Top Optima Tax Relief Alternatives: Ace Plus Wins 2025

September 6, 2025

When that IRS notice hits your mailbox, your heart probably skips a beat. I get it—tax debt feels like this crushing weight that just won’t go away. And when you’re desperate for help, those flashy Optima Tax Relief commercials promising to settle your debt for “pennies on the dollar” can seem like a lifeline.

But here’s the thing… (and I wish someone had told me this years ago when I was first helping clients navigate these waters) those big promises don’t always match reality.

Why So Many People Are Looking Beyond Optima Tax Relief

You’ve probably heard the ads. Maybe you’ve even called them. But if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re having second thoughts. Smart move.

One of the most common complaints on both the BBB and Trustpilot is customers saying they paid thousands of dollars to Optima only to find out they still owed the same amount in taxes — or more due to added interest and penalties ^[1].

That’s… not what anyone wants to hear after shelling out their hard-earned money.

Take this recent experience: “After being promised they would reduce my tax burden – and costing me approx $5K dollars. After one year of promises, all they did was put me on the IRS payment Plan with no reduction in the tax liability” ^[2].

Ouch. A year of waiting and $5,000 poorer, only to end up with something they could’ve gotten themselves? That’s exactly why you need better options.

The Tax Resolution Reality Check (That Nobody Talks About)

Let me share something that might surprise you: 17% of federal taxes go unpaid each year ^[3]. You’re definitely not alone in this struggle.

And here’s another eye-opener—in FY 2024, the IRS closed 505,514 tax return audits, resulting in over $29.0 billion in recommended additional tax ^[4]. Plus, they’re getting more aggressive. The IRS received $80 billion in funding through FY 2031, allowing the agency to hire thousands of agents and revamp decades-old technological systems. This funding will cover audits and enforcement ^[3].

Translation? They’re not messing around anymore. Which means you need someone in your corner who really knows what they’re doing.

Meet the Clear Winner: Ace Plus Tax Resolution

After three decades in this field, I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. James Cha, CPA and founder of Ace Plus Tax Resolution, has been solving complex tax problems since 1989. That’s not just experience—that’s mastery.

What makes Ace Plus Tax Resolution different?

Real Credentials That Matter

James is a CPA and also a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist (CTRS). The Certified Tax Resolution Specialist designation is awarded to tax professionals who specialize in helping individuals and businesses experiencing tax problems and have met the educational, experience, and examination requirements prescribed by the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers .

In other words? He’s not just some salesperson. He’s the real deal.

The Services That Actually Solve Problems

Here’s what you can actually get help with:

Offer in Compromise – The real “pennies on the dollar” option (when you qualify)
Partial Payment Installment Agreements – Payment plans that won’t break your budget
Penalty Abatement – Getting those crushing penalties reduced or eliminated
Audit Defense – Professional representation when the IRS comes knocking
Levy and Lien Release – Protecting your assets from seizure

Their Secret Weapon: The Tax Reset Blueprint™ System

They explore various resolution options with strategies, prepare and submit resolution plans with paperwork, and negotiate with the IRS/state on your behalf to seek the most favorable final resolution possible .

It’s like having a GPS for navigating the IRS maze. No wandering around hoping you’ll find the right path.

Real Results From Real People

Forget the scripted testimonials. Here’s what actually happened:

“They applied several tax strategies protected me from levies and other aggressive IRS actions got me into a very affordable payment plan” – Someone dealing with $300K in back taxes.

Or this: “I faced a $70,000 IRS tax bill, but James Cha, CPA, settled it for just $180. His expertise saved me thousands, lifting a huge weight off my shoulders. The best Return on Investment I’ve ever made in my whole life. We are truly grateful to James and his team for helping us to this victory!”

That’s the difference between sleepless nights and actually getting your life back.

