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Two North Carolina Residents Sentenced to Prison for Violating Federal Tax Laws

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Two North Carolina Residents Sentenced to Prison for Violating Federal Tax Laws

When it comes to taxes, it's important to trust your financial matters to reputable professionals. Unfortunately, as a recent Department of Justice press release has shown, not all tax preparers have the letter of the law in mind. Recently, two North Carolina women, Betty Hawkins and Phyllis Ricks, were sentenced to prison for their role in preparing and filing false tax returns for clients. If you have failed to timely file tax returns or have filed a tax return that you knew (or now know) to be false, you should contact an experienced tax defense attorney to determine the best strategy to get right with the government.

Defendants Filed False Tax Returns for Clients

According to court documents, Hawkins and Ricks, both of Rocky Mount, conspired with others to file false tax returns on behalf of their clients. These returns included fictitious federal income tax withholding figures as well as other fraudulent items that generated fraudulent refunds for the clients. Over the course of several years, they caused over a thousand false tax returns to be filed with the IRS, claiming a total of approximately $5 million in fraudulent refunds.

It's important to note that tax fraud is a serious crime with severe consequences. In addition to their prison sentences, both women were ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay back the $5.2 million in restitution to the United States.

Working With a Seasoned dual licensed Tax Lawyer & CPA

If you're looking for a tax professional to handle your financial matters, it's crucial to do your due diligence. A reputable tax law and accounting firm can help ensure that any position that has been taken on a tax return has been fully vetted and any necessary steps to rectify impermissible positions can be taken. They can also provide guidance and representation in case of any tax-related examinations or investigations.

If you have failed to file a tax return for one or more years, or have taken a position on a filed tax return that may not be supportable upon audit, eggshell audit, reverse eggshell audit or criminal tax investigation, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced tax defense attorney to discuss your options. Together, you will work to understand the pertinent facts of your case and develop a strategy to move forward.

We Are Here for You

Regardless of your business or estate needs, the professionals at the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing are here for you. We are open for business and our team will help ensure that your business is too. Contact the Law Offices of David W. Klasing today to discuss your business with one of our professionals.

In addition to our main office in Irvine,  the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing has unstaffed (conference room only) satellite offices in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Panorama City, Oxnard, San Diego, Bakersfield, San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Carlsbad and Sacramento.

Our office technology allows clients to meet virtually via GoToMeeting. With end-to-end encryption, strong passwords, and top-rated reliability, no one is messing with your meeting. To schedule a reduced rate initial consultation via GoToMeeting follow this link. Call our office and request a GoToMeeting if you are an existing client. 

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