Optima Tax Relief LLC

SUMMARY - Optima Tax's management has been in contact with the consumer and addressed their concerns accordingly.     RESPONSE - Optima Tax’s management has been in communication with the client so we may formally address their concerns as outlined in the complaint. Although we have...

various clients that reach out to Optima Tax with a resolution in place, at no point do we advise our clients to cease making their payments to the IRS. However, if there will be an additional balance for a tax year that is not already included in the clients resolution they are advised that it will default and a new resolution will need to be negotiated. In this particular case, the clients did have an additional tax year that had an unpaid balance, which resulted in their original Installment Agreement being defaulted.  As a result, Optima Tax was able to establish a new Agreement on their behalf which included this additional balance and will protect them from future enforcement actions being taken by the IRS.     Upon completing our review, the client inaccurately states the amount that was paid to Optima Tax. In fact, the amount that the client contractually agreed to pay and ultimately paid to Optima Tax is less than half of the amount that the client states in the complaint. In addition, in contrast to the client’s claims that Optima Tax did not do anything, it is Optima Tax’s belief that it has performed all of its obligations as outlined in the Agreement. Optima Tax provides each client with clear disclosures as to the services that it will perform in order to establish a clear expectation from our clients on what they can expect. At no point does Optima Tax use misrepresentations or fraud to induce clients to engage our services.   In regards to the client’s statement that we did not prepare his tax returns, it appears that Optima Tax was prepared to file the client’s tax return and requested the appropriate information from the client. Our records indicate that the client decided to prepare his own taxes. However, upon the client’s request, Optima Tax did review his tax return for him to ensure complete accuracy.   It’s unfortunate that the client feels as if Optima Tax did not service his case as outlined in the agreement. We fully respect his opinion but based off our review, his case had been worked as outlined in the agreement. His assigned team worked towards the best resolution possible given his financial circumstances and based off the IRS guidelines. Although the client had the ability to contact the IRS on his own to work out an arrangement, the fact of the matter is, he hired Optima Tax to perform the services on his behalf, which it successfully completed. We are pleased to say that we were able to come to a mutual resolve with the consumer.   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. Optima Tax believes it has addressed the client's concerns appropriately and considers the matter closed. Please do not hesitate to contact Optima Tax with any questions. Thank you.

I paid over $6500.00 to Optima Tax Relief, well over two years ago, and still they cant cant tell me how much I owe,and when they will be finished with my case. I've had four different case managers. When I called to speak with my current manager she would never call me back, after being told she would call me back within 24 hrs.. I had to call the IRS myself to obtain tax information for them ( Optima Tax )...Also while speaking with a friendly IRS agent, she told me she sees it all the time from Optima, in fact the IRS had requested info from them, and still hadn't received it for mos. and gave them a certain deadline....We are supposed to believe we are valued clients, instead I do not feel at ease at all. Very unorganized ....And very concerned...

SUMMARY -
Optima Tax's management has
contacted the client and this matter is resolved. Ms. [redacted] has indicated that
she is...

pleased with Optima Tax with regards to her refund inquiry.
 
RESPONSE -
Optima Tax’s Management made contact
with the client regarding her concerns upon receiving the RevDex.com notification. Optima Tax’s program is broken down into two phases, an
Investigation Phase and the Resolution Phase. Optima Tax not only conducted a
thorough investigation on the client’s case but was also able to successfully achieve
the resolutions that were presented to her. Unfortunately, and as the client
indicated in her posting, she experienced some frustrations with the program,
which we were disappointed to hear about. However, after discussing the case in
detail with Ms. [redacted] she confirmed that she is 100% satisfied with the end
result of her resolution as well as being satisfied that her complaint to the
Revdex.com was acknowledged by the Company.
 
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. Optima Tax believes it has addressed the client's
concerns appropriately and considers the matter closed. Please do not hesitate
to contact Optima Tax with any questions. Thank you.

At no point did the client inform Optima Tax that he felt his tax returns were filed incorrectly. Furthermore, we filed the returns based off the information obtained from the client. Each tax return that we file is given to the client for review and signature. If there are any discrepancies the client has to right to point them out so we may correct the tax returns if applicable. Whether the client hired Optima Tax or worked with the IRS directly, interest and potential penalties will continue to accrue until the balance is paid in full. Additionally, the client’s first payment towards his resolution was due March 28, 2017. As long as the client upholds his end of the agreement the balance will start to decease. Optima Tax stands by the resolution we established on behalf of the client given the client current personal and financial situation.

