Optima Tax Relief and Anthem Tax Services are two national companies that provide tax relief services. Although both companies offer similar services, their individual pricing and company details differ.
Tax relief providers act as intermediaries between taxpayers and the IRS, helping individuals and small businesses apply for things like the IRS Obligation Program (OIC) and Installment Agreements. This service is especially helpful after IRS notices extend to levies, liens, wage garnishments, or when taxpayers feel overwhelmed navigating the process on their own.
In this Optima Tax Relief vs. Anthem Tax Services tax relief company comparison, we’ll look at the key differences between the two. It may also make sense when hiring a tax relief company.
Optima Tax Relief vs. Anthem Tax Services
Overview of Optima tax relief
Optima Tax Relief was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Santa Ana, California. We offer a wide range of tax relief services to individuals and small businesses who owe at least $10,000 in unpaid taxes.
The company offers free initial consultations to help taxpayers determine which tax relief programs they are eligible for. We also offer a taxpayer identity theft protection service called Optima Tax Shield for an additional fee.
Optima’s main tax relief services include:
- Initial case evaluation
- OIC application support
- Tax debt resolution strategies
- Declaration and declaration preparation
- compliance
- Negotiation/settlement support
- Tax lien, bank collection, and wage garnishment support
- Protection from identity theft
Rated 4.5 stars on Trustpilot and A-grade accredited by the Better Business Bureau, positive reviews for Optima Tax Relief often include words like professional, candid, and helpful. However, some negative reports highlight dissatisfaction with rates, confusion about the services provided, and slow communication.
The company does not disclose cost details for its tax resolution services, which is common in the industry. Pricing varies by case and uses a phase-based model depending on the complexity of the case. Investigation costs and separate resolution costs are expected to be incurred.
Optima Tax Relief may be a reasonable option for taxpayers facing IRS collections and with large tax obligations. Customers can choose to work with the company for a free consultation or available tax identity theft products.
Overview of Anthem Tax Services
Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Westlake Village, California, Anthem Tax Services provides tax resolution services to individuals and small businesses nationwide. Like Optima Tax Relief, the company focuses on working with customers who owe at least $10,000 in unpaid taxes.
In addition to tax resolution services and free initial consultations, Anthem Tax Services offers an informative blog to answer common tax relief questions, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, unfiled return assistance, and corporate tax preparation.
Anthem Tax Services’ main products include:
- OIC application support
- installment agreement
- Currently Not Collectable (CNC) Status
- reduction of fines
- Preparation for unfiled declaration
- Corporate tax service
- Tax lien, bank collection, and wage garnishment support
Rated 4.1 stars on Trustpilot and accredited by the BBB with an A+ rating, reviews of Anthem Tax Services often cite knowledgeable staff and clear communication. However, some negative reviews cite concerns about the amount of fees, delays in litigation, or unmet expectations.
Like Optima Tax Relief and others, Anthem Tax Services does not publish detailed pricing information. The company uses a flat fee structure based on the complexity of the case and the services required, third-party sources said.
Utilizing Anthem Tax Services can be a reasonable option for taxpayers who are dealing with difficult situations and owe large amounts of unpaid taxes or are facing business tax issues. Customers can choose this company with a flat fee structure or a limited 100% money-back guarantee.
Optima vs. Anthem: Key Differences
Both companies offer similar tax resolution services for people with large tax debts, but the main differences between them are in their pricing structures and slight differences in the services each offers.
How tax relief company pricing works
Tax relief company pricing varies depending on the complexity of your individual case.
Both Opitma Tax Relief and Anthem Tax Services offer free initial consultations and base fees based on the complexity of your case. Optima Tax Relief uses a tier-based structure, while Anthem Tax Services offers a flat fee structure.
After an initial consultation to determine the appropriate IRS program path forward, the investigation phase includes reviewing IRS transcripts, assessing filing compliance, gathering financial documentation, and evaluating eligibility for available relief options.
Tax relief companies cannot promise results and are bound by the same IRS rules as individuals and businesses. Although providers can represent, advise, and prepare returns for taxpayers, only the IRS has the authority to approve settlements or award relief.
When should you work with a tax saving company?
While how much tax credit you can claim plays an important role in deciding whether to work with a tax credit company, other factors may be more important.
It may be worth considering hiring a professional tax saving service if:
- owe a significant balance
- Subject to levy, lien, or garnishment
- I need assistance with multiple years of unfiled returns.
- I need help organizing my documents
- Overwhelmed by IRS procedures
Alternatives to hiring a tax relief company
Hiring a tax relief company is always optional and not legally required. Providers primarily provide expertise, organization, documentation, and communication assistance, and do not have access to specialized programs that are not available to individuals.
Taxpayers have options other than tax relief specialists, such as hiring a local CPA or tax professional or working directly with the IRS. Taxpayers can find information about working with the IRS on the Taxpayer Advocate Service site and begin determining eligibility for the OIC option on the OIC Prequalification page.
conclusion
Optima Tax Relief and Anthem Tax Services both help taxpayers navigate IRS resolution programs, and their core services are similar. The main differences are in the pricing structure and secondary service features, such as Optima’s identity monitoring options and Anthem’s limited money-back guarantee.
Tax services can be costly, and no service provider can guarantee a specific outcome because the IRS has the final say. Compare costs and contract details before contracting with a provider or choosing alternatives, such as hiring a local professional or working directly with the IRS.
Optima vs. Anthem Frequently Asked Questions
Is Optima Tax Relief better than Anthem Tax Services?
Optima Tax Relief and Anthem Tax Services offer similar tax resolution services. Neither guarantees the outcome of a lawsuit. Optima Tax Relief has a slightly higher score on Trustpilot, and Anthem Tax Services is rated slightly higher on the BBB. Anthem offers a limited money-back guarantee, while Optima offers tax identity theft protection. Which one is best for you depends on your preferred pricing structure and available benefits other than tax relief.
How much does a tax relief company typically cost?
Many tax relief companies do not publish pricing details, and third-party sources list a wide range of average costs. Price estimates vary widely from $250 to over $10,000, depending on the complexity of the case and the services provided.
Can tax-exempt companies reduce their IRS liability?
In some cases, a tax relief company can help reduce your IRS tax liability. However, there are special IRS debt relief programs that individuals and businesses cannot access on their own. Additionally, the IRS has final approval or denial authority in all cases. Instead, tax relief providers offer experience navigating IRS procedures, preparing documents, and communicating with IRS agencies.
