San Diego, CA–Federal authorities have filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California seeking to bar a San Diego tax return preparer from owning or operating a tax return preparation business and preparing federal income tax returns for others.
The civil complaint was filed against Archibald W. Smith Jr., also known as Archie Smith, and alleges that he operated a tax preparation business in San Diego, California, under his own name and the names “Ablizzia Bookkeeping and Production” and “ABPC Inc.” According to the complaint, Smith prepared and filed tax returns that falsely understated his customers’ federal income tax liabilities by fabricating businesses and related business expenses; fabricating deductions for unreimbursed employee business expenses and charitable contributions; and overstating tax credits for solar-panel installation.
According to the complaint, the defendant prepared over 3,500 tax returns in aggregate for tax years 2013 through 2020. The complaint alleges that an IRS review of 80 income tax returns for tax years 2013 through 2017 resulted in deficiencies totaling nearly $1 million. As a result, the complaint alleges, the defendant has cost the United States lost tax revenue. The complaint further alleges that the defendant harmed his customers, who could potentially face large income tax debts and may be liable for penalties and interest.
Return preparer fraud is one of the IRS’ Dirty Dozen Tax Scams and taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant.