A Vancouver tax preparer accused for allegedly filing fraudulent tax returns that cost the U.S. Treasury $5 million in tax loss was arrested on March 19.
Keith Altamirano, 52, operated Integrity Investments LLC, doing business as a high-volume tax preparer through Servicios Latinos. Between 2017 and 2021 Altamirano filed at least 12,000 tax returns, which allegedly cost the U.S. Treasury at least $5 million in tax loss, a news release by the United States Department of Justice stated.
The indictment stated that Altamirano allegedly falsified clients’ income tax submissions by filing fake medical expenses and charitable donations, fabricating business costs and more. He concealed his fraud by using the correction fluid “Wite-Out” and omitting his name on the client’s filed returns, the news release stated.
Aiding and assisting with filing a false or fraudulent tax case is punishable by up to three years in prison, per count, and a $100,000 fine. Altamirano made his initial appearance in court for the indictment on March 20.
