The Justice Department has initiated legal proceedings by filing a complaint against Emmanuel Antwi, an Ohio tax return preparer, and his Cincinnati-based businesses, Manny Travel Agency & Business Services Inc. and Manny Financial, Insurance & Accounting Firm LLC.
The complaint, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, seeks to prevent Antwi from owning or operating a tax return preparation business and preparing tax returns for others.
Accusations of Unethical Practices: Understatements and False Deductions
The civil complaint contends that Antwi knowingly adopted unreasonable or incorrect positions on the tax returns he prepared.
These actions allegedly led to understatements of taxes owed by his customers and overstatements of their entitled refunds.
Specific allegations include the preparation of returns claiming false deductions for business losses or employee expenses, as well as knowingly reporting incorrect filing statuses.
Pattern of Misconduct: Repeated Violations Over Several Years
The government asserts that Antwi has been filing hundreds of tax returns annually since at least 2020, with a significant majority of these returns claiming refunds.
The complaint emphasizes a pattern of misconduct, alleging that Antwi’s actions have resulted in a substantial loss in tax revenue, estimating a staggering $1,098,186 in losses for the year 2020 alone.
Legal Response: Seeking Injunction and Disgorgement
In response to Antwi’s alleged violations, the Justice Department not only seeks an injunction to prevent him and his businesses from engaging in tax return preparation but also requests an order of disgorgement.
The latter is intended to prevent Antwi and his businesses from profiting from their violations of internal revenue laws.
Government Losses and Call for Vigilance: Protecting Tax Revenue
The complaint contends that Antwi’s conduct has led to a significant loss in tax revenue, impacting the United States.
Deputy Assistant General David A. Hubbert of the Justice Department’s Tax Division announced the legal action, highlighting the harm caused by repeated understatements of customers’ tax liabilities.
Public Awareness and IRS Guidance: Choosing Tax Preparers Wisely
The Justice Department encourages taxpayers to remain vigilant against unscrupulous tax preparers.
It directs taxpayers to the IRS website for guidance on choosing a tax return preparer and mentions the availability of a free directory of federal tax preparers.
This legal action is part of the broader efforts to combat unethical tax practices.
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