Realizing that Optima Tax Relief might be a scam - need help getting out

Thank you for this advice! I just looked at my contract and there is some language about cancellation, but it's really confusing. They basically say they can keep all funds for "work already performed" but I honestly can't tell what work they've actually done. They just keep asking me for documents and saying they're "reviewing my case." Do you think it matters that I'm paying through a financing company rather than directly to Optima? Does that complicate the cancellation process?

The financing arrangement definitely adds a layer of complexity. Even if you cancel services with Optima, you may still be obligated to the financing company for the full amount. Read through your financing agreement carefully. When you contact Optima to cancel, ask for an itemized statement showing exactly what work they've performed and what portion of your payment should be refunded. Most tax resolution companies front-load their "investigation" phase so they can claim they've done substantial work even if they haven't started any actual IRS negotiations.

How long did it take you to see actual results? I'm considering trying them but I'm already gun-shy after a bad experience with a different tax company.

Did they help you get your money back from Optima too? Or did you just lose whatever you'd already paid them? I'm in a similar situation and trying to figure out if I can recover any of the $3400 I've already paid...

I saw my initial analysis and potential options within about 48 hours after uploading my documents. The actual resolution took about 6 weeks total, but that was mainly because my situation involved some complicated business expenses that needed documentation. I didn't get all my money back from Optima, but taxr.ai did provide a detailed analysis showing what services had and hadn't been provided, which I used to negotiate a partial refund for the "resolution phase" they never actually started. I recovered about 40% of what I'd paid them, which was better than nothing.

How does that even work? How can they get you through faster than if you called yourself? Sounds like another scam to me.

Does this actually save time? I've been on hold with the IRS for literally 4+ hours multiple times. If this actually works it would be a lifesaver because I need to talk to someone about my payment plan options.

They use a combination of technology and human operators that constantly dial into the IRS systems and navigate the phone trees until they get a real person. When they're connected, they conference you in. So they're essentially waiting on hold for you. It definitely saved me time. My longest wait trying on my own was over 3 hours before getting disconnected. With Claimyr, I was connected to an IRS agent in about 45 minutes. The IRS doesn't give them priority or anything - they're just persistent with the dialing and know the best times to call.

Did Optima set you up with an installment plan or an actual Offer in Compromise? I've heard they push everyone toward OICs even though the acceptance rate is super low.

They initially pushed hard for an OIC and took $2,000 up front to "prepare" it. After 8 months, they finally admitted I wouldn't qualify and switched to an installment agreement - something I could have set up myself online in about 15 minutes. The installment agreement worked out, but I basically paid them $4,500 for something that should have cost maybe $500 with a regular tax professional. Their "special expertise" was mostly just good marketing.

There have been several complaints filed with the FTC and various state attorneys general. The problem is that these companies are very careful with their contracts and technically do provide "some" service, even if it's not what was implied in their marketing. I'd still file the complaint because enough of them might trigger a larger investigation. The California Attorney General's office had been looking into them at one point.

This is really helpful advice about getting the IRS transcripts directly. I'm new to dealing with tax issues and didn't even know you could get those online. When you say they had inflated your debt - how common is that? It makes me wonder if Optima is doing the same thing to me. They keep mentioning this huge number but I've never actually seen the official IRS documentation myself. I just trusted what they told me, which now seems really naive.

Unfortunately, inflating or misrepresenting tax debt is more common than it should be with these resolution companies. They often include projected penalties and interest that may not actually apply, or they count debt that's already in a payment plan as "new" debt. Getting your transcripts is really eye-opening - you can request them at irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript or call the transcript line at 1-800-908-9946. Look for your "Account Transcript" which will show your actual balance, any payments made, and penalty assessments. Don't feel naive about trusting them initially - these companies specifically target people who are stressed and unfamiliar with tax processes. They use that stress and confusion to their advantage. The good news is that once you have the real numbers from the IRS, you and your EA/CPA can create an actual plan based on facts rather than scare tactics.

Unfortunately, inflating or misrepresenting tax debt is more common than it should be with these resolution companies. They often include penalties and interest that may not actually apply, or they quote worst-case scenarios to make their services seem more valuable. Getting your transcripts is really the key to understanding what you actually owe. You can get them instantly online at irs.gov if you can verify your identity, or request them by mail if the online verification doesn't work. Look for your "Account Transcript" which shows your current balance, and your "Record of Account Transcript" which shows all the transactions and changes to your account. When you get those transcripts, compare them to what Optima has been telling you. If there are major discrepancies, that's definitely something to bring up when you're trying to cancel their services and potentially get a refund. It could also be useful evidence if you need to file complaints with regulatory agencies. Don't feel naive - these companies specifically target people who are stressed and scared about tax problems. They're very good at creating urgency and making their services seem essential when often simpler solutions exist.

