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Not2Taxing, Inc., 3170 N Federal Highway, Ste 100M, Lighthouse Point, FL (2026)

07/17/2026

Every so often we share a U.S. Department of Justice press release involving tax preparers who have been prosecuted for preparing fraudulent tax returns. The allegations often involve fabricated deductions, understated income, false credits, or other intentional violations of the tax laws.

We share these stories for one reason: they remind taxpayers how important it is to choose a tax professional based on integrity—not on promises of the biggest refund.

At Not2Taxing, our philosophy is simple.

We prepare every return with care, diligence, and a commitment to following the tax law. We don't invent deductions. We don't underreport income. We don't recommend positions that we cannot ethically support.

Our preparation process takes time because we do more than enter numbers into tax software. We look for legitimate tax-saving opportunities, identify potential issues before they become problems, and help our clients make informed decisions through proper tax planning.

Our clients trust us with some of their most sensitive financial information. We take that responsibility seriously because your reputation—and ours—matters.

For nearly 50 years, our goal has been to provide ethical, accurate, and professional tax services while helping clients legally minimize their tax liability within the framework of the law.

If you're looking for a preparer who values integrity as much as results, we'd be honored to earn your trust.

07/17/2026

Press Release
Miami CPA Charged with Preparing False Tax Return
Friday, July 17, 2026
For Immediate Release
Office of Public Affairs
Defendant Prepared False Tax Returns for CFO of Shipping Business

A Miami-based CPA was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday on charges of preparing a false tax return for the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of a group of related companies that collectively operated a shipping business.

According to the criminal information, Luis E. Gonzalez, Jr. became an employee of the shipping business in 2019 and prepared tax returns for several of the shipping business’s companies and several members of the family that owned it. Gonzalez allegedly prepared false tax returns for one of the companies for the years 2021 and 2022, and for an employee of that business for the years 2021 through 2023. These false returns collectively underreported millions of dollars in income.

Gonzalez was charged with one count of aiding or assisting the filing of a false tax return. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.

Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Jason A. Redding Quinones of the Southern District of Florida made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Senior Litigation Counsel Sean Beaty and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nalina Sombuntham of the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Updated July 17, 2026

07/17/2026

IDENTITY PROTECTION PINs FROM THE IRS help taxpayers guard against tax-related identity theft

One of the best ways taxpayers can protect themselves from identity theft is by requesting an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number.

What taxpayers should know about an IP PIN:

Anyone with a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number can request a free IP PIN, including taxpayers living abroad.

It’s a unique six-digit number known only to the taxpayer and the IRS.

It helps verify a taxpayer's identity when they file a federal tax return. It also protects the taxpayer's account, even if they aren't required to file a return.

Taxpayers must verify their identity before receiving an IP PIN.

Tax professionals cannot request an IP PIN for a client but may use the number provided by the taxpayer when preparing and filing a return.

A new IP PIN is issued each year for added security.

Taxpayers who request an IP PIN online will need to retrieve their new one annually, starting mid to late January.

Taxpayers who receive an IP PIN must include it on all federal tax returns they file during the year, including prior-year and amended returns.

The IRS will never call, email, text, or message a taxpayer through social media channels to request their IP PIN.

The fastest way to get an IP PIN:
The quickest and easiest way to request an IP PIN is through an IRS Individual Account. After signing in, taxpayers can select the IP PIN option under their profile. Those who do not already have an account will need to complete the identity verification process before requesting an IP PIN.

Options for taxpayers who can't verify their identity online:
Taxpayers who are unable to verify their identity online may still be able to get an IP PIN.
Eligible taxpayers with an adjusted gross income below $84,000 for individuals or $168,000 for married filing joint may apply by submitting Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number.

Taxpayers who cannot verify their identity online or by phone, are not eligible to use Form 15227, or experience technical issues can make an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center to complete the process in person.

07/16/2026

Press Release
Idaho Man Indicted For Tax Evasion
Thursday, July 16, 2026
For Immediate Release
Office of Public Affairs
Allegedly caused a loss to the IRS exceeding $888,000

An indictment was unsealed yesterday in the District of Idaho charging an Idaho man with evading payment of taxes owed to the IRS.

According to the indictment, from approximately December 2022 through at least February 2026, Joshua Laine Bennett, of Caldwell, Idaho, evaded the payment of personal income taxes for several years and the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (“TFRP”) that the IRS assessed against him for multiple calendar quarters for failing to pay taxes related to a company he owned. According to the indictment, Bennett evaded payment of those outstanding tax liabilities by, among other things, providing false information on IRS collections forms, using cashier’s checks to keep his bank balance low, purchasing nearly $700,000 in gold bars, using a nominee bank account to receive payments for industrial equipment and real property and making withdrawals from that nominee bank account for personal expenses, all in an effort to thwart IRS collections efforts.

In total, Bennett allegedly caused a tax loss to the United States of approximately $888,313, including penalties and interest.

