Memphis Tax Preparers Admit to $250K IRS Fraud

Robert Wells and Andre Wilson pleaded guilty to conspiracy and filing false tax returns for clients.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Two Memphis tax return preparers, Robert Wells and Andre Wilson, have pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the IRS and aiding in the preparation and filing of false tax returns for their clients. From 2019 to 2022, the men operated a tax preparation business called Wells and Wilson Financial and prepared returns that included false itemized deductions, business income, or business deductions, causing clients to receive inflated refunds they were not entitled to. The total loss to the U.S. Treasury exceeded $250,000.

Why it matters

Tax fraud schemes undermine the integrity of the tax system and deprive the government of critical revenue needed to fund public services. This case highlights the Department of Justice's commitment to prosecuting dishonest tax preparers who take advantage of vulnerable clients for their own financial gain.

The details

According to court documents, Wells and Wilson conspired together to defraud the IRS by preparing false tax returns for their clients from 2019 through 2022. The returns included fabricated itemized deductions, business income, and business deductions, resulting in the clients receiving inflated refunds they were not entitled to. In total, the men's actions caused a loss to the U.S. Treasury exceeding $250,000.

  • Wells and Wilson operated their tax preparation business from at least 2019 through 2022.
  • Wells is scheduled to be sentenced on May 6, 2026.
  • Wilson is scheduled to be sentenced on May 18, 2026.

The players

Robert Wells

One of the Memphis tax preparers who pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the IRS and aiding in the preparation and filing of false tax returns.

Andre Wilson

One of the Memphis tax preparers who pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the IRS and aiding in the preparation and filing of false tax returns.

D. Michael Dunavant

The United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee who announced the guilty pleas.

Wells and Wilson Financial

The Memphis-based tax preparation business operated by Wells and Wilson.

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What they’re saying

“Protection of the United States Treasury and taxpayer resources is a top priority for the Department of Justice and this office. Income tax fraud schemes strike at the very heart of our federal government's financial ability to provide services and protection for our citizens, and we will use all available resources to punish and deter such dishonest criminal behavior.”

— D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee (localmemphis.com)

What’s next

The judge will determine the sentences for Wells and Wilson at their scheduled hearings in May 2026.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of ensuring tax preparers act with integrity and honesty when filing returns on behalf of their clients. Taxpayers should be vigilant in reviewing their returns and reporting any suspected fraud to the authorities.