Las Vegas Tax Preparer Sentenced for Fraud
Ivan Odiaga received 38 months in prison for his role in a multi-million dollar scheme.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Taxes
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A Las Vegas man has been sentenced to 38 months in federal prison for orchestrating a tax refund fraud scheme. Ivan Odiaga and his accomplice sought over $5 million in fraudulent refunds by filing false tax returns.
Why it matters
The scheme compromised client tax information and involved the unauthorized use of another preparer’s identification number. The defendants used Silver State Tax & Multiservices LLC to divert more than $1.1 million in refunds into personal accounts.
The defendants sought over $5 million in fraudulent tax refunds, successfully diverting $1.1 million into their own bank accounts. Odiaga received a prison sentence of 38 months for the activity.
The players
Ivan Odiaga
He is the individual convicted and sentenced for his role in filing fraudulent tax returns and diverting client funds.
Iris Hondermann
She is a co-defendant who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States in connection with the tax scheme.
Silver State Tax & Multiservices LLC
This is the Las Vegas-based tax preparation business used by the defendants to facilitate the filing of false returns.
The details
Operating through Silver State Tax & Multiservices LLC, Odiaga prepared returns that falsely claimed business profits, losses, COVID-19 credits, and residential energy credits. He also gained access to client refunds by using the Preparer Tax Identification Number of another professional without their consent.
Timeline
The fraudulent tax returns were filed between 2017 and 2021.
Iris Hondermann entered a guilty plea for conspiracy on August 5, 2026.
Ivan Odiaga received his prison sentence on October 21, 2026.
Market Dynamics
The case highlights vulnerabilities in the IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number system, which was exploited to facilitate the fraud. Such incidents often trigger stricter oversight of third-party tax preparers and increased scrutiny of rapid-refund claims.
Clients of Silver State Tax & Multiservices LLC may face significant audits or adjustments to their tax records due to the false filings. Taxpayers should ensure their preparers are authorized and verify all claims made on their behalf to avoid personal liability.
The takeaway
Taxpayers are ultimately responsible for the information submitted on their federal returns, regardless of who prepares them. Always request a copy of the final filing and verify that all claimed credits align with your actual financial situation.
Further reading
For more information on tax compliance and regulations, visit Taxes.
Live Poll
Do you believe current prison sentences for tax fraud adequately deter potential offenders?
