U.S. Attorney’s Office issues indictments for 3 Jacksonville tax return preparers

With tax season in full swing, three Jacksonville tax return preparers are facing indictments from the U.S. Attorney's Office for tax fraud.

Paul Berkins Moise, Joanna Arlean Tukes and Schquan Antionette Shanks are charged with aiding and assisting others with the filing of false tax returns, according to prosecutors. The unrelated indictments allege each person owned and operated a tax preparation business in Jacksonville.

Moise is charged with 22 counts of filing false tax returns, Shanks is charged with 21 counts of filing false tax returns and Tukes is charged with 25 counts of filing false tax returns and three counts of filing false personal income tax returns, according to the U.S Attorney's Office. Each count comes with a maximum penalty of three years in prison.

Prosecutors are also seeking restitution for the tax loss.

Moise’s indictment alleges he claimed 22 false tax returns on behalf of eight taxpayers from 2012 through 2016.

Shanks’s indictment alleges she filed 21 false returns on behalf of eight taxpayers from 2014 through 2017.

Tukes’s indictment alleges she filed 25 false returns on behalf of nine taxpayers from 2012 through 2016. Her indictment also alleges Tukes significantly under reported the income she made from her business.

The U.S Attorney’s Office says Tukes made about $219,700 in 2013 but reported only $14,600; that she made approximately $294,000 in 2014 but reported only $10,500 and that she made approximately $465,850 in 2015 but reported only $50,540.