Thomas Johnson Sentenced to 3 Years for Tax Preparation Scheme, Tampa FL, 2023

Related Federal Cases

Thomas R. Hazelrigg, III, Tax Evasion and Social Security Number Mi… · Washington
Miami Tax Preparers and Client Get 90 Months for $5.4M Fraudulent Refund Scheme · Florida
Miami Dade Students, Target Employees Plead Guilty in Identity Theft Tax Fraud Scheme · Florida
Miami Resident Kenol Augustin Sentenced for Tax Fraud Scheme · Alabama
Davie Tax Scammer Pleads Guilty To $22M Fraud Scheme · Florida

Table of Contents

Tampa Man Sentenced to 3 Years for Tax Preparation Scheme, Tampa FL, 2023

A Tampa man has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for his role in a fraudulent tax preparation scheme that led to the loss of nearly $1.7 million to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Thomas Johnson, 47, was sentenced on March 1 by U.S. District Judge William F. Jung for his involvement in the preparation of over 1,000 false and fraudulent income tax returns. Johnson’s scheme, which operated between 2015 and 2017, involved the submission of false education credits and Schedule C business losses on behalf of his clients, resulting in large and unjustified tax refunds.

Johnson, who owned and operated a tax preparation business in Seffner, Florida, would often list other persons as the preparers of the false returns, concealing his involvement in the scheme. His clients would then be required to split the large refund amounts with him after the IRS processed the tax returns.

“While most tax return preparers provide excellent service to their clients, it only takes a few dishonest return preparers to negatively impact thousands,” said IRS-CI Acting Special Agent in Charge Ronald A. Loecker. “Return preparers must comply with the same tax obligations as the clients they serve. No one is above the law.”

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service- Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.

Johnson pleaded guilty to the charges on October 20, 2022. He was also ordered to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $1,688,931.90.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of honest tax preparation and compliance with tax laws. The IRS-CI will continue to investigate and prosecute individuals who engage in fraudulent activities, protecting the American taxpayers’ money.