Bennett was charged with one count of tax evasion related to his personal income taxes and one count of tax evasion related to the TFRPs assessed against him. If convicted, he faces a maximum of five years in prison for each count of tax evasion. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.

Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Trial Attorney David F. Scollan of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittney Campbell for the District of Idaho are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Updated July 16, 2026

07/15/2026

Hoboken Accountant Charged with Preparing False Tax Returns for Clients
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
For Immediate Release
Office of Public Affairs

A grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging accountant a tax preparer with preparing false tax returns for clients and obstructing the IRS.

According to the indictment, Demetreus Hargrove operated The Wright Star LLC, a tax preparation business he used to prepare and file 30 false individual and business tax returns for the years 2019 through 2023. As part of his scheme, Hargrove allegedly encouraged and helped his clients to form businesses in order to claim fabricated business expenses. He also allegedly recharacterized his clients’ personal expenses as deductible business expenses and frequently filed business tax returns with the IRS without having first reviewed them with his clients. According to the indictment, Hargrove also prepared and filed tax returns for clients reporting false business losses and fabricated bad debts, even though his clients did not provide him with this information.

Hargrove was charged with 30 counts of aiding or assisting the filing of false tax returns. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of filing false returns for clients. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.

Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Likhitha Butchireddygari and Lyndi McVey of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Updated July 15, 2026

07/13/2026

Press Release
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax Return
Monday, July 13, 2026
For Immediate Release
Office of Public Affairs
Admits to Perpetuating $4.2 Million Tax Refund Fraud Scheme

A Florida man pleaded guilty today to filing a false tax return filed on behalf of a trust he controlled.

According to court documents and statements made in court, McDonald Preval, of Miami, filed numerous false tax returns on behalf of himself and purported trusts he controlled. The trust tax returns reported that the trusts had earned significant income and made tax withholding payments to the IRS, purportedly entitling the trusts to large tax refunds. In fact, the trusts did not have the claimed income, and did not make payments in the amounts claimed on the returns, and therefore were not entitled to the refunds Preval claimed. He also filed tax returns for 2023 that did not include the income from his employment. The false tax returns Preval filed and caused to be filed on behalf of purported trusts and himself collectively sought tax refunds totaling more than $4.2 million.

Preval pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6 and faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Melissa Siskind and Kavitha Bondada of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, Tax Section, are prosecuting the case.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Updated July 13, 2026

07/13/2026

Honduras Man Sentenced for $89M Payroll Tax Fraud Scheme
IRS Criminal Investigation Florida Field Office
1,289 followers
July 7, 2026

Mario Flores, of Honduras, an illegal alien, was sentenced to 96 months in prison for his role in operating a years-long off-the-books cash payroll scheme that facilitated the employment of illegal aliens working in the United States. The scheme caused a total loss to the United States of more than $38 million.

Flores conspired with others to create a series of shell companies to run an unlicensed check cashing and cash courier service business. These shell companies cashed approximately $89 million in checks from subcontractors in the construction industry, charging them a percentage of the dollar amount of the checks they cashed as a fee for this service. Through this scheme, construction contractors and subcontractors paid their workers in cash without withholding and paying required payroll taxes, allowing them to operate without regard to the workers’ legal authority to work in the United States. Flores also caused the filing of false tax documents with the IRS to conceal the scheme.

“These individuals didn’t just run an off the books payroll scheme—they built a pipeline of fraud that stole from taxpayers and helped sustain an unlawful employment scheme,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation, working hand in hand with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, is laser focused on cutting off the financial lifeblood of schemes that exploit workers, cheat honest businesses, and undermine the integrity of our tax system. When criminals think they can hide in the shadows, our agents follow the money—and bring the truth into the light.”

In addition, Flores and his conspirators defrauded workers’ compensation insurance companies by leasing their certificates of insurance to contractors and by providing false and fraudulent information to the insurers about, among other things, the number of workers covered by the insurance and the amount workers were paid.

Flores pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one count of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business.

Iris Villafranca, Osman Zapata, and Francisco Alvarez, who conspired with Flores, were previously sentenced. Villafranca was sentenced to 17 years in prison. She was ordered to pay more than $38 million in restitution to the United States and forfeit $89 million of criminal proceeds from the scheme. Zapata was sentenced to more than four years in prison and was ordered to pay more than $2.5 million in restitution to the United States. Francisco Alvarez was sentenced to four years of probation and ordered to pay more than $2.3 million in restitution. Conspirator Michael Mayorga awaits sentencing.

06/26/2026

Press Release
Arizona Woman Pleads Guilty to $7.7 Million Tax Refund Fraud Scheme
Friday, June 26, 2026
For Immediate Release
Office of Public Affairs

An Arizona woman pleaded guilty yesterday to attempting to steal more than $7.7 million in government funds by filing false tax returns with the IRS.

According to court documents, Regina Durkin, of New River, Arizona, and others, conspired to defraud the United States by submitting false quarterly employment tax returns to the IRS.

