Optima Tax Relief LLC

SUMMARY -
Optima...

Tax's management has been in contact with the client and
we have come to a mutual resolve.
 
RESPONSE
-
Optima Tax’s management has been in communication with the
client to address his concerns as outlined in the complaint. As the client stated,
he initially contacted Optima Tax to address his tax liability. After we
concluded our Investigation, we presented the client with a formulated strategy
to resolve his tax liability and the client decided to sign up for our
Resolution Services thereafter.
 
Although
Optima Tax is extremely successful in negotiating a reduction of our client’s
liability, ultimately the IRS has to approve any reduction we attempt to
negotiate. This is explained to all of our clients as we ensure to be very
transparent regarding our services. The client completed a voice recorded
Verification Call that covered all disclosures, including the fact that any
reduction we seek to obtain on the client’s behalf must ultimately be accepted
by the Tax Authority. With each specific disclosure given, our clients must
acknowledge they fully understand the disclosure by saying yes before they are
able to move on to the next disclosure. After reviewing the Verification Call,
the client acknowledged they understood and accepted all legal disclosures.
Additionally, we do not advertise nor does our agreement stipulate that we can
reduce the accrued interest. We make it clear to our clients that until their
balance is paid in full, they will continue to accrue penalties and interest. Each
case, no matter the circumstances, will be fully evaluated to ensure that we
have taken every step possible to reduce our client’s liability.
 
It’s
unfortunate that the client feels as if we lost his paperwork and or stalling
on his case. What the client may perceive as us losing documents is actually
Optima Tax requesting updated documents. Optima Tax cannot determine the
client’s financial capabilities off three to four months worth of documents nor
can the IRS for that matter this is why we request a substantial amount of up
to date documents from the client. It’s important to understand our client’s financial
situation for negotiation purposes and to strengthen their case.
 
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 we consider
this matter closed. Please do not hesitate to contact Optima Tax with any
questions. Thank you.

In reference to a complaint (No. [redacted]), we have made
multiple attempts to reach the client, yet with no success. We will continue
our efforts to reach the client until the matter is resolved. Optima Tax will provide a closing response upon
contacting the client and/or once a resolution is...

made. Thank you.

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.As Optima Tax Relief has stated, they did call me on February 19th. They discussed what had been done this far in my case and I requested a written outline, which was never provided by Optima Tax Relief. Further more, I emailed with Tax Associate [redacted], and have an email where she states that the services were not completed and could not be completed without beginning Phase 2, which would cost me $1995.
When asked once again for the outline, I was prompted for payment and sent detailed instructions of how Optima Tax Relief accepts payment.  To this day, I have still not received the "outline" as requested almost 2 months ago.  Furthermore, when attempting to contact Executive Relations Specialist Alexandria Duarte, I have been sent to voicemail almost 15 times and have not received a response from her as far as the time stated in my last email that I am available for a phone conversation nor to my questions that I have regarding my account with Optima.
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.I spoke by telephone today with a specialist from Optima's Executive Relations Department in an attempt to secure a refund.
According to Optima's relations specialist, their contract provides that they are "in the right" even if they provide false information to their customer at the conclusion of the investigation phase. Their relations specialist confirmed that although the Optima case worker told me the IRS was undertaking collection activity against me, this was not true. He also confirmed that the $79,000 figure did not come from the IRS (as was stated by the Optima case worker), but was Optima's assessment of what I may owe in the future. In other words, the Optima case worker lied to me, presumably to get me to move forward with the next ($9000) phase of their services, even though the IRS had not yet assessed any amount due, nor had they commenced any collection activity against me.The relations specialist said that a full refund "is not going to happen", but stated he would forward my complaint to some board within the company who may or may not approve a partial refund because "Optima expended man-hours on this case".Optima admits that their employee provided false information about the results of my investigation (for which I paid $995), yet they refuse to provide a full refund for the product they did not provide.I await their further communication to see what "partial refund" they may or may not offer. 
Regards,
[redacted]

My experience with Optima Tax Relief was nothing less than outstanding. The staff were highly professional and dedicated to helping resolve my tax problem. It was as though I had an army of people working on my tax issue. In the end a settlement was made and it was $20,000 less than I owed. A special thanks to Gabriel who initial assisted me early in the process and to my case managers Nereida, Simone and a special thanks to Latda V. and assistant Tuyet N. for their fantastic work. I highly recommend Optima Tax Relief.

In September 2013 we found out that we were being audited by IRS because we used a shoddy tax preparer who said he could get us the maximum return. The audit went back 3 years and we ended up owing $37k. We were in shock! We went to local tax attorneys and they told us they couldn't help us. I saw an add from Optima Tax Relief and dig some research on them. Looked at customer reviews and gave them a call. It did take a long time, almost 2 years. The $3700 we paid them to work for us to get our tax down was well worth it. Our first offer in compromise was denied and they went back to the IRS and another offer was made and accepted. We couldn't be happier with the results. Thank you to all the staff for what you have done for us!!

