesses overwhelmed with tax issues. You can also patronize its services to handle your tax preparation needs.

About Optima Tax Relief

Founded in 2011, Optima Tax Relief has established itself as a leading tax resolution firm in the United States. With a mission to deliver comprehensive tax relief services, Optima has garnered recognition for its dedication to helping clients navigate the treacherous waters of tax debt and disputes.

The company boasts a team of seasoned tax professionals, including tax attorneys, CPAs, and Enrolled Agents, all working together to provide a broad spectrum of tax-related services. From negotiating with the IRS to setting up payment plans and offering tax preparation assistance, Optima Tax Relief prides itself on its client-centric approach, transparency and ethical practices, as evidenced by its numerous accreditations and positive customer feedback.

Optima is a Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited entity with an A+ rating. It’s also an IRS-approved continuing education provider and a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents and Business Consumer Alliance.

What Services Does Optima Tax Relief Provide?

Optima Tax Relief offers various services, from tax consultation and preparation to relief and settlement solutions.

Tax Relief

Optima Tax Relief specializes in a range of tax relief services designed to help individuals and businesses tackle various tax issues with the IRS and state tax authorities. These services are tailored to assist with tax debts, wage garnishments, tax liens and bank levies. The team works to negotiate with tax agencies to potentially reduce the amount of tax debt owed, remove penalties and interest, or create a more manageable payment plan.

Tax Consultation

The first step in addressing any tax issue is understanding the specifics of the problem, which is where Optima Tax Relief’s free tax consultation comes in. During this consultation, a tax professional will review your tax history, current tax liabilities, and any notices or letters received from tax agencies. This assessment helps the team to give informed advice on the best course of action.

Tax Preparation

Proper tax preparation is essential for staying in compliance with the IRS and state tax authorities. Optima Tax Relief provides tax preparation services to ensure tax returns are accurate and timely filed. This service is beneficial for those who have previously encountered issues with their taxes, as it can prevent future problems.

Tax Settlement

In situations where clients owe more in taxes than they can afford to pay, Optima Tax Relief can assist with tax settlement. This may involve negotiating with the IRS to accept an Offer in Compromise, which settles the client’s tax liabilities for less than the full amount owed. Another option could be arranging an installment agreement that allows the client to pay off their tax debt over time in smaller, more manageable payments. The aim of tax settlement is to reach an agreement that resolves the client’s tax debt while also considering their ability to pay.

Optima Protection Plans

The firm offers three protection plans to choose from:

  • Basic Plan: This plan is suitable for individuals with simple tax situations who feel confident in filing their taxes without professional assistance. It provides a basic level of IRS protection at an affordable cost. Optima’s Basic Plan is priced at $14.99 per month.
  • Standard Plan: It offers a middle ground between the Basic and Professional plans in terms of protection and services, providing assistance to consumers with common tax filings and tax preparation services at just $29.99 per month.
  • Professional Plan: The Professional Plan is designed for those with more complex tax filings or those who desire a higher level of tax protection and assistance. It includes all the services offered in the Basic and Standard plans, along with premium features that include more in-depth tax monitoring, representation, or consultation services. Optima’s Professional Protection Plan is tailored to fit the needs of those seeking the most comprehensive tax protection services available from the firm.

The Optima Tax Relief Process

Initial Consultation and Investigation

Your journey with Optima Tax Relief begins with a confidential consultation. It’s free, and there’s no obligation to move forward if the proposed solutions don’t work for you.

But if you decide Optima Tax Relief is the right fit, the team will take the next steps to protect your finances while further analyzing your situation to determine the most ideal resolution options. They will also initiate communication with the IRS on your behalf.

Resolution and Settlement

During this phase, the team will communicate what’s needed from you to comply with the IRS. Assuming you do your part and stick to the plan, your back taxes will eventually be resolved, and Optima will close your case.

Advantages of Optima Tax Relief

  • Reputable and Established: Optima Tax Relief has a long track record and a strong reputation in the tax relief industry, which can provide clients with a sense of trust and reliability.
  • Nationwide Availability: Services are available nationwide, making it possible for people across the United States to access their tax relief services.
  • Free Consultation: It offers a free consultation to help potential clients understand their tax situation and how Optima can assist them before any financial commitment is made.
  • Resolution of Tax Debt: Optima has resolved over $1 billion in tax debt for clients, indicating a strong track record of helping people settle their tax liabilities.
  • Comprehensive Services: Optima offers a wide range of services, including tax negotiation and settlement, tax preparation, and tax consultation, which can be beneficial for clients with various tax issues.
  • Experienced Team: The firm employs tax attorneys, enrolled agents, and CPAs, providing a wealth of expertise and experience in dealing with tax matters.
  • Customer Service: Many reviews highlight Optima’s customer service, with clients often praising the firm for its communication and support throughout the tax resolution process.
  • Educational Resources: Optima Tax Relief provides educational resources and guidance that can help clients understand their tax situations and how to avoid future tax problems.

