A federal court has sentenced Jeffrey Dixon, a tax preparer from Lakeland, to 57 months in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and assisting in the filing of false and fraudulent tax returns. The sentencing took place before U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven. Dixon pleaded guilty on August 5, 2025.
The court also ordered Dixon to forfeit $1,093,552.50, representing proceeds from his criminal activities, and to pay restitution of $12,964,382 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the sentence.
Court documents show that between January 2019 and July 2023, Dixon prepared or helped prepare 458 fraudulent tax returns for 319 clients, including himself. These returns covered tax years 2018 through 2022 and included falsified Schedules A and 1 as well as fraudulent Forms W-2G. The filings featured fabricated amounts for gambling winnings and losses along with fake federal tax withholding figures based on those winnings. As a result, taxpayers received substantial refunds they were not entitled to.
“Tax fraud isn’t a shortcut—it’s a fast track to prison,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Florida. “IRS Special Agents work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the tax system and ensure that those who steal from the American public face justice. IRS Special Agents will continue to pursue anyone who thinks they can game the system.”
The total intended loss from these false returns was estimated at $42.4 million; however, the actual loss paid out by the IRS amounted to nearly $13 million through refunds or credits applied against prior debts. Of this amount, Dixon personally profited over $1 million through payments from clients or direct refunds.
The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation into this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Ross Roberts and Jennifer Peresie prosecuted it, while Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. Nebesky is handling forfeiture proceedings.
