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Justice Department seeks to bar Rapid Tax 1 owner from tax prep work in Tampa area

 
Published May 5, 2015

TAMPA —The Justice Department wants to kick a Tampa Bay area man out of the tax preparation business, alleging in a lawsuit that his stores target low-income clients and promote the filing of fraudulent returns.

Federal authorities filed the suit Tuesday seeking an injunction against Milot Odne, identified as the owner and operator of Rapid Tax 1.

Odne could not be reached for comment.

The complaint states that he "profits through unconscionable and exorbitant fees — all at the expense of his customers and the U.S. Treasury."

The IRS estimates that taxes revenue lost from 2012 to 2014 could be $35.5 million or more, the complaint states.

It alleges that stores falsely claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, claim improper filing status, fabricate business income and expenses, fabricate deductions and falsely claim education credits.