KENNEDALE, Texas — Shortly after a jury was seated in his case, a Tarrant County tax return preparer who served many clients in North Texas pleaded guilty to submitting false tax returns.
Anthony “Tony” Floyd of Kennedale, Texas was charged in June 2023 with 10 counts of aiding in the preparation and presentation of false tax returns.
According to court documents, Floyd filed about 400 fraudulent tax returns that included false information designed to increase the amount of refund owed to the taxpayer. Floyd's fraud scheme caused the U.S. to lose more than $2.6 million, officials said.
The 51-year-old was sentenced to 77 months in prison, and a federal judge ordered Floyd to pay more than $1.9 million in restitution.
According to a news release, the false tax filings included W2s – filed on behalf of employees working in catering, lawn care, event planning, interior décor, and other professions – and included nonexistent charitable deductions and nonexistent college attendance.
“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," said Christopher J. Altemus Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s Dallas Field Office.
According to a news release, Floyd would recruit victim "clients" outside big-box stores and through past clients. He rarely met them in person, however, he obtained their personal information, such as income and deduction information, through text messages or cell phone conversations.
Floyd admitted to purposely submitting the returns without reviewing with the taxpayer, then diverted all or most of the refund to his own account.
“Everyone must ensure what is submitted is true and accurate when filing their taxes, even if they are prepared by a professional,” Altemus added.
