Orlando man sentenced over false tax returns

ORLANDO, Fla.  — An Orlando man has been sentenced to prison for preparing and filing false tax returns.

U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza has sentenced Marc Arthur Eliassaint to 21 months in federal prison for filing false tax returns and aiding and assisting in preparing false tax returns, said the US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (USAO).

Eliassaint entered a guilty plea on November 16, 2023.

According to court documents, Mr. Eliassaint prepared and filed false tax returns for himself from 2016 through 2019 by claiming false fuel tax credits, itemized deductions, and business losses and misstating his income and federal income tax withholding amounts.

Mr Eliassaint also owned and operated a tax preparation business named 360 Tax Services, LLC, and filed 35 false tax returns on behalf of other individuals for tax years 2016 through 2020, said the USAO.

These tax returns similarly claimed false fuel tax credits, itemized deductions, business losses, and profits. They also misstated income and federal income tax withholding amounts, fraudulently inflating the individuals’ tax refunds.

“Today’s sentencing highlights the determination IRS-CI Special Agents have when they pursue tax preparers who exploit the tax system,” said IRS-CI Acting Special Agent in Charge Lani Rosado-Espinal.

“The dishonesty and complete disregard exhibited by individuals like Eliassaint not only undermines the trust in our tax system but also violates the expectations that all Americans are supposed to adhere to. IRS-CI is leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to combat fraudulent return preparers and will persist in safeguarding taxpayer funds,” said Ms Rosado-Espinal.

The Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation investigated this case, which was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Diane Hu, Jennifer Harrington, and Ranganath Manthripragada.