Related Federal Cases
Thomas Bandzul, 71, Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud in Jacksonville, Florida
In a shocking case of tax return fraud, Thomas Bandzul, a 71-year-old tax return preparer from Jacksonville, Florida, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud. According to court documents, Bandzul knowingly and willfully made false claims for deductions and credits on 32 tax returns on behalf of his clients, resulting in additional tax refunds from the IRS.
Bandzul’s scheme involved preparing and furnishing one version of a tax return to his clients, while making false and fraudulent claims on a separate tax return and electronically filing it with the IRS. He would then be paid a specified fee out of his clients’ anticipated tax refunds, often without their knowledge or consent.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dale R. Campion. Bandzul faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing has been scheduled for January 13, 2015, before Senior United States District Judge Henry Lee Adams, Jr.
Bandzul was indicted on January 30, 2014, and was a tax return preparer in Duval and St. Johns counties from January 2008 through May 2011. He also committed tax fraud on his individual federal tax returns for 2008 and 2009.
The case highlights the importance of tax return preparers being honest and transparent in their dealings with clients. Bandzul’s actions not only betrayed the trust of his clients, but also resulted in significant financial losses for the IRS.
As the investigation and prosecution of this case continue, it is clear that the authorities will not tolerate any form of tax return fraud. Bandzul’s guilty plea serves as a reminder to all tax return preparers to act with integrity and honesty in their work.
In conclusion, the case of Thomas Bandzul serves as a warning to all tax return preparers to be mindful of their actions and to act with integrity and honesty. The consequences of tax return fraud can be severe, and it is essential that all individuals involved in the tax preparation process are held accountable for their actions.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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