A Georgia trucking company owner has pleaded guilty to charges related to a major tax fraud scheme.
Dantavious Jackson, 39, pleaded guilty to mail fraud, according to a July 7, 2025, statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia.
Officials say that Jackson owned and operated a trucking company in Union City, Georgia. As a side business, Jackson prepared tax forms for others for a fee.
From June 2022 through August 2023, authorities say that Jackson schemed to defraud the United States
“by preparing and filing thirty-five IRS Forms 941 for himself and two clients that falsely claimed they were entitled to receive $4,112,297 in tax refunds based on fraudulently claimed employee retention credits (ERC).”
ERCs were issued by the federal government as part of COVID-19 relief efforts to encourage employers to keep staff on the payroll during the pandemic.
Officials say that the forms were fraudulent because they included information on employees and wages that did not exist.
“Jackson’s use of fake employees and wages to claim ERCs induced the U.S. Treasury to mail $1,567,855 in fraudulent tax refunds to himself and his clients,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office stated.
Additionally, Jackson did not obtain a preparer identification number from the Internal Revenue Service, which is required for individuals that prepare tax returns for others for a fee. Failing to identify himself in the “Paid Preparer Use Only” section on the returns he filed for clients makes Jackson a “ghost preparer,” according to officials.
Jackson faces up to 20 years in prison as well as supervised release and monetary penalties for the mail fraud charge.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation
“Jackson’s guilty plea serves as a reminder to those who committed fraud on programs under the CARES Act that they will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are still opening cases and investigating those who stole funds that were intended for American workers, families, and small businesses.”
