Legal Issues

Four Tax Preparers Enter Guilty Plea For Conspiracy

Four Tax Preparers Enter Guilty Plea For Conspiracy

Four Florida-based tax preparers have entered a guilty plea for conspiracy to commit tax fraud against the United States after falsifying income tax returns. 

Jamica Nelms, Capriesha Cummings, Camille Harper, and Ashley Flournoy operated an unspecified tax preparation business -- referred to as "Business #1" in court documents -- in St. Petersburg. Between January 2017 and April 2019, the four women submitted fraudulent returns for numerous clients to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Nelms, Cummings, Flournoy, and Harper filled out falsified Schedule C forms, creating fictitious businesses so their clients could claim the maximum Earned Income Credit on their tax returns, increasing their tax refunds. The preparers also fraudulently reported that clients that their clients were able to claim fuel taxes and educational expenses to further boost their refunds.

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Credit: Getty Images

In reality, most of the foursome's clients were unable to legally claim any of these tax credits and kickbacks.

The IRS shared thoughts from IRS-CI Tampa Special Agent in Charge Brian Payne. He said, “The defendants’ admissions today stress the importance of the taxpayer acting as the first line of defense against unscrupulous preparers and their scams."

Payne continued, “With the filing season deadline just a week away, this investigation is a timely reminder about why the taxpayer must do their due diligence when selecting a preparer because ultimately you are responsible for your return.”

Whether your taxes for the 2022 tax year have already been filed or you filed for an extension, it is crucial to choose a reputable tax professional to work with you. 

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Credit: Getty Images

It has not been publicly revealed whether Nelms, Cummings, Flournoy, and Harper's clients knew that fraudulent information was being provided on their tax returns in order to inflate their refunds. If they did not, they were also victimized in this situation.

Remember to carefully vet any tax and accounting firm you are thinking about using.

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Rebekah Barton

Rebekah Barton

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