Cynthia Peters, Aiding False Tax Returns, Louisiana 2023
Baton Rouge Tax Preparer Indicted for Tax Fraud
Washingon, D.C. - In a shocking case of tax fraud, Cynthia Peters, a tax return preparer from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been indicted for aiding in the preparation of false tax returns. Peters, who worked at Jasmine and Melissa’s Tax Service in Baton Rouge, was charged with seven counts of aiding in the preparation of false tax returns for clients.
According to the indictment, Peters prepared fraudulent tax returns for seven clients that reported false amounts of telephone excise tax refund (TETR) credits. The TETR credit was a one-time credit available to taxpayers for the 2006 year. The credit was available in standard amounts ranging from $30 to $60 or in the amount of actual excise tax paid, which was 3% of the cost of long distance and bundled service over the period beginning after Feb. 28, 2003, and before Aug. 1, 2006. According to the indictment, Peters filed taxpayer returns claiming fraudulent TETR credits in amounts ranging from $1,190 to $4,900.
Peters faces a maximum potential sentence of 21 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1,750,000 if convicted.
The Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have announced that Peters will be prosecuted by Tax Division attorneys Kevin Lombardi and Matthew Mueller. The cases were investigated by the IRS, Criminal Investigation Division.
Peters is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a U.S. District Court. While the indictment is a serious charge, it is essential to remember that an indictment is merely a formal charge by the grand jury.
The Justice Department’s Tax Division and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.usdoj.gov/tax/. Additional information about tax fraud schemes to watch out for may be found on the IRS Criminal Investigation Web site.
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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