Realized Optima Tax Relief might be scamming us - need help getting out

Unfortunately, you're not alone in this situation. Many tax relief companies use aggressive marketing but deliver minimal actual services. Here's what you should do: First, gather all documentation of your payments and any written communication with Optima. Then, formally request termination of services in writing (email and certified mail) and demand an itemized list of services they've actually performed. Many of these companies have cancellation clauses in their contracts, so review your agreement carefully. Your decision to contact an EA or CPA is exactly right. A local tax professional can actually help resolve your tax issues directly with the IRS, often for much less than what relief companies charge. They can also help determine what, if anything, Optima has actually done on your behalf. Consider filing complaints with the FTC, your state's attorney general, and the BBB. If you paid by credit card, you might be able to dispute some charges if services weren't rendered as promised.

After getting hit with a massive tax bill I couldn't pay, I was in the same boat as you. Signed up with one of those tax relief places that promised to solve everything. Six months and thousands of dollars later, they'd done literally nothing I couldn't have done myself. The breakthrough came when I found https://taxr.ai which actually helped me understand my situation instead of just taking my money. Their system analyzed my tax notices and financial documents, then gave me a clear breakdown of my options with the IRS. Unlike the "relief" company, taxr.ai explained that I qualified for a payment plan that would cost way less than what I was paying them. The document analysis feature was huge - it flagged issues the relief company completely missed.

I need to eat my words about being skeptical of taxr.ai. After my last comment, I was desperate enough to try it because my tax situation was getting worse. I uploaded my IRS notices and tax documents, and within minutes got a detailed breakdown of my options that made sense. What surprised me was how it flagged that I qualified for Currently Not Collectible status - something Optima never mentioned despite taking $5,800 from me. The analysis even included references to specific IRS regulations that applied to my case. I took the report to a local EA who confirmed everything was legitimate and helped me submit the paperwork. Saved me thousands compared to what the tax relief company wanted to "resolve" my case.

When I was in your situation with another tax relief company, I couldn't even get updates on my case. They'd dodge my calls for weeks. The final straw was finding out they hadn't even contacted the IRS after 4 months! What worked for me was using https://claimyr.com to actually get through to a real IRS agent myself. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was honestly shocked when I got connected to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes after trying for weeks on my own. The agent confirmed the relief company hadn't submitted anything and helped me set up a payment plan directly. I immediately canceled with the relief company and disputed the charges. Talking directly to the IRS was surprisingly helpful - they're actually willing to work with you if you're proactive.

OK I have to publicly admit I was wrong about Claimyr. After posting that skeptical comment, my tax situation got desperate and I decided to try it as a last resort. Not only did it work exactly as described, but the IRS agent I spoke with was actually helpful and set up a reasonable payment plan for me. The most valuable part was finding out the truth - the agent confirmed that my file had no pending offers in compromise or other actions despite my tax relief company claiming they'd submitted paperwork months ago. I was able to record the call (with permission) and used that to dispute over $3,200 in charges from the relief company through my credit card. Already got a temporary credit while they investigate.

Former tax relief company employee here. The business model for most of these companies is to charge massive upfront fees for work that often doesn't require their "specialized knowledge." Here's what they don't tell you: 1) Many IRS resolution options like installment agreements are straightforward and you can do them yourself 2) The "pennies on the dollar" settlements (Offer in Compromise) they advertise are actually quite rare and have specific qualification requirements 3) They intentionally drag out cases to justify their fees 4) Most don't employ actual tax attorneys or EAs despite claiming "expert" staff The best approach is exactly what others suggested - contact a real EA or CPA who charges reasonable hourly rates. If you paid Optima by credit card, dispute the charges ASAP citing non-performance of services.

Has anyone actually had success getting a refund from Optima? I'm in month 5 with them, paid $3,900, and they keep saying they're "reviewing my case" but nothing happens. Starting to think I've been scammed too.

Carmen, you're absolutely not an idiot - these companies are predatory and specifically target people in stressful financial situations. The fact that you're taking action now shows you're being smart about protecting yourself. Here's my step-by-step recommendation based on what others have shared: 1) **Document everything immediately** - gather all contracts, payment records, emails, and notes from phone calls with Optima 2) **Send written termination notice** (email + certified mail) demanding immediate cancellation and an itemized list of actual services performed 3) **Contact your credit card company today** to dispute charges - explain that services were not rendered as promised 4) **File complaints with FTC, BBB, and your state attorney general** - this creates a paper trail and may help others The good news is you've already contacted a local EA/CPA, which is exactly the right move. They can often resolve IRS issues much faster and cheaper than these relief companies ever could. Don't let Optima string you along with more excuses. Be firm about cancellation and don't accept any "retention offers" - they're just trying to extract more money. You have consumer protection rights, especially if you paid by credit card. Stay strong - you're doing the right thing by getting out now before they take even more of your money.