Thornton Man Sentenced to 52 Months For Falsely Filing Client Tax Returns

DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Lance McCuistion, 56, of Thornton, was sentenced to 52 months in prison after pleading guilty to preparing false tax returns on behalf of clients.

According to the plea agreement, in July 2014, McCuistion plead guilty to preparing false tax returns in a prior investigation and was sentenced to probation.  As a result of that offense, McCuistion was unable to obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).  However, from approximately April 2018 through April 2022, McCuistion used PTINs in the names of three individuals associated with McCuistion to prepare tax returns on behalf of clients. These tax returns claimed items for which McCuistion knew the taxpayers were not eligible in order to increase refunds or reduce taxes due.

“Tax preparers are trusted by their clients to do the right thing,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch. “We will continue to prosecute tax preparers who abuse that trust for personal gain.”

“This case is an example of the commitment IRS-CI brings to financial investigations involving tax preparers who abuse the system and line their pockets rather than doing what is best for their clients.” said Tom Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation Denver Field Office. “The dishonesty and disregard exhibited by individuals like McCuistion violates the trust clients place in their tax preparers who have a duty to handle clients’ returns accurately and in compliance with the law.”

United States District Court Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney presided over the sentencing. The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Weiss.

Case Number: 24-cr-00116-CNS