Texas Tax Return Preparer Indicted for Preparing False Income Tax Returns

A Houston, Texas, income tax return preparer was indicted by a federal grand jury today in the Southern District of Texas on 18 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false federal income tax returns, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.

The indictment alleges that Felix Martin prepared false and fraudulent individual income tax returns for others for the tax years 2009 and 2010.  It is alleged that these tax returns included false education and American Opportunity credits, as well as false statements regarding business income.

If convicted, Martin faces a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison for each count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns, as well as potential fines and restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case and Trial Attorneys Michael Hatzimichalis and Mara Strier of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.

Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.