United States Attorney’s Office and Atlanta Field Office IRS Criminal Investigation Warn the Public of Unlawful Tax Return Preparers

           Montgomery, Alabama – As the April 15^th federal tax filing deadline approaches, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman with the IRS Criminal Investigation Atlanta Field Office, urge taxpayers to be cautious when choosing return preparers and to review their returns thoroughly. An unscrupulous preparer who includes errors or false information on a tax return could leave a taxpayer open to liability for unpaid taxes, penalties, and interest.

           “Tax time can be very stressful,” said Acting United States Attorney Ross. “Rushing to beat the deadline can result in overlooked mistakes and the filing of a false return to the IRS. Always inspect your returns before they are filed. If your tax preparer asks you to sign a blank return, refuses to sign your return as your preparer, or fails to give you a copy of your return, extra caution may be warranted. Taxpayers are responsible for the information on their tax returns, so it is important to choose a tax professional that you trust to prepare your returns correctly.”

            “As we come to the end of this year’s tax season, I want to urge taxpayers to not let the deadline lead them to being less careful in choosing a reputable tax preparer,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Hardeman. “For those who have already filed, it doesn’t hurt to review your tax information to ensure the information is correct.”

           Over the years, the United States Attorney’s Office has worked with the IRS to bring criminal actions against dishonest tax preparers operating in the Middle District. The message of each prosecution is clear — those who prepare fraudulent returns will face serious and lasting consequences.

           In the most recent example, on February 2, 2024, a federal judge sentenced 44-year-old April Michelle Nesbitt to 33 months in prison for including false information on a client’s return causing the taxpayer to receive greater refunds than he or she was entitled to receive. The judge also ordered Nesbitt to pay restitution in the amount of $46,669 to the IRS.

           Acting United States Attorney Ross and Acting Special Agent in Charge Hardeman remind taxpayers that the IRS has information, tips and reminders on its site for choosing a tax preparer carefully (Choosing a Tax Professional and How to Choose a Tax Return Preparer) and has launched a free directory of credentialed federal tax preparers. The IRS also offers taxpayers tips to protect their identities and wallets when filing their taxes.

           In addition, IRS Free File, a public-private partnership, offers free online tax preparation and filing options on IRS partner websites for individuals whose adjusted gross income is under $79,000. For individuals whose income is over that threshold, IRS Free File offers electronic federal tax forms that can be filled out and filed online for free. The IRS has tips on how seniors and individuals with low to moderate income can get other help or guidance on tax return preparation, too.