I truly love Optima Tax they were able to help me and my husband.

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.
The information that Optima is not accurate. I asked for a new case manager and was not given one that was issued three weeks after beginning with them.
I also called Jason three times in one week no response.I also called Andy many times and no responseThey  did offer me a 2400.00 refund of the 6800.00 I paid them and that will not be accepted. I have connected media and attorney and I have to move there I am preparing to do so.  Also for 4 weeks I have requested my tax returns and all forms that I sent them to be returned and they have also refused to return MY property. They have 10 days to get me a full refund and my property are I will pull off all stops
Regards,
[redacted]

SUMMARY -'s management has been in contact with the client and have come to a mutual resolve.   RESPONSE -’s management has been in communication with the client to address his concerns as outlined in the complaint. As the client stated, he initially contacted Optima Tax to address his tax...

liability. After we concluded our first phase Investigation the client signed up for our second phase Resolution Services thereafter. As we do with all of our clients, we thoroughly analyze and determine what the client may or may not qualify for from a resolution standpoint based on their overall financial standing in correlation to their overall tax liability. When the client first enrolled onto the Resolution Phase, we performed a meticulous Audit Reconsideration analysis to determine if we could have potentially reversed the IRS’s findings as to his liability based on their Audit Examination Report. Client unfortunately was not able to provide any documents or substantiation to alter the outcome. We then began the process of preparing and filing client’s 2013-2014 Amended Tax Returns. Generally, any form of tax preparation and or filing compliance is required prior to negotiating any tangible or long term means of resolution with the IRS. Client had his 2015 Tax Return prepared and filed through his own accord and would have received a refund but this was taken by the IRS and applied to his overall outstanding liability. Although unfortunate that this was the case since client had been anticipating this refund, any and all refunds will be applied to one’s liability if still owed. It is unfortunate that client expressed that communication and or timely follow up was a primary issue for them because we have been diligent in our level of communication throughout this process and we have kept client reasonably informed as to the next steps and or the overall trajectory of his case. Client had also expressed concern as to the time frame involved and is of the notion that no tangible progress has been made on his file. While this process overall can be lengthy, we are at a point or stage in his case where a substantial amount of time and effort has been spent on client's file and that is why we are now at a point to determine if he is a candidate for a Hardship or Reduction program. Is so (based on his financials), we will move forward with a balance reduction submission. If not, we will work with the IRS to establish a feasible alternative on his behalf. After further explaining the situation to client, we are happy to announce that he has expressed a desire to continue with services and come to a mutual resolve on this matter. Both parties have set proper expectations and understand what is expected of them in order to avoid any future issues and ensure that client's file moves along in a timely fashion. At we strive to uphold the philosophy that "clients come first" and all of our representatives go tough 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. believes it has addressed the client's concerns appropriately and we consider this matter closed. Please do not hesitate to contact Optima Tax with any questions. Thank you.

Optima tax was wonderful. They were very caring kept me informed every step of the way. It took some time, and, they stayed positive and kind the whole time. Everyone was always helpful and I gave them everything they asked for. I have had a huge weight lifted off me, being a single mom, and being very sick these lasr two years. Thanks Optima for everything. I highly recommend Optima Tax Relief.

Optima was essential and did a great job helping my significant other with his tax debt...he had a stroke in 2013, on ss disability, limited funds, and Optima really stepped up to the plate....made it very easy thru the entire process...it was well worth the $3000 to save him over $25,000 in debt...THANK YOU OPTIMA for all your help

I was at a dilemma with the IRS. My worst fears were haunting me, and I had no where to turn. I stumbled upon Optima Tax Relief by a stroke of luck. I was driving, going about my day, when I heard a commercial for Optima Tax Relief. I had been scammed by one of these so-called tax mediators in the past. I was taken for over $4K!! So I was a little hesitant, a little in disbelief, but something sparked my faith. So I made the call to the 1-800 number and took the first step.
I spoke to very nice representative named [redacted], Senior Tax Consultant. She was very receptive of my call, very professional, extremely informative. Her demeanor raised my confidence that Optima Tax Relief was an organization that could help me with my tax problem. After making arrangements to proceed with the application process, we marched forward which relieved me of my stress and worries.
I am so pleased at the outcome of my case. All of the people, especially [redacted], Case Manager, were very professional and extremely proactive in working my case. I am a true testament to the legitimacy of what Optima Tax Relief can do for individuals who are in the situation that I was. I would highly recommend Optima Tax Relief to anyone in need of help.
Stephen C.

