Anthem Tax Services vs Optima Tax Relief
An honest side-by-side comparison of two of our top tax relief services picks — pricing, strengths, weaknesses, and who each one is really for.
Anthem Tax Services
Ranked #2 of 15 in this directory
Veteran-founded tax relief firm with licensed enrolled agents and attorneys
Optima Tax Relief
Ranked #1 of 15 in this directory
A+ rated tax relief firm specializing in IRS debt negotiation and settlement
Our pick: Optima Tax Relief. Our editors rank Optima Tax Relief higher overall in Tax Relief Services — but Anthem Tax Services can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case below. How we review
Compare the details
| Anthem Tax Services | Optima Tax Relief | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | See website | See website |
| Category | Full Service | Full Service |
| Editorial rank | #2 of 15 | #1 of 15 |
Strengths
Anthem Tax Services
- ✓Veteran-founded company with strong commitment to client service
- ✓Licensed enrolled agents and attorneys in all 50 states
- ✓Handles both IRS and state tax debt resolution
- ✓Free initial consultation with no obligation
- ✓Transparent pricing with no hidden fees after the investigation phase
Optima Tax Relief
- ✓A+ BBB rating with decades of combined experience across their team
- ✓Free initial consultation to assess your tax situation and resolution options
- ✓Team includes tax attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents for comprehensive coverage
- ✓Over $1 billion in tax debt resolved for clients nationwide
- ✓Money-back guarantee if they cannot reduce your tax liability
Watch out for
Anthem Tax Services
- !Minimum tax debt requirement of approximately $10,000
- !Investigation phase fee is required upfront before resolution begins
- !Timeline for resolution can vary significantly by case complexity
- !Limited online self-service tools compared to some competitors
Optima Tax Relief
- !Minimum tax debt threshold required — typically $10,000 or more
- !Resolution process can take 6–12 months depending on case complexity
- !Upfront investigation fee required before resolution work begins
- !Not all cases qualify for Offers in Compromise — results are never guaranteed
Best use cases
Anthem Tax Services
- →Taxpayer facing IRS wage garnishment who needs immediate relief
- →Small business owner with unfiled payroll tax returns and mounting penalties
- →Individual who received a bank levy notice and needs urgent IRS negotiation
Optima Tax Relief
- →Individual owing $25,000+ in back taxes who needs professional IRS negotiation
- →Business owner facing payroll tax liabilities and potential IRS levies or liens
- →Taxpayer who received an IRS audit notice and needs expert representation
About each tool
Anthem Tax Services
Anthem Tax Services is a veteran-founded tax relief company that helps individuals and businesses resolve IRS and state tax debts. The firm offers a full range of resolution services including Offers in Compromise, installment agreements, penalty abatement, wage garnishment release, bank levy release, and tax lien assistance. Anthem employs enrolled agents and tax attorneys licensed to practice in all 50 states and offers a free initial consultation.
Optima Tax Relief
Optima Tax Relief is one of the most recognized names in the tax resolution industry, specializing in negotiating with the IRS on behalf of individuals and businesses facing tax debt. The firm employs tax attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents who work together to secure Offers in Compromise, installment agreements, penalty abatements, and innocent spouse relief. Optima has resolved over $1 billion in tax debt for clients and maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
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