LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The Justice Department filed civil complaints against two Las Vegas tax return preparers for filing “false and fraudulent” tax returns for customers.
According to the complaints, Michael Moreno and his company, Awesome Tax LLC, and Carlos Yero and his company, Travel All The World, prepared and filed thousands of federal income tax returns for customers since 2018. The DOJ alleges that two companies would file returns with the IRS that would overstate the amount of refund due, then tell customers that they would receive a smaller refund.
Moreno and Yero would then collect “bank fees” from the refund that ranged between $300 to $800 per return.
Additionally, both companies are accused of filing tax returns with false tax credits, fabricated business incomes and expenses, and improper itemized deductions to inflate refunds.
Moreno is alleged to have caused a tax loss of approximately $2.74 million in 2018 and 2019, while Yero allegedly caused a loss of $2.64 million in 2019.
The DOJ advises those preparing to file their taxes to remain vigilant against potential scams. The IRS has information on its website for choosing a tax return preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers. The IRS also offers 10 tips to avoid tax season fraud and ways to safeguard their personal information.
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