Optima Tax Relief vs Larson Tax Relief
Head-to-head on the numbers that matter — no paid placement either way.Optima Tax Relief review ·Larson Tax Relief review
| Optima Tax Relief | Larson Tax Relief | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 4.2/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Minimum debt | $10,000 | $25,000 |
| Typical fees | $2,000–$10,000+ depending on complexity | $3,000–$15,000 for complex cases |
| Founded | 2011 | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Santa Ana, CA | Longmont, CO |
| Best for | Large balances and hardship cases | Large and complex balances ($25k+), business owners |
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
Larson Tax Relief
Strong where
- + Nearly two decades in business
- + Family-run, principals are EAs
- + Strong on offer-in-compromise work
Weak where
- − $25k minimum — not for smaller debts
- − Premium pricing reflects the specialization
The honest verdict
- →Optima Tax Relief accepts smaller balances ($10,000 minimum vs $25,000).
- →Optima Tax Relief is the stronger fit if your case is: large balances and hardship cases.
- →Larson Tax Relief is the stronger fit if your case is: large and complex balances ($25k+), business owners.
- →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.