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.OTR made the promise t b at it could release the the levy immediately  before I signed with them then lied. I asked for the refund within the refund period so they are not trying to work with me.  I also received correspondence from them statting they are not obligated to give refunds.  My refund should be granted based on a breach of contract...I recorded Mr. [redacted] TELLING ME THAT OTR COULD GET IMMEDIATERELEASE OF THE TAX LEVY UPON PAYMENT TO OTR.  THIS WAS NOT DONE
Regards,
[redacted]

Revdex.com:I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.Regards,[redacted] At no time was I informed that this company would not be able to help me reduce my tax debt!  If they had been honest and told me the best possible outcome for my situation would be for them to negotiate a payment plan and file my taxes,  I would HAVE NEVER AGREED TO PAY THEM $2,000.00!  When they ask their customers "do they understand", the information which they're making reference to is very general and could cover many situations!  I imagined these people to operate this business in integrity and truth which they have absolutely no concept of! They knew they could not help me in my situation but continued to mislead and scam me for $2,000.00!  They chose to be deceitful over making a profit.  "Optima Tax Grief" is a scam and the public will find out about them!  This resolution is unacceptable!  They said I qualified for their program when they knew early on I would not benefit from their services!!!  They lied to me and they manipulated me!Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
Regards,
[redacted]

SUMMARY -
Optima Tax's management contacted the client to discuss the allegations
outlined in...

his complaint and we hope to reach a mutually acceptable agreement
soon.
 
RESPONSE
-
Optima Tax’s management contacted the client to address his
concerns as outlined in the complaint. In his complaint, the client claims that
he was not informed about Optima Tax’s
secondary retainer upon completion of our Investigation Phase. Per the signed
agreement and a voice recorded Verification Call, the client agreed to all terms
and disclosures, including his understanding that there would be a secondary
retainer. Optima Tax offered to provide
the client with a copy of his agreement, in addition to a copy of the
Verification Call for his review but he has yet to respond. In light of such,
we took the initiative and emailed him a copy for his review. This information
can also be provided to the Revdex.com upon request.  
 
The
client also takes issues with the ways in which Optima
Tax had submitted an Offer in Compromise (“OIC”) to the
IRS.  An OIC was offered as an option
with a mutual understanding that it is the IRS that makes the ultimate decision
whether to accept or deny.  Although the
OIC was denied in this case, what is more important is that Optima Tax nevertheless produced a positive result
for the client - the assigned team of tax professionals diligently worked on his
case and successfully obtained a Non-Collectable status (despite the difficulty
relating to client’s financial status, which may have prevented him to obtain a
Non-Collectable status in the first place). In light of such, we have offered
what we feel is more than a reasonable resolution and we are waiting for his
response. We advised him that all lines of communication are still open so we
may resolve this matter mutually and amicably.
 
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. Optima Tax
believes it has addressed the client's concerns appropriately and considers the
matter closed. Please do not hesitate to contact Optima
Tax with any questions. Thank you.

I was quite skeptical about working with Optima Tax because I had never done anything like this before. However, I was in a pickle and needed help so my faith that could help prevailed. They were very up front about costs and explaining the process. They kept in touch with me throughout every step, reassuring me that they were working on my case and getting it resolved. In the end I was amazed at what they accomplished. My $10,000 IRS debt was resolved with $100. I couldn't be more pleased and wow...what a weight that's been lifted off my shoulders and the peace of mind I know have that this is no longer a stressful issue in my life. Thank you!!

Excellent, professional company. I would refer them to anyone.

SUMMARY -
Optima
Tax's management had been in...

contact with the client prior to receiving the
complaint and we have come to a mutual resolve.
RESPONSE
-
Optima Tax’s management had already presented the client with a
reasonable resolution prior to receiving the complaint. As the client stated in
his complaint, Optima’s services are separated into a two phase approach,
Investigation and Resolution. As outlined in our Client Services Agreement, the
client engaged Optima to perform an investigation of his tax liability. After
we completed a thorough investigation, we presented him with our findings and
the proposed services that we could provide in our second phase, the resolution
phase. Those services in no way indicated a guaranteed reduction in his
liability. Optima makes it a top priority to ensure that reasonable
expectations are set with all of our clients and inform the client that we do
not make any promises or guarantees in regards to a specific outcome. The
balance in question remained the same from the time the client initially
contacted Optima Tax. Furthermore, as explained to the client, interest and
penalties will continue to accrue until the balance is paid in full.
When our
Closing Department reached out to the client on January 22, 2016 we had informed
him that Optima successfully resolved his case and we went over the services
provided. The completed services were inline with the Resolution Addendum
Agreement executed on February 5, 2015. The Resolution Addendum Agreement
clearly and definitively explains all services to be rendered by Optima. Additionally,
we explained to the client that if the client had certain documentation he
could provide to Optima to submit to the IRS this would strengthen his case and
he could have received a substantial reduction. However, because the client was
unable to locate this documentation we had no choice but to accept what the IRS
was reporting.
It’s
regrettable that the client is not satisfied with the end result of his case.
Although we strategize to reduce our client’s liability, ultimately the IRS has
the final say. Ultimately, Optima Tax has fully represented the client as promised
in the agreement the client entered into with Optima. After all work was
completed on behalf of the client he was presented with an option that he
accepted to his satisfaction. The resolution obtained by Optima on behalf of
the client  will prevent the IRS from
taking any enforcement action against the client.
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. Optima Tax
believes it has addressed the client's concerns appropriately and considers the
matter closed. Please do not hesitate to contact Optima Tax with any questions.
Thank you.

