According to a Department of Justice press release a New York woman was recently convicted of various tax-related crimes. This story serves as a reminder of the severe legal consequences that can arise from intentionally failing to comply with federal tax law. If you have filed a fraudulent tax return in the past or have failed to file a tax return for one or more years, altogether, you should consider consulting with a seasoned tax attorney to help determine your legal exposure and how to come into tax compliance as soon as possible.
Defendant Received Nearly $500,000 in Fraudulent Tax Refunds
Court documents reveal that Ehrenfriede Kauapirura, a dietician working at a Brooklyn hospital, was found guilty of filing false tax returns, obstructing the IRS, and willfully failing to file tax returns. Kauapirura reported hundreds of thousands of dollars in fictitious tax withholdings on her 2015 and 2016 tax returns, leading the IRS to issue refunds totaling almost $500,000. When the IRS initiated collection actions to recover the fraudulent refunds, Kauapirura further obstructed their efforts by transferring funds to a trust account under her control and submitting a fraudulent $1 million check from a phony bank. Moreover, she failed to file individual tax returns from 2017 to 2020, despite earning substantial amounts of income.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 7, 2024. She faces a maximum of three years in prison for each count of filing false returns and obstruction, and an additional year for each count of willful failure to file a tax return. She also faces a period of supervised release, to commence upon the completion of any physical incarceration. Lastly, she will likely be ordered to pay restitution to the IRS, representing the tax loss that she caused.
Coming Back into Compliance with the Assistance of an Experienced Tax Lawyer
This case illustrates that no one is immune to the reach of the IRS and the Department of Justice when it comes to investigating and prosecuting tax crimes. It’s easy to find oneself in a precarious situation with the IRS, whether through intentional criminal tax action or simple mistakes. If you haven’t filed a tax return for one or more years that you were required to do so, or have filed a tax return that you knew to be false, you should contact an experienced tax defense attorney to determine the best approach for you to come back into compliance with federal tax laws. Together, you will work with your tax attorney to determine your level of exposure and the next logical steps to get you right with the government.
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