Rocky Mount Woman Pleads Guilty to $3.9M Tax Fraud Scheme
A shocking abuse of trust has been uncovered in the case of Angela Dickens, 54, a tax return preparer from Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Dickens pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns, resulting in a tax loss of approximately $3,900,000.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Dickens operated Empire Tax Service, later renamed K&J Tax Service, in North Carolina from 2017 to 2023. During this time, Dickens and at least one co-conspirator fraudulently filed hundreds of tax returns by inflating ‘Other 1099 Withholding’ amounts, leading to inflated taxpayer refunds and excessive fees taken from those refunds.
‘What a shocking abuse of trust for a tax return preparer to file hundreds of fraudulent federal income tax returns. No longer will we tolerate the petty misery of the destruction of society by vicious selfishness. Let this sentence serve as a warning to others considering the same dirty deeds: We will find you and prosecute you. Cheaters. Never. Win,’ said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
Dickens faces a maximum penalty of 36 months in prison when sentenced in November 2026. She has agreed to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
‘Tax return preparers who try to defraud the tax system should be aware that IRS Criminal Investigation will expose these schemes and work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold those responsible accountable,’ said Special Agent in Charge Donald ‘Trey’ Eakins of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Charlotte Field Office.
The case is a reminder to those who might consider preparing false tax returns that the IRS-CI will continue their aggressive pursuit of those who attempt to defraud the United States tax system. Dickens is currently awaiting sentencing in November 2026.
Defendant: Angela Dickens
Criminal Charges: Aiding and Assisting in the Preparation of False Tax Returns
City and State: Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Date: 2026
Sentence: 36 months in prison (maximum penalty), restitution to the IRS
Tax Loss: Approximately $3,900,000
Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Category: White Collar Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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