Memphis Tax Preparers Plead Guilty to Conspiracy and Preparing False Returns for Clients

Memphis, TN – Two Memphis tax return preparers pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States and aiding in the preparation and filing of false tax returns. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, for the Western District of Tennessee, made the announcement today.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Robert Wells, 54, and Andre Wilson, 54, operated Wells and Wilson Financial, a Memphis-based tax preparation business. From at least 2019 through 2022, Wells and Wilson conspired with each other to defraud the IRS; and both men prepared returns for clients that were materially false. Specifically, they prepared tax returns that included false itemized deductions, business income, or business deductions. As a result, the clients received inflated refunds that they were not entitled to receive. In total, Wells and Wilson caused a loss to the U.S. Treasury exceeding $250,000.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Protection of the United States Treasury and taxpayer resources is a top priority for the Department of Justice and this office. Income tax fraud schemes strike at the very heart of our federal government’s financial ability to provide services and protection for our citizens, and we will use all available resources to punish and deter such dishonest criminal behavior.”

“Dishonest tax return preparers use a variety of methods to cheat the government,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, Charlotte Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. “Today's plea is a reminder to those who might consider preparing false tax returns that IRS-CI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue their aggressive pursuit of those who attempt to defraud the United States tax system."

Wells is scheduled to be sentenced on May 6, 2026. Wilson is scheduled to be sentenced on May 18, 2026. Both men face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiracy and three years in prison for preparing and filing false tax returns. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin for the Western District of Tennessee and Trial Attorney Max Willner-Giwerc of the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.