Virginia Tax Preparer Convicted of Tax Fraud

A federal jury in Newport News, Virginia, has convicted Karl Burden-El Bey (aka Carl L. Burden) of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns, theft of government funds, and failing to file federal income tax returns.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Burden-El Bey, of Hampton, prepared false tax returns for clients from at least 2013 through 2019. On his clients’ returns, Burden-El Bey claimed false dependents, residential energy credits, gifts to charity, deductions, and child and dependent care expenses in order to inflate refunds obtained from the IRS. Burden-El Bey also stole $5,000 by directing a portion of his client’s refund into his personal bank account.

As to his own taxes, Burden-El Bey did not file individual tax returns for 2013 through 2017 with the IRS, despite being legally obligated to do so.

‘This conviction demonstrates the IRS’s commitment to holding tax return preparers accountable for their actions,’ said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Tax Division.

Burden-El Bey faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for theft of government funds, three years in prison for each count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return, and one year in prison for each count of failing to file a tax return.

He also faces substantial monetary penalties, supervised release and restitution at sentencing.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 7 before U.S. District Judge David J. Novak.

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