South Florida tax preparer jailed for filing fraudulent returns

The owner of a South Florida tax preparation business has been sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison for filing fraudulent tax returns that resulted in over $20 million in losses to the IRS, authorities announced Friday.

- Advertisement -
Journey to Kingston-728x90

Beatriz Toledo, 61, who owned Immigration and Tax Service Group LLC, pleaded guilty in December 2024 to aiding and assisting the preparation of false tax returns. In addition to her prison term, she was sentenced to one year of supervised release and ordered to pay more than $20 million in restitution to the IRS.

According to court records, from 2017 to 2021, Toledo knowingly filed thousands of fraudulent tax returns for clients. These returns falsely claimed Residential Energy Credits, inflated itemized deductions for state and local taxes, and falsified business expenses—all in an effort to reduce taxable income and increase refunds.

Toledo’s fraudulent tax filings affected approximately 7,800 returns, resulting in $20 million in unpaid federal taxes. Her business profited by collecting $7.1 million in fees, which were taken directly from her clients’ refund checks.

This case is not Toledo’s first legal trouble. In 2010, a federal district judge issued a permanent injunction (Case No. 09-cv-21987-COOKE) barring her from preparing fraudulent tax returns. However, she violated the injunction and continued her illegal activities, leading to her indictment in 2024.

The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Emmanuel Gomez of IRS-CI.

Palooza 728x90

Assistant U.S. Attorney Will J. Rosenzweig prosecuted the case.

More Stories

Four Jamaicans arrested in Alabama for alleged involvement in lottery scam

Jamaican among five charged in migrant smuggling case off Miami-Dade coast

A Jamaican national is among five men charged in connection with an alleged migrant smuggling operation intercepted off the coast of Miami-Dade County, according...
Biscayne Bay

Miami-Dade fertilizer restrictions begin May 15 to Oct. 31 to protect Biscayne Bay

Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resources Management is reminding residents and businesses that the county’s annual fertilizer restriction period begins May 15 and runs...
Nancy Metayer Bowen

Mother of slain Coral Springs vice mayor launches bid for commission seat

The mother of slain Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen is seeking to fill the city commission seat left vacant following her daughter’s...
Haitian Heritage Month

City of Miami District 5 to celebrate Haitian Heritage Month with ‘Sak Pasé in Little Haiti’

The City of Miami’s District 5 is set to celebrate Haitian Heritage Month and Haitian Flag Day with “Sak Pasé in Little Haiti,” a...

Unhealthy air quality advisory issued in Broward due to Everglades wildfire

Residents across parts of Broward County are being urged to take precautions as smoke from a brush fire burning in the Everglades continues to...
University of Miami

University of Miami joins Miami World Cup 2026 Host Committee as official supporter

The University of Miami has been named an Official Miami World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter, joining efforts to help prepare South Florida for...
Renee O’Connor

Jamaican-American educator Renee O’Connor helps Miami students challenge stereotypes through photography

Students at Miami Norland Senior High School are using photography to reclaim the narrative of their community through the upcoming second annual Danger of...
Dr. Howard Hepburn, Superintendent of Broward County Schools

Broward School Board approves plan to eliminate 1,000 jobs amid budget crisis

The Broward County Public Schools Board has approved a sweeping reorganization plan that will eliminate 1,000 job positions in an effort to save approximately...
Lixon Nelson

Haitian-American advocate Lixon Nelson uses personal challenges to empower South Florida communities

As Haitian Heritage Month continues, Lixon Nelson is being recognized for his work advancing disability inclusion, workforce development, and economic empowerment throughout South Florida. Born...

FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee holds youth community clinic at Riverside Park

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee, in collaboration with the City of Miami, hosted a ONE GAME ONE FUTURE community and legacy...

Latest Articles