Fane Dacosta, a 40-year-old tax return business owner, has been found guilty of 28 tax-related crimes in Daytona Beach, Florida. According to court documents, Dacosta, the owner of More Than Enaf Refund & Affordable Tax Services in Holly Hill, engaged in a scheme to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Between 2006 and 2009, Dacosta prepared false tax returns for individuals, resulting in undeserved tax refunds of over $500,000. The false returns included fraudulent claims of education credits and inflated itemized deductions, allowing taxpayers to receive refunds they were not entitled to.
The scheme, which was uncovered by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, also revealed that Dacosta failed to file his own personal tax returns for the years 2007, 2008, and 2009, despite earning over $100,000, $200,000, and $300,000 in each of those years, respectively.
The trial, which took place in Orlando, Florida, resulted in a guilty verdict on 25 counts of aiding in the preparation of false tax returns and three counts of failure to file personal tax returns. Dacosta faces a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment for each count of aiding in the preparation of false tax returns and one year in federal prison for each count of failing to file a personal tax return.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 24, 2014. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of honest and accurate tax preparation. Taxpayers should be wary of schemes that promise large refunds and should carefully review their tax returns before filing.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.
Fane Dacosta’s guilty verdict is a significant victory for the IRS and the community. It demonstrates the agency’s commitment to rooting out tax evasion and ensuring that taxpayers are held accountable for their actions.
As the trial revealed, Dacosta’s scheme was a complex web of deceit and dishonesty. He used his position as a tax preparer to exploit taxpayers and line his own pockets with ill-gotten gains. His actions not only harmed the IRS but also deprived honest taxpayers of the trust and confidence they deserve.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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