SUMMARY - Optima Tax's management had already addressed the client’s concerns listed in his rebuttal in our initial response, however we are happy to further clarify here. RESPONSE - Optima Tax management's initial response to the complaint was clear, accurate and precise. Contrary to the client's claim,  at no point did we fail to file his 2014 tax return. In fact, due to filing the 2014 return that included an outstanding balance, this is the only reason why his Installment Agreement amount increased. We have made it very clear to the client that Optima Tax had no influence on the increase of his payment plan and the decision to increase his payment amount is strictly up to the IRS. The IRS has certain protocols in place that we cannot override nor ignore. The client was thoroughly educated as to why his payment increased but he refuses to accept the facts of his case. Furthermore, and as the client stated, he was previously set up on an Installment Agreement for with the IRS that he negotiated prior to contacting Optima Tax Relief. When the IRS accepts any agreement there are certain stipulations that the tax payer must follow to ensure the agreement stays in tack. Part of that agreement is the tax payer must file their tax returns on time and pay any outstanding balances or the agreement will become null and void. Since the client had a balance for 2014 his original agreement was cancelled and Optima Tax established and negotiated the current agreement that is in place on his behalf. To provide further reassurance and proof to the client we provided the client with the name and employee ID number of the IRS agent we were woking with on behalf of the client. To claim that we did not provide this information is another inaccurate statement. Additionally, the client breached the agreement in June of 2015 that unfortunately caused a long term delay on his case. Once we resolved the matter in October of 2015, Optima Tax began working his case as outlined in the agreement. Once the client reached back out to Optima Tax after his unfortunate health issues, he requested that we continue servicing his case. We presented him an option regarding his resolution that the client accepted. We are also pleased to say that we were able to reduce the client’s liability as well. Optima Tax is happy to address any further questions or concerns that may arise regarding this matter.

Although the client failed to make timely payment to Optima Tax, this in no way affected the tax resolution that Optima Tax had previously established for the client. Therefore, the client’s suggestion that Optima Tax mishandled the client’s case because of the missed payment is unfounded.   As...

stated in our initial response, Optima Tax successfully negotiated a favorable payment arrangement of $175.00 on behalf of the client. Unfortunately the client failed to make manual payments to the IRS, as instructed by Optima Tax, in order to comply with the agreement and before the direct debit took place. In turn, this put the arrangement in default status. The client was given both verbal and written instructions on how to make manual payments until the direct debit was processed by the IRS.   Each client that is set up on a direct debit payment arrangement must make 3-4 manual payments before the electronic debit is processed by the IRS. The IRS’s processing of the direct debit does not happen within a month or two as the client indicated in their complaint.   As stated in our previous response, once the client informed us that their direct debit did not take place, we established communication with the IRS and reinstated the payment arrangement on their behalf in October 2016. Although at a slightly higher amount, we did this as a courtesy even though Optima Tax finalized their case March 28, 2016.

Without the radio commercial I did not know whom to approach with my tax audit problem from the IRS. I owed more than $25,000 for two audit years 2012 and 2013. When Optima Tax Relief designed the installment agreement based on my potential or ability to pay, I felt a relief. Then one more good news happened, when Optima said I am qualified for the Offer in Compromise, I felt more relieved. This is my favorite part of the resolution. Optima Tax Relief have assigned me different case managers and tax professionals as my case progresses to the different resolution stages. And lastly, to make sure that I would not make any more errors, Optima Tax Relief prepared and filed my 2015 Taxes with no extra charge.

I am and was a client with optima tax and I am and was very, very pleased with the attorneys friendliness and most of all the professionalism I was given. any questions I may have had were answered in 24 hours or less, most of time less. I have and will in the future refer anyone to optima tax relief! I MUST say the TEAM that works closely with the attorneys are friendly and professional and fun. They make a bad day GOOD!!!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!! OPTIMA TAX.

There is only one word to describe the service they provided, "UNBELIEVABLE." I'm lost for words. They did it, where other companies have failed. Furthermore, all their staff members who helped are very professional, compassionate, and respectful. I will definitely refer them to anyone, that needed this type of service.

