Optima Tax Relief vs Anthem Tax Services
Head-to-head on the numbers that matter — no paid placement either way.Optima Tax Relief review ·Anthem Tax Services review
| Optima Tax Relief | Anthem Tax Services | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 4.2/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Minimum debt | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Typical fees | $2,000–$10,000+ depending on complexity | $1,500–$8,000 typical |
| Founded | 2011 | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Santa Ana, CA | Beverly Hills, CA |
| Best for | Large balances and hardship cases | Wage garnishment and levy release |
Optima Tax Relief
Strong where
- + Largest dedicated relief firm in the US
- + Two-phase process with a paid investigation before committing
- + Spanish-language support
- + A+ BBB rating as of last public check
Weak where
- − Investigation fee charged before they commit to taking the case
- − Higher fees than boutique firms on complex files
- − Sales-first intake model — expect a prompt call-back
Anthem Tax Services
Strong where
- + Fast levy/garnishment response emphasis
- + Money-back guarantee window on investigation
- + In-house EAs and tax attorneys
Weak where
- − Minimum debt requirement excludes smaller cases
- − Less transparent pricing published than peers
The honest verdict
- →Optima Tax Relief is the stronger fit if your case is: large balances and hardship cases.
- →Anthem Tax Services is the stronger fit if your case is: wage garnishment and levy release.
- →Owe under $10,000? Neither — the IRS's own installment agreement is free and usually enough.
Still not sure which fits?
60 seconds — tell us the balance and situation, we'll say whether you need a firm, a local pro, or a DIY fix.