We represent clients from all U.S. and International locations regarding Federal Tax and California Issues.
According to a Department of Justice press release, a tax preparer from Virginia recently pleaded guilty to filing false tax returns on behalf of her clients. Unfortunately, tax professionals exist that are willing to break the law on behalf of clients. Stories such as the one we are highlighting here evidence the attention given to tax cheating by the IRS and the Department of Justice and the consequences of choosing the wrong tax preparer. If you have failed to file a tax return in the past, have underreported income, or overstated deductions, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced tax defense attorney to determine the necessary steps to come into tax compliance. Your tax professional will turn on you in a heartbeat if becomes their hide versus yours.
According to court documents, Angela C. Harper, of Newport News, Virginia, was the owner and operator of Ease Tax Services. Harper admitted that between 2014 and 2018, she intentionally falsified multiple tax returns for her clients, without their knowledge. Her fraudulent modifications to the tax returns would generally result in inflated fraudulently obtained tax refunds.
To cover up her activity, Harper did not complete the Paid Preparer portion of the tax return, making it appear as if the taxpayer had completed the tax return, themselves. Additionally, Harper failed to provide her customers with copies of their tax returns when they were requested.
Harper’s sentencing has been scheduled for early 2021. She faces up to three years in federal prison. She will likely be also required to serve a period of supervised release upon the completion of her prison sentence. Finally, she will most certainly be required to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of the tax loss that she caused the government.
Generally, most Americans do their best to correctly report their income and deductions properly on every year’s income tax return. But occasionally, individuals may forget to file a tax return, under report income, or overstate an expense that leads to a deduction. In many instances, these omissions or misstatements are unintentional. Regardless of intent, if you have fallen out of tax compliance, working with a seasoned tax attorney can help you get back on the right track.
An experienced tax defense lawyer will work with you to establish the facts of your case. Depending on your circumstances, there may be various methods whereby you can come into compliance. Your tax attorney will help you weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks of each. Finally, you and your attorney will work together to execute your plan. Your tax attorney will represent you in any interactions you have with the IRS.
Regardless of your particular 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. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our staff are working from home, but have full virtual meeting capability.
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.
