A tax preparer from Vancouver, Washington, has been sentenced to **18 months** in federal prison for his role in a fraudulent scheme that defrauded the U.S. Treasury of more than **$5 million**. **Carlos Altamirano**, 52, was found guilty on **16 counts** of aiding in the preparation of false and fraudulent tax returns. His sentence was handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge **David G. Estudillo**.
Between **2017 and 2021**, Altamirano prepared at least **12,000** tax returns, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. An analysis conducted during the investigation revealed that his fraudulent practices resulted in a significant loss to the U.S. Treasury. The judge emphasized that tax preparer fraud undermines the government’s ability to function effectively and highlighted the need for adequate deterrence.
The fraudulent activities included inflating clients’ income tax submissions with fictitious medical expenses, charitable donations, and exaggerated business expenses. Many clients were unaware of the inaccuracies in their returns, believing Altamirano was maximizing their deductions legally. This deception not only led to larger refunds for his clients but also generated referrals that helped grow his business.
Prosecutors argued for a five-year sentence, stressing that Altamirano’s actions victimized his clients, many of whom were not tax literate. They expressed that these clients had trusted him to handle their tax affairs correctly. The statement from the prosecution noted, “Altamirano greatly abused this trust and put them at risk by creating fraudulent returns on their behalf.”
The tax loss attributed to the 16 counts Altamirano pleaded guilty to amounted to **$104,518**. He has agreed to pay this sum in restitution to the **Internal Revenue Service (IRS)**. Additionally, Judge Estudillo ordered Altamirano to sell one of his four properties to help facilitate the restitution payment.
Altamirano is also serving a concurrent sentence of **135 months** for a separate state charge of attempted murder after he intentionally crashed into a motorcycle occupied by his son. This incident led to his arrest in **February 2025**. Despite initially claiming his car had been stolen, dashcam footage contradicted his statement, resulting in further legal repercussions.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of financial fraud and the importance of accountability in the tax preparation industry.
