News Releases
MORE TAX RETURN PREPARERS CHARGED
April 14, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
David E. Nahmias, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia and James D. Vickery, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, Atlanta Field Office, announce another round of indictments of fraudulent tax return preparers. On April 12, 2005, a federal grand jury returned two indictments charging DEBORAH ANN HILL, 37, of Marietta, Georgia, and LARRY VONZELL BLACK, 50, of Canton, Georgia. According to David E. Nahmias, the Indictments, and the documents and information presented in court:
! DEBORAH ANN HILL was charged in a nine (9) count indictment with having aided and assisted in the preparation of fraudulent income tax returns for the purpose of obtaining fraudulent income tax refunds. The Indictment charges that HILL prepared and thereafter presented to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") nine (9) federal income tax returns for other individuals. All nine (9) returns, filed for tax years during the period from 1998 through 2001, falsely claimed deductions under Schedule C of the returns for fictitious expenses associated with the operation of small businesses. In addition, eight (8) of those income tax returns, filed for tax years 1999 through 2001, falsely claimed eligibility for fuel tax credits relating to the use of kerosene for purposes other than the operation of a motor vehicle. As a consequence of those false entries, fraudulent claims for tax refunds were calculated for those returns by HILL and submitted to the IRS. HILL surrendered to authorities at the Richard Russell Federal Building on Thursday, April 14, 2005, and was released on bond. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Caldwell.
! LARRY VONZELL BLACK was charged in an eleven count indictment with making false claims for tax refunds to the Internal Revenue Service. The indictment alleges that as part of the fraud, BLACK told members of the public, as well as friends and acquaintances, that he was a Certified Public Accountant trained to prepare tax returns. He advertised his tax preparation services at a booth set up in a check-cashing store on Cobb Parkway, here in the metropolitan area. Under the guise of preparing legitimate tax returns, he obtained personal information, including social security numbers and W-2 forms, from taxpayers. BLACK then used the taxpayers’ information to submit false and fictitious claims by forging a signature on each taxpayer’s tax return. In all, BLACK submitted claims for over $46,000. BLACK was arrested on the charges on Wednesday, April 13, 2005. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melanie Wilson.
United States Attorney David Nahmias stated: “At this time of the year with the public’s attention focused on the rapidly approaching tax deadline, we make every effort to publicize the fruits of law enforcement’s hard work investigating those who violate the tax laws. Do not be fooled into believing that we only work on these cases in March and April and move on to other types of crimes during the rest of the year.”
James Vickery, Special Agent in Charge IRS-Criminal Investigation reminds taxpayers that they are responsible for the accuracy of all entries made on their tax returns, which include related schedules, forms and supporting documentation. This remains true whether the return is prepared by the taxpayer or by a return preparer. The IRS Criminal Investigation Division suggests the following helpful hints for choosing a Return Preparer to ensure you don't hire an Abusive Return Preparer:
• Avoid return preparers who claim they can obtain larger refunds than
other preparers.
• Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the amount
of the refund.
• Use a reputable tax professional that signs your tax return and provides
you with a copy for your records.
• Consider whether the tax professional offers electronic filing options
and other payment options that you want.
• Consider whether the individual or firm will be around to answer
questions about the preparation of your tax return, months, even years,
after the return has been filed.
• Never sign a blank tax form.
• Ask questions. Do you know anyone who has used the tax professional?
Were they satisfied with the service they received?
Tax Evasion is a crime, a felony, punishable up to 5 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
The IRS advises, “When in doubt, check it out!” Taxpayers hearing claims from preparers offering larger refunds than other preparers are encouraged to check it out with a trusted tax professional or the IRS before getting involved. Vickery reminds citizens that they may consult the IRS website for additional information:
Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government's burden to prove a defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
For further information please contact David E. Nahmias, United States Attorney or F. Gentry Shelnutt, Chief, Criminal Division, through Patrick Crosby, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Attorney's Office, at (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the HomePage for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia is www.usdoj.gov/usao/gan.