The Ace Plus vs. Everyone Else Breakdown

What You Need	Ace Plus Tax Resolution	Optima Tax Relief	Most Others
Direct CPA Access	? You work with a CPA/Certified Tax Resolution Specialist directly	? Sales teams & case managers	? Usually just case workers
30+ Years Experience	? Since 1989	? Mixed track record	? Varies widely
Proven Results	? Documented case studies	? Frequent complaints	? Hit or miss
Transparent Process	? Clear, step-by-step approach with customized strategies and due diligent process	? Often confusing	? Usually unclear
No High-Pressure Sales	? Consultative approach with empathy and passion to complete resolution	? Heavy sales tactics	? Often pushy

Understanding Your Real Options (The Stuff They Don’t Advertise)

Offer in Compromise: The Truth Behind “Pennies on the Dollar”

According to recent IRS data, only about 21% of OIC applications have acceptance without returning or rejecting. This statistic highlights the competitive nature of the program and the importance of presenting a well-substantiated case to the IRS ^[5]. At Ace Plus Tax Resolution, their acceptance rate of OIC cases has been very high with their complete due diligence process.

So yes, it’s possible. But it’s not guaranteed, and it’s definitely not automatic. Taxpayers who can’t pay their tax burdens in full may opt for an Offer in Compromise, where you can settle with the IRS or State tax authorities for substantially less than the tax amount owed. Financial inability to pay is usually the reason most Offers in Compromise are accepted.

The key phrase there? “Can’t pay.” Not “don’t want to pay.”

Why So Many Tax Relief Companies Fail

The most common complaint was that many individuals paid $3,000 to $10,000 for tax relief and had no results, or the companies didn’t nothing to resolve the cases. Or they didn’t realize how easy it would be to negotiate with the IRS by themselves ^[6].

Harsh truth: If it was actually easy, you probably wouldn’t need help. The companies that fail are usually the ones treating complex tax problems like they’re filling out a form without diligent process.

Red Flags to Avoid (Learn From Others’ Mistakes)

Watch out for companies that:

Promise specific results before reviewing your case and circumstances
Use high-pressure sales tactics
Can’t put you in touch with actual tax professionals
Have poor communication after you sign up
Have so many client complaints

One Optima client complained: “When I called and asked what was happening with my issue, I would get a team number and a promise of a return call. Supervisors are NEVER available. I have NEVER received a return call from them until I complained to the BBB” ^[2].

That’s not service. That’s abandonment.

What Makes Ace Plus Tax Resolution Your Best Bet

At Ace Plus Tax Resolution, their mission is to go above and beyond to provide superior tax resolution services. With thorough knowledge of the ins and outs of the IRS maze, they protect your income and assets from the IRS while negotiating to substantially reduce your tax burdens, penalties, and interest.

The Personal Touch That Actually Matters

Ace Plus Tax Resolution is a dedicated team of tax relief experts who provide comprehensive and individualized services that have the power to transform clients’ lives.

Notice that word: individualized. Your situation isn’t exactly like anyone else’s, so why would you want cookie-cutter solutions?

I know how overwhelming tax debt can feel—like you’re carrying a weight that no one else sees. You’re not alone in this, and there’s real help that understands what you’re going through.

Nationwide Service, Personal Attention

They serve clients in Los Angeles, CA, and across the country with their tax resolution needs. Whether you’re dealing with federal issues or state problems, they’ve got you covered.

Don’t Let Fear Paralyze You

A lot of people find IRS collection notices so intimidating that they just throw them away. But unfortunately, ignoring the problem will only make it worse. No matter how bad things feel, there is a resolution option that can help you.

The IRS isn’t going away. Those penalties and interest? They’re not stopping. But with the right help, you can turn this nightmare into a manageable situation.

Ace Plus Tax Resolution specializes in negotiating the lowest possible IRS payment amount allowed by law. Whether you owe back taxes to the IRS or state over $10,000, are involved with liens or levies, or have any income or payroll tax problems, they will protect you, represent you, and negotiate for you.

That’s what you need—someone who knows the system inside and out and will fight for your best possible outcome.

Your Next Step

You’ve got two choices: keep worrying about this debt eating away at your peace of mind, or take action with someone who has the experience and credentials to actually help.

Schedule a confidential consultation today to explore your options with Ace Plus Tax Resolution and discover how their proven Tax Reset Blueprint™ System can provide the relief and peace of mind you deserve.

You’ve stressed about this long enough. You deserve a better financial life—one where tax debt doesn’t keep you up at night or hold your future hostage.

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Discover why Ace Plus Tax Resolution tops Optima Tax Relief alternatives in 2025, offering expert CPA-led IRS debt relief, penalty abatement, and proven results.