“No matter the scheme, the agency, or the program involved, those who cheat on their taxes for personal enrichment undermine the very foundation of public trust,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “The Fraud Division is working across all fronts to detect, investigate, and prosecute criminal tax violations. We will protect the integrity of our tax system and ensure that those who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of honest citizens face the full weight of federal prosecution.”

“Our work continues as we find and prosecute individuals like Ms. Durkin who took a benefit meant to help the public during a crisis, and used it instead to line their own pockets,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “We are grateful to our partners at IRS-CI for their tireless efforts to seek accountability on behalf of federal taxpayers.”

Durkin conspired with others to file tax returns seeking fraudulent refunds based on the employee retention credit and paid sick and family leave credit, credits passed by Congress to aid struggling businesses during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Instead, these companies were not in operation at the time, had no employees, and paid no wages.

In total, Durkin, and others, submitted fourteen fraudulent claims to the IRS that requested over $7.7 million in tax refunds.

Durkin pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to file false claims. She is scheduled to be sentenced on September 11 and faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine of the District of Arizona made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

“Regina Durkin chose to steal $7.7 million from the American public through deliberate fraud—and now faces the full weight of a felony conviction,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Phoenix Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Scott Brown. “Let this case be a clear warning: IRS‑CI will relentlessly pursue anyone who abuses emergency relief programs for personal gain. IRS-CI agents specialize in dismantling complex financial schemes. We will follow the money, expose the fraud, and ensure those who steal from taxpayers are held fully accountable.”

Trial Attorney Robert Kemins and Trial Attorney Matthew Hoffman of the Criminal Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Williams for the District of Arizona, are prosecuting the case.

On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Updated June 26, 2026

06/26/2026

Press Release
Minnesota Tax Preparer Convicted of Preparing $1M+ in False Tax Returns for Clients
Friday, June 26, 2026
For Immediate Release
Office of Public Affairs

A federal jury convicted a Minnesota man yesterday for filing false tax returns for clients of his tax preparation business.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Cortez Hollis owned and operated Hollis Tax Time, a Minnesota tax preparation business that he used to prepare false tax returns for clients. Hollis told his clients he was able to provide them tax credits that other tax preparers did not know about. In reality, he reported fictitious businesses that claimed thousands of dollars of business losses the clients did not actually incur. Hollis filed these tax returns with the IRS and generated large refunds the clients were not entitled to receive. He often paid himself tax preparation fees of $2,000 or more out of the resulting refunds, sometimes without his clients’ knowledge.

“No matter the scheme, the agency, or the program involved, those who cheat on their taxes for personal enrichment undermine the very foundation of public trust,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “The Fraud Division is working across all fronts to detect, investigate, and prosecute criminal tax violations. We will protect the integrity of our tax system and ensure that those who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of honest citizens face the full weight of federal prosecution.”

At trial, the government established that Hollis added more than $1 million in fraudulent losses to client tax returns and sought approximately $387,000 in refunds they were not entitled to receive.

Hollis was found guilty of 20 counts of aiding or assisting the preparation of false tax returns. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. Hollis faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen for the District of Minnesota made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Assistant Chief Eric B. Powers and Trial Attorney Megan E. Wessel of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division ('Fraud Division'). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Updated June 26, 2026

06/16/2026

St. Louis tax preparer admits stealing client funds
IRS Criminal Investigation St. Louis Field Office
1,102 followers
June 11, 2026

ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Zachary M. Bluestone sentenced a former tax preparer to 27 months in prison and ordered him to repay the $52,080 he stole from clients’ tax refunds and COVID-19 stimulus payments.

From 2016-2020, Mark A. Murphy prepared tax returns for clients but did not list himself as the paid return preparer. Murphy instead signed the taxpayers’ names on the returns, making it appear that they had submitted the returns instead of him. Without the taxpayers’ knowledge, he opened bank accounts for them that he used to collect his tax preparation fees from clients’ tax refunds.

The bulk of Murphy’s crime concerned Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), which were issued directly from the IRS to taxpayers during the COVID-19 pandemic. A number of these EIPs were deposited into the unauthorized bank accounts that Murphy set up. Despite knowing that these EIPs were intended for his clients and not him, Murphy withdrew EIP funds in cash and used debit cards linked to the accounts to make personal purchases. During this period, Murphy also kept a client’s entire tax refund for himself. Murphy stole a total of $52,080 in EIPs and refunds from clients from April 2020 to March 2021.

“The Defendant attempted to conceal the fact that he prepared tax returns for his clients and then stole their refunds by opening bank accounts in their names without their knowledge or approval,” said IRS-Criminal Investigation St. Louis Special Agent in Charge William Steenson. “IRS-CI remains committed to tracking down fraudsters who exploit the U.S. tax system by stealing from innocent taxpayers and the U.S. Treasury.”

Murphy pleaded guilty in March to one count of theft of government property.

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and IRS – Criminal Investigation handled the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow prosecuted the case.
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Not2Taxing, Inc.

07/17/2026

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