A tax preparer from Vancouver, Washington, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for orchestrating a fraudulent scheme that resulted in a loss of more than $5 million to the U.S. Treasury. Juan Altamirano, aged 52, pleaded guilty to 16 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns, as confirmed by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Between 2017 and 2021, Altamirano prepared over 12,000 tax returns, many of which included fabricated medical expenses, inflated charitable donations, and exaggerated business costs. The fraudulent entries not only increased the refunds received by his clients but also compromised their financial integrity. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, a statistical analysis revealed that these false entries led to a substantial tax loss of at least $5 million.
Judge David G. Estudillo emphasized the severe impact of tax preparer fraud on the government’s operational capabilities, stating that adequate deterrence is necessary to prevent similar crimes in the future. Altamirano’s actions directly violated the trust placed in him by his clients, many of whom were not well-versed in tax matters. Prosecutors highlighted that these individuals believed they were hiring a professional who would handle their taxes with honesty and accuracy.
In addition to his federal sentence, Altamirano is also serving a concurrent 135-month sentence for an unrelated state case involving attempted murder. In September 2025, he pled guilty to charges stemming from a violent incident where he intentionally crashed into a motorcycle ridden by his son. Despite initially claiming that his vehicle had been stolen, dashcam footage contradicted his account, leading to his arrest.
The fraud case against Altamirano raises important concerns about the vulnerabilities faced by individuals who lack tax literacy. Many clients, trusting Altamirano to maximize their tax returns, were left in a precarious situation when the fraudulent activities came to light. As a condition of his sentencing, Altamirano has been ordered to pay $104,518 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and to sell one of his four properties.
Prosecutors argued for a five-year sentence, noting that Altamirano’s clients have faced audits and the potential for penalties due to his misconduct. They described his betrayal of trust as a significant abuse, putting many of his clients at risk of financial distress. The fallout from Altamirano’s fraudulent activities will likely continue to impact his clients long after his prison term concludes.