Unfortunately, inflating tax debt amounts is more common than it should be with these resolution companies. They often include estimated penalties and interest that may not actually apply, or they don't account for payments you've already made or credits you're entitled to. Getting your own transcripts is crucial - you can access them at irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript or by calling the IRS directly. The transcripts will show your actual account balance, what penalties have been assessed, any payments made, and the current status of your account. When I got my transcripts, I discovered the resolution company had been quoting me a debt that was about $8,000 higher than what I actually owed. They were including failure-to-pay penalties that had already been abated and weren't accounting for estimated tax payments I had made. Don't feel naive - these companies specifically target people who are stressed and overwhelmed by tax problems. They count on people not knowing how to verify the information independently. The good news is that once you have the actual facts from the IRS, you'll be in a much better position to address your real situation and potentially challenge what Optima has been telling you.

Unfortunately, inflating or misrepresenting the actual debt amount is more common than it should be with these companies. They often include projected penalties and interest that may not actually apply, or they'll quote worst-case scenarios to make their services seem more valuable. Getting your transcripts is really easy - just go to irs.gov and create an account. You can view and download your account transcripts immediately online. Look for your "Account Transcript" which will show your actual balance, any payments made, penalties assessed, and importantly - any penalties or interest that may have been removed or adjusted. Compare what you see on your official transcripts to what Optima has told you. If there's a significant difference, that's definitely something to bring up when you're trying to cancel their services. Having the real numbers also helps your EA/CPA give you accurate advice about your actual options. Don't feel naive - these companies specifically target people who are stressed and overwhelmed. They count on people not knowing they can get this information directly from the IRS for free.

This is exactly the kind of step-by-step guidance I needed! I'm feeling so overwhelmed by all of this, but your breakdown makes it feel manageable. I'm definitely going to start with getting those IRS transcripts tonight - I really need to see the actual numbers versus what Optima has been telling me. The documentation point is huge too. Looking back, I realize I've been pretty sloppy about keeping track of their promises versus what they've delivered. They've been really good at making verbal commitments during phone calls but then following up with vague emails that don't actually commit to anything specific. One question - when I send the cancellation letter, should I mention the discrepancies between what they promised and what they've delivered? Or should I just keep it simple and say I want to terminate services? I'm worried about giving them ammunition to argue that they have provided some value. Thanks for the encouragement at the end too. I've been beating myself up for falling for this, but you're right that the important thing is taking action now. The EA I contacted seems really knowledgeable and has already explained more about my situation in one phone call than Optima has in three months.

For the cancellation letter, I'd recommend being specific about the discrepancies between promises and delivery - this actually strengthens your position rather than weakening it. Keep it factual and timeline-based. Something like: "On [date], your representative promised immediate negotiations with the IRS and significant progress within 30-60 days. It has now been [X] months with no evidence of any IRS contact or progress beyond requesting the same documents multiple times." This creates a paper trail showing they didn't deliver promised services, which supports any refund claims or complaint filings. Just stick to documented facts rather than emotional language. Also, when you get those IRS transcripts, pay special attention to any correspondence dates. If Optima claims they've been "negotiating" but your transcripts show no IRS contact, that's powerful evidence of misrepresentation. You're handling this really well - recognizing the problem and taking swift action is exactly what you should be doing. That EA is going to be a huge help in getting your actual tax situation resolved properly!

For the cancellation letter, I'd recommend being specific about the discrepancies - it actually strengthens your position rather than weakens it. Document exactly what they promised versus what was delivered, with dates if possible. For example: "On [date], I was told negotiations with the IRS would begin immediately and I would see progress within 30-60 days. It has now been 3+ months with no substantive progress beyond repeated document requests." This creates a clear record of misrepresentation that could be useful for getting a refund or filing complaints. Keep the tone professional and factual rather than emotional. State that you're canceling due to failure to provide promised services within the stated timeframe. Also, when you get those IRS transcripts, pay special attention to any recent activity. If Optima hasn't actually contacted the IRS on your behalf (which is more common than you'd think), that's another strong point for your cancellation letter. The IRS transcripts will show if any third-party contacts or actions have been taken. You're absolutely doing the right thing by working with the EA. Most legitimate tax professionals can set up installment agreements or identify penalty removal opportunities much faster and cheaper than these resolution companies. You're going to get through this!