Q: Hello I paid Optima Tax Relief but they did nothing for me just took my money. I contacted IRS myself.

A: Under California law, if you've paid for services that were not provided as agreed, you have several options to seek recourse. In the case of a tax relief company like Optima Tax Relief failing to deliver on their promises, your first step should be to reach out directly to the company to request a refund or to ask them to fulfill their service agreement. Document all communications to ensure you have a record of your attempts to resolve the issue.

If direct communication does not resolve the issue, you can file a complaint with the California Attorney General's Office or the Better Business Bureau. These organizations can offer mediation services and, while they cannot force the company to refund your money, their involvement sometimes encourages a resolution. Additionally, you might consider submitting a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which handles disputes related to financial products and services.

Should these steps fail to bring about a satisfactory resolution, you have the right to pursue legal action in small claims court or seek advice from an attorney to explore other legal avenues. This could include filing a lawsuit for breach of contract if you believe Optima Tax Relief did not fulfill their part of the service agreement. Remember, documentation of your agreement with the company and any subsequent communications will be crucial in any legal proceeding.