Date: Feb. 27, 2024 Contact: newsroom@ci.irs.gov Shortly after a jury was seated in his case, a Kennedale, Texas tax preparer pleaded guilty to a $2.6 million tax fraud, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Anthony “Tony” Floyd was charged in June 2023 with ten counts of aiding in the preparation and presentation of false tax returns. On the morning of his trial, shortly after a jury was seated, Mr. Floyd pleaded guilty to all 10 charges. According to court documents, Mr. Floyd filed approximately 400 fraudulent tax returns that included false information designed to increase the amount of refund owed to the taxpayer. He recruited victim “clients” outside big box stores and through other clients. He obtained their personal information, such as income and deduction information, via text or cell phone conversations, rarely meeting clients in person. Mr. Floyd purposely submitted the returns without reviewing with the taxpayer, then diverted all or most of the refund to his own account. The resultant tax loss to the United States exceeded $2.6 million. The tax filings included falsified W2s – filed on behalf of individuals purportedly working in catering, lawn care, event planning, interior décor, and other professions -- and included nonexistent charitable deductions, nonexistent college attendance, and even fictitious relatives. “Mr. Floyd’s guilty plea shows that tax fraud is not a victimless crime,” said Christopher J. Altemus Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s Dallas Field Office. “Mr. Floyd took advantage of his neighbors by preparing fraudulent tax returns and trying to steal over $2 million from the U.S. government. Mr. Floyd’s case should remind all tax practitioners to adhere to professional standards and follow the law.” “Everyone must ensure what is submitted is true and accurate when filing their taxes, even if they are prepared by a professional,” Altemus added. Mr. Floyd now faces up to three years per count, for a total of 30 years in federal prison. IRS – Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys P.J. Meitl, Nancy Larson, and Mark Nicols (fmr) prosecuted the case.
