Court says Franklin tax adviser misrepresenting himself

A court order from District Judge Joe Haynes says Daniel Gleason, who runs a company called MyTaxMan, can’t guarantee that customers will receive tax refunds and must stop using a number of titles.

The court order, dated Feb. 19, says Gleason misrepresented his education, claimed to be an adjunct professor, said he was an attorney, and an editor and contributor to a major news magazine.

The court decision is part of an ongoing effort by federal authorities to stop Gleason from promoting various services and products that offer big tax savings.

“People who hear a tax-savings idea that seems too good to be true should be skeptical not only of the scheme, but also of the credentials the promoter claims to have,” said Eileen O’Connor, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Tax Division. “A call to the IRS or a visit to its Web site can help you determine if the tax advice you are considering could land you in hot water.”

The Justice Department also is trying to close down Gleason’s promotion of a product called “Tax Toolbox.” Authorities say it is a scheme to claim deductions for nondeductible personal expenses.

Court documents filed by government attorneys allege Gleason has been advising customers to use his “Tax Toolbox” system to automatically deduct personal expenses — including travel, medical expenses, college education and other items.

A court hearing on the government’s motion to bar Gleason from promoting the product will be held later this month.

Gleason defended himself in a statement on his company’s Web site, which was required by the court to post the injunction. Gleason said he’s already complied with many of the government’s requests and can still represent clients before the IRS and tax courts but can’t call himself an attorney.