Source: United States Department of Justice News
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio Thursday to 12 months and one day in prison for preparing false tax returns.
According to court documents, Eden Garza, 43, prepared numerous false income tax returns for clients between tax years 2014 and 2019. IRS-Criminal Investigation agents determined that Garza aided and assisted in the preparation of 49 false income tax returns by falsifying filing statuses, itemized deductions, income and expenses, and residential energy credits. The fraudulent refunds resulted in a criminal tax loss of $255,967. The investigation also revealed that Garza had received a preparation fee from his clients, which was usually 10% of the refund received.
In addition to the prison sentence, Garza was ordered to serve one year of supervised release and pay restitution equal to the criminal tax loss of $255,967.
“This case serves as an important reminder—especially at this time of the year—to be aware of those who commit tax fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “The preparers of false income tax returns do untold damage to our nation, and hopefully this sentencing will serve to deter others from preparing false returns for financial gain.”
“Federal prison is a fitting home for this tax criminal who flaunted his criminal enterprise by placing advertising stickers on the false tax returns he prepared,” said Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Rodrick J. Benton of IRS-CI’s Houston Field Office. “Approximately 98% of investigated tax returns he prepared were egregiously false. As we wind down tax season, know that criminals like him will go to prison for stealing from our nation.”
IRS-CI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Harris and Kelly Stephenson prosecuted the case.
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