UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (WBAL) — Charles Anthony Keemer, 64, of Upper Marlboro, has admitted to aiding in the preparation and filing of fraudulent tax returns, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced today.
Keemer, who was not registered as a tax preparer with any federal, state, or local regulators, prepared individual income tax returns (Forms 1040) for clients between 2013 and 2016. Despite lacking the required education or experience in tax preparation, Keemer charged clients for these services and failed to report the income he earned from his business on his own tax returns.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Keemer electronically filed hundreds of tax returns using online software, typically from locations in Maryland. He also met with clients at various locations in the state to collect payments for the returns he prepared.
Keemer’s actions included adding materially false information to clients’ returns, such as fictitious Schedule C businesses and fraudulent expenses, in an effort to increase their tax refunds. These actions resulted in an estimated tax loss of $128,691 to the IRS.
Keemer faces a maximum sentence of three years in federal prison for his involvement in the fraudulent tax return filings. The case underscores the significant risks associated with unregistered and unqualified tax preparers in the U.S. tax system.