I had over $20,000.00 hanging over my head from the IRS I had no idea what I was going to do but then my daughter-in-law told me about Optima Tax Relief. I contacted them I just couldn't believe everything that they were saying but I took a chance anyway and I am glad I did. Optima Tax Relief saved me over $19,000 I only have to pay IRS $500.00 that is amazing to me. I can't thank Optima enough for what they did for me. Saying thank you is just not enough. Thank you thank you thank you Optima Tax Relief

SUMMARY - Optima Tax's management has been in contact to address their concerns prior to receiving the complaint   RESPONSE - Optima Tax’s management has established communication with the client to formally address their concerns as outlined in the complaint. As the client stated, they hired...

Optima Tax Relief to represent them before the IRS. The client did provide authorization to discuss her case with a 3rd party. The assigned agents attempted to establish communication with the 3rd party via email and by phone. After thoroughly reviewing the client’s case, we determined that Optima Tax took the appropriate steps to communicate with the 3rd party, but the 3rd party representative was not responsive.   Based off our review, communication has been consistent and coincides with the Client Services Agreement. We show multiple calls with the client as well as multiple emails to obtain supporting documentation. Unfortunately, after the client made their initial down payment they failed to make the required payments in accordance with the Service Agreement. Therefore, the client’s case was put on hold while we tried to communicate with the client in order to process the payments. When attempting to resolve the payment hold, the client expressed concerns over communication which we have addressed.   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. Optima Tax believes it has addressed the client's concerns and we are working with the client to come to a final resolve. Please do not hesitate to contact Optima Tax with any questions. Thank you.

Contrary to the client’s statement, it is clear he was fully aware that Optima Tax would only investigate the Federal matter and not the State matter. The client went through a recorded voice Verification Call on or around May 11, 2015 that addresses all legal disclosures, including services to be provided and fees to be paid. Each legal disclosure requires an affirmative yes answer from the client in order to move forward to the next question and continue with the call. If at any point the client does not understand the services to be provided or if they have any questions then the call immediately stops and we cease moving forward until the client expresses their full understanding. If the client still does not understand and continues to have questions then the call stops and services cease at this point. During client's verification call he was informed that Optima Tax would be working on his Federal liability only and client acknowledged that he understood. Furthermore, the Resolution Agreement that was signed by the client on June 24, 2015 also stipulates that Optima Tax will work his Federal liability only. We strive to always be extremely thorough regarding the legal disclosures to ensure that there is no confusion regarding the services Optima Tax will provide to our clients.

I would recommend Optima Tax, and I am very happy I choose to work with them. I had tried to resolve my tax problems on my own, which was a complete waste of time, mean while my late fees and interest were just getting higher and higher and I was extremely frustrated. Optima Tax took over my case and with in 6 months everything was resolved, with me only having to pay a final settlement of $50, this was well worth it based on the years I owed and their fee.

Given the client’s schedule it is difficult to establish communication to ultimately come to a mutual resolve. However, and as stated in our initial response, Optima Tax successfully resolved the client’s case with the IRS. We are attempting to either accommodate the client’s schedule or have the case reassigned as a whole so we may establish a solid line of communication in order to address the client’s concerns.  Once Optima Tax negotiated the terms of the Installment Agreement, an IRS document is required to be signed and returned in order to finalize the agreement. The IRS document that we’re referring to is a 433-D, which is a direct debit Installment Agreement form. That 433-D was faxed to the IRS on or about March 14, 2016. Prior to the direct debit taking place the client must mail in their payment until they receive confirmation that the direct debit has been initiated. We have a fax confirmation number on file which demonstrates that the IRS had received this form.  If the statement in the client’s second response is true, it is likely that the client has not mailed in their manual payments as instructed in an email dated for March 9, 2016. Moreover, if the IRS claims that the agreement has not been finalized we’re more than happy to reach out to the IRS on behalf of the client. However, as the client stated in the initial complaint, they have been paying the agreed upon Installment Agreement amount. Therefore, this supports our position that we successfully established a resolution of the client’s case with the IRS.  Not only does Optima Tax make it a habit of keeping the client informed as to the fact that penalties and interest will continue to accrue until the balance is paid in full, but we fully assess whether the client qualifies for the limited number of options the IRS offers to abate penalties. The only way to “stop the bleeding” is to pay the balance in full or qualify for one of the limited options available from the IRS. Unfortunately, after our thorough review of the client’s case, it was determined that the client did not qualify for penalty abatement. Prior to signing up for our Resolution Services, the client was well informed of the services Optima Tax will provide. Moreover, the client was informed that penalties and interest continues to accrue until the balance is paid in full. Therefore, if the client was willing to pay off the full balance as is claimed in the response, then the client had that option. However, most client’s are not in a position to pay the balance in full and or do not have the capabilities to deal with the IRS on their own which is why the client contracted with Optima Tax for services.