IRS offers Free Service for Online Tax Preparation upto $84,000: Tax season can be stressful, and many people rely on tax preparers to help them file their returns correctly. But sometimes, even the professionals we trust can get into legal trouble. That’s exactly what happened in Florida, where the U.S. Justice Department has filed a serious complaint against a tax preparer and his team for filing false returns.
Who Are the People Involved?
The complaint was filed against Juan Humberto Garcia, a tax preparer based in Kissimmee, Florida, along with his son-in-law Marcos Yariel Figueroa. The business involved is Tax Master of BVL Inc., which is owned by Garcia.
What Are the Accusations?
According to the Justice Department, Garcia and Figueroa have been preparing false federal tax returns for their customers. The complaint says that they reported fake or exaggerated expenses and deductions to reduce the amount of tax their clients had to pay.
The IRS interviewed several customers of Tax Master. These clients revealed that:
They were not self-employed, even though their tax returns said they were.
They did not make the charitable donations or have the medical expenses mentioned in their filings.
They never gave Garcia or Figueroa any reason to believe the information on their tax returns was true.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
By understating their customers’ tax liabilities, these tax preparers caused the U.S. government to lose a large amount of tax revenue. That’s considered fraud, and it hurts the entire system by making honest taxpayers bear the burden.
What Does the Government Want?
The Justice Department wants the court to:
Permanently stop Garcia, Figueroa, and Tax Master of BVL Inc. from preparing tax returns for others.
Make them return the money they earned by preparing and filing false tax returns.
What Is Return Preparer Fraud?
This kind of fraud happens when tax preparers knowingly file incorrect returns to increase refunds or reduce taxes owed. The IRS lists this scam among its “Dirty Dozen” tax scams, which are the most common tricks used to cheat the tax system.
How Can You Avoid Fraudulent Tax Preparers?
The IRS provides several tools to help taxpayers find reliable tax preparers:
A free online directory of verified federal tax preparers.
Tips on how to spot a “ghost” preparer—someone who prepares a return but refuses to sign it.
A checklist to help you file taxes safely in 2025.
Other Tax Filing Help from the IRS
The IRS also offers Free File, a service for online tax preparation and filing. It’s free for individuals with an adjusted gross income under $84,000. For those earning more, there are still free online federal tax forms available to use.
People with low to moderate income or senior citizens can also get free help with preparing tax returns, thanks to IRS-supported programs.
Justice Department’s Actions Against Fraud
In the last 10 years, the Justice Department’s Tax Division has taken action against hundreds of dishonest tax preparers. You can find detailed information on their official website, including a list of people who are not allowed to prepare tax returns anymore.
If you believe someone is violating a court order, you can report it directly to the Tax Division.
This case is a reminder for everyone to be cautious while choosing a tax preparer. Filing taxes is a serious matter, and trusting the wrong person can lead to big legal issues, both for you and for them. The IRS has several tools to help you choose a trusted professional. Always check their background, ask questions, and make sure your return is prepared honestly. Fraud not only affects the government—it can also put you at risk of penalties or audits.
FAQ
Who is Juan Humberto Garcia?
He is a tax preparer from Kissimmee, Florida, who runs Tax Master of BVL Inc. and has been accused of filing false tax returns.
What is the Justice Department’s complaint about?
The complaint says Garcia and his son-in-law filed false federal tax returns by reporting fake business expenses and deductions.
What action is being taken against the tax preparers?
The government wants to permanently stop them from preparing tax returns and to make them return the fees earned through fraud.
How can I avoid a fraudulent tax preparer?
Use the IRS directory, avoid preparers who won’t sign your return, and follow the IRS checklist before filing.
What is IRS Free File?
It’s a free online tax filing service available for individuals earning less than $84,000, and offers electronic forms for higher incomes.
