Join 250,000+
professionals today
Add Insights to your inbox - get the latest
professional news for free.
How a $65M Geothermal Tax Scheme Allegedly Got This Far
Join our 250K+ subscribers
Join our 250K+ subscribers
Subscribe24 AUG 2026 / ACCOUNTING & TAXES
Michael Shine, a 55-year-old tax preparer from Birmingham, is facing allegations of a fraudulent refund operation that cost the US Treasury around $65 million. Shine's firm, Shine's Professional Services, is accused of filing client tax returns containing false claims for geothermal heat pump costs, which under the Residential Clean Energy Credit qualified for a tax refund. Federal prosecutors claim Shine continued the operation even after an IRS intervention. The case highlights the rising importance of tax professionals being diligent in their documentation and judgment, especially when dealing with high-dollar credits.
A tax credit meant to help homeowners go green allegedly became the engine behind a refund operation that sent about $65 million out of the U.S. Treasury. That is the allegation now facing Michael Shine, a 55-year-old Birmingham tax preparer whose firm, S...
Until next time…
Don’t forget to share this story on LinkedIn, X and Facebook
Subscribe now for $199 and get unlimited access to MYCPE ONE, from CPE credits to insights Magazine
📢MYCPE ONE Insights has a newsletter on LinkedIn as well! If you want the sharpest analysis of all accounting and finance news without the jargon, Insights is the place to be! Click Here to Join
You’ve reached the 3 free-content piece limit. Unlock unlimited access to all News & CPE resources.
Subscribe Today.
Already have an account?
Sign In
-1786975998.webp)