Disadvantages of Optima Tax Relief

  • High Minimum Tax Debt Requirement: Optima Tax Relief generally does not take on cases where the client owes less than $10,000 to the IRS.
  • No Guaranteed Outcome: As with any tax relief service, there is no guarantee that Optima will be able to reduce or eliminate your tax debt, and the outcome can vary widely based on individual circumstances.
  • Potential for Additional Stress: Engaging in tax resolution services can be a lengthy and stressful process, and some clients may find the additional communication and documentation requirements burdensome.
  • Mixed Reviews: While there are many positive reviews, some clients have reported dissatisfaction with the services received or the outcomes achieved, which points to a variance in client experiences.
  • Cost Transparency: Some clients have expressed concerns about the transparency of Optima’s pricing and fee structure, which may not be fully clear until after the initial consultation.

How Much Do Optima Tax Relief Services Cost?

The cost of Optima Tax Relief services varies depending on the complexity and specifics of a client’s tax issues. Based on the information available:

  • Initial Fees: There is an initial fee that clients must pay when they decide to utilize Optima’s services. This fee can be around $295 or more.
  • Overall Costs: Customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau report that the total fees for Optima’s services typically range from $1,000 to $5,000. However, some cases could potentially be more expensive, with costs going up to $5,000 or more, depending on the specifics of the case.

It is important to note that these costs can vary widely based on individual circumstances. Therefore, it’s recommended to get a personalized quote directly from Optima Tax Relief after they have assessed your tax situation during the initial consultation.

Optima Tax Relief Customer Service

Customer support is accessible by phone or email. Representatives are available Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. PST to assist.

Is Optima Tax Relief Worth It?

Optima Tax Relief is best suited for individuals or businesses facing significant tax debt or complicated tax issues that require professional assistance. Here are some scenarios where Optima might be a good fit:

  • High Tax Debt: Those who owe $10,000 or more in tax debt may benefit from Optima’s services, as they typically handle larger tax debt cases.
  • Complex Tax Situations: Individuals with complicated tax issues, such as wage garnishments, tax liens, or levies, may find Optima’s expertise particularly valuable.
  • Unfiled Tax Returns: If you have several years of unfiled tax returns, Optima can help you comply with the IRS by preparing and filing these returns.
  • IRS Negotiations: Taxpayers who need professional representation during IRS negotiations, including those seeking an Offer in Compromise or setting up an installment agreement, could benefit from Optima’s negotiation experience.
  • Audit Representation: Those facing an IRS audit and requiring representation can utilize Optima’s services to navigate the audit process.
  • Tax Relief Education: Individuals looking for educational resources on tax relief options and how to manage their tax situation effectively might find Optima’s educational offerings useful.

However, Optima Tax Relief may not be the best fit for those with smaller tax debts, as the cost of their services may outweigh the benefits for those who owe less than their minimum threshold. Additionally, individuals comfortable with handling their own IRS negotiations or who can’t justify the service fees might consider alternative options, such as working directly with the IRS or seeking help from a local tax professional.

FAQs About Optima Tax Relief

How long does it typically take for Optima Tax Relief to resolve a tax issue?

The time it typically takes for Optima Tax Relief to resolve a tax issue varies depending on the complexity of the case and the specific tax issues involved. The process usually consists of several phases, including the initial investigation and financial analysis, communication with the IRS or state tax authorities and negotiating a resolution.

What qualifications do Optima Tax Relief’s tax professionals have?

Optima’s team comprises licensed tax attorneys, Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and Enrolled Agents (EAs).

How to Get Started with Optima Tax Relief

Reach out to Optima Tax Relief to schedule your free consultation. Call the toll-free number listed on the website or submit an online inquiry.

Allison Martin

Allison Martin

Author Banks

Allison Martin is a personal finance enthusiast and a passionate entrepreneur. With over a decade of experience, Allison has made a name for herself as a syndicated financial writer. Her articles are published in leading publications, like Banks.com, Bankrate, The Wall Street Journal, MSN Money, and Investopedia.

Advertisement Disclosure

Product names, logos, brands, and other trademarks featured or referred to in the Miami Herald are the property of their respective trademark holders. This site may be compensated through third-party advertisers. The offers that may appear on the Miami Herald's website are from companies from which the Miami Herald may receive compensation. This compensation may influence the selection, appearance, and order of appearance of the offers listed on the website. However, this compensation also facilitates the provision by the Miami Herald of certain services to you at no charge. The website does not include all financial services companies or all of their available product and service offerings.

×

Advertisement Disclosure

Product names, logos, brands, and other trademarks featured or referred to in the Miami Herald are the property of their respective trademark holders. This site may be compensated through third-party advertisers. The offers that may appear on the Miami Herald's website are from companies from which the Miami Herald may receive compensation. This compensation may influence the selection, appearance, and order of appearance of the offers listed on the website. However, this compensation also facilitates the provision by the Miami Herald of certain services to you at no charge. The website does not include all financial services companies or all of their available product and service offerings.

×