Las Vegas Tax Preparer Sentenced for Fraud Scheme

The sentencing highlights the importance of vetting tax preparers to protect your household against refund fraud.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Taxes

Las Vegas Tax Preparer Sentenced for Fraud Scheme

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A federal court sentenced Las Vegas tax preparer Ivan Odiaga to 38 months in prison for his role in a $5 million tax fraud scheme. Odiaga, who operated through Silver State Tax & Multiservices LLC, diverted over $1.1 million of client refunds into his own accounts between 2017 and 2021.

Why it matters

This case highlights the risks for taxpayers when using third-party preparers who may inflate refunds using false claims, such as fabricated business losses or energy credits. Taxpayers remain legally responsible for the information submitted on their tax returns regardless of who prepares them.

The defendants sought over $5 million in fraudulent refunds and successfully diverted $1.1 million to their own accounts. The scheme spanned tax years from 2017 to 2021.

The players

Ivan Odiaga

A former Las Vegas tax preparer who operated Silver State Tax & Multiservices LLC and was sentenced for tax fraud.

Iris Hondermann

A co-conspirator who pleaded guilty to defrauding the United States in relation to the fraudulent tax preparation scheme.

Silver State Tax & Multiservices LLC

The Las Vegas tax preparation firm used by the defendants to file false tax returns for clients.

The details

Odiaga operated a tax preparation business in Las Vegas where he falsified returns by including bogus business profits, losses, and energy credits. He also utilized another preparer’s identification number without authorization to conceal his actions. The defendants siphoned portions of these tax refunds directly into bank accounts they controlled, unbeknownst to their clients.

2017-2021: Odiaga and Iris Hondermann filed the fraudulent tax returns.
August 5, 2026: Iris Hondermann pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States.
October 21, 2026: Ivan Odiaga received his 38-month prison sentence.

Money Landscape

This case follows a pattern of federal enforcement regarding the Internal Revenue Service Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) requirements. It serves as a reminder of the oversight governing tax professionals who handle sensitive household financial data.

Taxpayers should always review their completed returns for accuracy before signing, as they are ultimately liable for the figures reported. If you suspect your tax return was filed incorrectly, consider consulting with a certified public accountant or qualified tax attorney.

The takeaway

Taxpayers are responsible for all information on their returns, regardless of who prepares them. Verify that your tax preparer uses their own valid credentials and keep records of all documents provided to them during the filing process.