Tennessee – Two Memphis tax preparers have admitted in federal court that they worked together to file false tax returns and cheat the federal government, a scheme that resulted in inflated refunds for clients and significant losses to the U.S. Treasury.
Robert Wells, 54, and Andre Wilson, 54, pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States and aiding in the preparation and filing of false tax returns, according to an announcement from United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee. The men operated Wells and Wilson Financial, a Memphis-based tax preparation business, where the fraudulent activity took place over several years.
False Returns and Inflated Refunds
Court documents and statements made in court revealed that from at least 2019 through 2022, Wells and Wilson worked together to submit materially false tax returns on behalf of their clients. Prosecutors said the returns contained false itemized deductions, fabricated business income figures, or improper business deductions.
These manipulations caused clients to receive refunds larger than they were legally entitled to. Authorities determined that the scheme resulted in losses to the U.S. Treasury exceeding $250,000.
Federal officials emphasized that tax fraud undermines government services and public trust. U.S. Attorney Dunavant stated, “Protection of the United States Treasury and taxpayer resources is a top priority for the Department of Justice and this office. Income tax fraud schemes strike at the very heart of our federal government’s financial ability to provide services and protection for our citizens, and we will use all available resources to punish and deter such dishonest criminal behavior.”
Investigators noted that dishonest preparers often rely on deception to increase refunds and attract repeat business. Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Charlotte Field Office warned, “Dishonest tax return preparers use a variety of methods to cheat the government. Today’s plea is a reminder to those who might consider preparing false tax returns that IRS-CI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue their aggressive pursuit of those who attempt to defraud the United States tax system.”
Sentencing Dates and Potential Penalties
Wells is scheduled to be sentenced on May 6, ero 2026, while Wilson’s sentencing hearing is set for May 18, 2026. Each man faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiracy and up to three years for preparing and filing false tax returns. A federal district court judge will determine the final sentences after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The investigation was conducted by Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin for the Western District of Tennessee and Trial Attorney Max Willner-Giwerc of the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
Authorities say the guilty pleas send a clear message that tax preparers who manipulate filings for profit will be held accountable. Officials also remind taxpayers to review returns carefully and choose qualified preparers, noting that fraudulent filings can result in serious legal consequences for both preparers and clients.
