Kyle Self, Tax Fraud, Georgia 2022

A notorious tax preparer has been brought to justice in Atlanta after filing false tax returns on behalf of clients, resulting in a significant loss to the IRS. Kyle Self, 48, of Atlanta, has been sentenced to one year and six months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $422,936.

The scheme, which took place between 2015 and 2018, involved Self filing false tax returns on behalf of his clients at his business, DeKalb Tax Services, LLC, which also operated under the names “Tax Shield” and “Instant Tax.” Self falsified information related to Schedule Cs, IRA deductions, tuition deductions, capital losses, and head of household filing status, resulting in a loss to the IRS of $428,175.

One taxpayer, for example, was the victim of multiple false statements, including claims of capital losses on investments that did not exist, IRA deductions for an account she did not have, tuition and fees for a school she did not attend, and business losses related to her work as an Uber driver, a job she had never held. Self also fraudulently reported that the taxpayer’s son was disabled.

U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan stated, “Kyle Self scammed the American taxpayers to enrich himself by illegally inflating the amount of tax refunds due to his clients.” He warned other corrupt tax preparers that the department will find and prosecute those who exploit the tax system for their personal gain.

IRS-Criminal Investigation Assistant Special Agent in Charge Lisa Fontanette added, “By submitting fraudulent tax returns Self took advantage of the tax system ultimately for his benefit.” She urged taxpayers to choose their tax preparer wisely and look for preparers that will review the return with you. Taxpayers should be wary of any individuals promoting and using schemes to submit false filings to IRS.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. O’Neal. For further information, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

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