Optima Tax's management has made multiple and sincere attempts
to contact the client to discuss their concerns as outlined in the complaint.
However, it is regrettable that after the client submitted their rebuttal to
our initial response, we unfortunately have not received any further response
from the client, despite our attempts to discuss a mutual resolution. We
understand that the client has made certain accusations in their rebuttal to
our initial response, and although we respectfully do not agree with the
claims, our priority is making sure that clients are satisfied with our service.
Therefore, we remain willing to discuss the client’s claims in detail in order
to have a better understanding of their position and provide a mutually
acceptable resolution. We hope to hear from the client for further discussion
in an effort to remedy any dissatisfaction they may have had with our service.   
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
will continue its efforts in resolving this unfortunate dispute until a
resolution is met. However, we would appreciate some feedback or response from
the clients in order to resolve this dispute. We are confident and hopeful that
if the client responds to our attempts to contact them that we will be able to
come to a mutual resolution. Thank you.

SUMMARY - Optima Tax's management has looked into this consumer's complaint and fully resolved all issues raised by the consumer. RESPONSE - As the consumer stated, he did unsubscribe from receiving email marketing pieces from Optima Tax offering services to the consumer. The consumer recently...

unsubscribed on April 27, 2016 and since then we have confirmed that they are taken off emailing lists and will no longer receive any further emails. It typically takes ten (10) days for the unsubscribe request to sync with the mailing databases to remove the email address and ensure the requesting party does not receive any further emails. We apologize for any inconvenience this situation may have caused the consumer and we are glad to have fully addressed their concerns and rectify the 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.
Please see my letter of response to the business response. I feel I have been taken advantage of when I first spoke the representative on my situation. I explained what steps I have taken and my conerns of my findings were not enough. Here is what I found on my own which I explained to the business’s representative:• Tax return years showing money owed• Amount of dollars owed per year• Not qualified for compromised amount• Worked out a payment plan on my own with IRSI called the business and spoke to them if there was more they can help me on after informing them the steps I have already taken. They told me they can but the cost is $995.00 to get started. I told the representative my concern is that I pay your business this cost and I end up having to pay the full amount owed plus their fee. I was given the impression the business would find more than what I have done on my own.June 7: After the payment of $955.00 was paid, I emailed the representative to ask their status 2 weeks after they sent the docs received email. The representative replied a day after stating they are in the investigation phase. I explained that I received an IRS letter stating I am late on my payment. The representative said they should have results in two weeks.I received a missed call from the assistant due to work reason on June 30th 2016 and an email stating they were wanting to schedule a phone appointment to go over results. I could not return the call but emailed the assistant if this is something I can write down or call as soos as I am off work. I called, twcice I believe, but there was no answer and I left a message.I called the next day to speak to the assistant and in a rude tone, she tells me since I did not speak to her the the day I received the call, the day had to change. Originally the day was for July 5th 2016. But, since I did not speak to her, July 6th was available so I agreed to July 6th 2016 at 12:00 noon to speak with my representative to go over the results.On July 6th 2016 at 12:00pm, I waited for the call. I called the business in 12:10pm to speak to my representative based on our appointment. I left a message for a call back immediately as I took the time off work as scheduled. I did not receive a return call so I called the assistant who booked the appointment with me. She did not understand why the representative was not calling me so she proceeded to call tge representative herself. She comes back to me and informs me the representative is off today and will be back tomorrow with no reasond or no regards to the schedule or my time. I insisted I speak to someone due to the fact I have taken the time to go over the results that I have paid for and was promised the day and and time from the assistant and this business.I finally received a message from the representative that a call would call be on the following day. The representative did not apologize or give any reasons why this obligation was not fulfilled as promised and disregarded my time and reasons why.At this time, I wished to cancel the services with business seeing how they treated me and my case. I hired them to help me with my issues with the thoughts of their professionalism, experience and what they told me they could do. I feel when I spoke to the representative, the representative was very deligthful and willing to take my case which made feel comfortable after our discussion. After the payment was made I felt I was forgotten a burden and almost put in line with the rest of the herd. I feel I have been taken advantage of. I explained my concern of the charge if it was the same investigation as I have done and the representative assurred me it is not. The representative lied to me after fiding out it was the same exact information that I found online. The reason I hired them as I expained to the representative was with the thought “they could do more.” Apparently, they do not.I conclusion, I believe this business is a scam that preys on people’s vulnerbility with the having debt to the IRS. They are not upfront with the investigation process of how it done. All the information you can get online with a social security number. They do not do anymore than what a person can who do. Please contact me to discuss further if you like.
Regards,
[redacted]

Contrary to the client’s belief, on February 19,
2016 the client’s Tax Associate presented the end result of our Investigation
and our strategy to help resolve the client’s outstanding liability. To ensure
that this call took place, we reviewed the call that took place on the 19th
of February and we can confirm with the utmost certainty that the client had
been presented with a full summary of our findings and with the end result of
our Investigation. Additionally, during that call the client had informed his
Tax Associate that he completely understood the end result of our Investigation
and went as far as asking for the Resolution Addendum which outlines our
resolution services proposed for the client.

