Va. tax preparer faces fraud charges
Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2013 5:09 pm
Just goes to show that one doesn't have to be a taxpayer (or non-payer) to manipulate the system (Courtesy of WTOP News Radio):
Unfortunately, her clients are now on the hook with the IRS to (1) file correct, amemded returns and (2) repay (out of their own pockets) the excessive refunds. In all likelihood, the only way for them to make themselves whole (asuming the IRS waives the fines and penalties -- interest can NOT be waived) is to file a civil action against the preparer. Hopefully, she still has enough in reachable assets to come up with the money.A woman who ran a Fairfax tax preparation business faces charges that she falsified tax returns and kept her client's refunds.
Fairfax County police arrested Thuy Tien Le, of the 12800 block of Madeley Court, Tuesday and charged her with money laundering, obtaining money by a false pretense and two counts of identity theft with intent to defraud.
Investigators say she altered a client's tax documents before submitting them to the IRS and increased the amount of the expected refund. She then directed the refunds to be electronically deposited into an account other than her client's.
She operated a business called of T2 Advantage LLC, police say.
Police learned of the scheme in July when a former client of Le's tried to refinance their mortgage. Tax documents the mortgage company obtained from the IRS were different from the copies Le had provided the client, police say.
Police say additional charges could be filed against Le and ask that anyone who may have been defrauded by Le or was a victim of a similar crime to call detectives at 703-691-2131