The Justice Department has initiated legal action against three tax return preparers in the Atlanta area. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, seeks to prevent Mabika Ilunga, Simon Ilunga, Simon Ilunga Jr., and their associated businesses from operating a tax preparation service and preparing federal tax returns for others. Additionally, it demands that they return fees collected from allegedly fraudulent returns.
The defendants are accused of filing tax returns that falsely reduced their clients' federal income tax liabilities by fabricating business expenses, education credits, electric vehicle credits, unreimbursed employee expenses, dependents, and filing statuses. These actions were reportedly taken to increase client refunds and eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit.
According to the complaint, thousands of such returns were prepared between 2020 and 2023. Over 400 more have been filed since the start of the 2025 season. An IRS review found errors requiring adjustments in nearly all sampled cases from these filings. The government claims this has resulted in lost revenue and resources spent on investigations while potentially leaving customers with significant debts and penalties.
The Justice Department’s Tax Division highlighted this issue as part of its ongoing efforts against "Dirty Dozen Tax Scams," urging taxpayers to be cautious when selecting a return preparer. Resources are available on the IRS website for choosing reliable services and avoiding fraudulent ones.
For those eligible under certain income thresholds, IRS Free File offers free online preparation options through partner sites. Seniors and individuals with low to moderate incomes can find additional guidance there as well.
Over recent years, numerous injunctions have been secured against dishonest preparers by the Tax Division. Details about these cases can be accessed via the Justice Department's website.