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.
Optima Tax states in their response on paragraph 1 that they negotiated a favorable installment agreement. This is false the installment agreement they were suppose to negotiate was to include the tax years 2010,2011,2012.2013, & 2014.  The installment agreement they submitted to the IRS only included 2010, 2011, 2013. The did not submit 2012 & 2014.  On their response on paragraph 2, Optima states that once they finalize a resolution for a client the IRS will no longer initiate any enforcement action. Again, this is false or better yet they did not do their job right because I have received multiple notices in which the IRS is seeking to enforce action by putting a lien on my property in I don't pay my taxes owed for 2012 & 2014. Tax years that should have been included in the  resolution.  Furthermore, effective 2/3/16 the IRS will be withdrawing the installment agreement because of the taxes owed for 2012 & 2014, again tax years that should have been included in the installment agreement.  Optima is also stating in this same paragraph that I am not making my monthly payments as agreed and that this is the reason why I have received theses notice.  This is not true. If Optima has proof that my payments have not been made as agreed then please present you evidence because unlike Optima I have copies of every single payment check that has cleared my bank paid to the IRS since my first initial payment of 9/28/15.  Contrary to Optima's statement of IRS practices to put a lien to protect their interest, the real reason the IRS is threatening to put a LIEN on my property us once again for taxes owed for 2012 & 2014 which were not included in the installment agreement.  With regards to Optima's statement in paragraph 3, I disagree.  All balances with a liability were not included in the payment plan.  Optima claims that the 2012 tax year had no outstanding balance but I cannot understand how they are making this statement.  First of all Optima requested from the IRS my history for the past 10 years.  This history would have included my 2012.  Secondly, Optima was preparing to file my 2012 tax returns when I informed them that my 2012 tax returns had already been prepared there was no need for them to do it.  I emailed them a copy of my 2012 tax returns and unless they are blinded, my tax returns clearly state how much I owed the IRS.  Even the copy of the 2012  taxes they were preparing indicated I would owe taxes for 2012 (I have copies of this as well & the emails). So for them to sit here and state there was not liability balance for the tax year 2012 clearly indicates they do not know what they are doing.  
For these very reasons stated above I do not accept their response and  I am seeking the refund amount I have indicated.  Optima did not provide the service they were contracted to do.  As I have stated, I do not have the confidence to work with Optima any longer to resolve these additional problems that have arise due to their mistakes.
Regards,
[redacted]

Optima Tax Relief, has been an amazing yet very fulfilling experience. When I could have lost everything to the IRS, I decided to give Optima a try. Not knowing that I could trust any company that wasn't within distance from me. Every department at this company fully satisfied our every need. I would highly recommend Optima to anyone dealing with IRS issues.

I called several different tax companies before I finally found Optima Tax. First impressions was when the customer service picked up the phone. Very personable and ready to help. It went up hill from there. They always check to make sure you did not have any questions, always answered promptly and customer service would call during the process to let you know where you were in the process. It was a great experience and the outcome was definitely worth my time.

SUMMARY -
Optima...

Tax's management contacted the client to address his
concerns and we’ve come to a mutual resolution.   
 
RESPONSE
-
Optima Tax’s management has made contact with the client to
address his concerns as outlined in the complaint. Optima Tax services are
broken down into two phases. Phase One is the initial Investigation performed
by Optima Tax to fully assess the client’s current tax situation and Phase Two
is the Resolution Phase whereby Optima Tax provides services to the client to
help address his identified tax issues. Upon the client’s enrollment into our
Investigation Phase he was thoroughly informed that there will be a secondary fee
for the Resolution Phase and that fee is based off the complexity of his case.
This is fully disclosed in our Client Services Agreement and additionally
confirmed through our voice recorded Verification Call with the client. Both
the agreement and voice recorded call can be provided upon request.
 
Although
the client did not agree with the presented fees associated with the Resolution
Phase, we were able to educate the client on the severity of his case based on
the result of Optima Tax’s Investigation. More notably, the client was under
the impression that his liability with the IRS was less than what we had
discovered. After providing the client a thorough breakdown of our findings he
had the option of moving forward or discontinuing our services. Ultimately, the
client decided not to move forward with Optima Tax. Even though Optima Tax
conducted a thorough Investigation and fulfilled its contractual obligations,
we understand that not every client will agree with the terms of our services.
In this particular instance, we came into an agreement with the client that
will allow us to part ways 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.