McAllen, Texas – In a shocking case of tax evasion, Maria I. Cantu, a tax preparer in McAllen, Texas, has been permanently barred from preparing federal tax returns for others, the Justice Department announced today.
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas in McAllen, Texas, permanently barred Maria I. Cantu from preparing federal tax returns for others, the Justice Department announced today. Cantu, a tax preparer in McAllen, agreed to the civil injunction order.
The order also requires Cantu to turn over to the United States a list of all persons for whom she prepared federal tax returns or claims for a refund for tax years 2010 through 2012, and to notify these customers of the permanent injunction against her. The order authorizes the United States to monitor Cantu’s compliance with the terms of the order.
The complaint alleged that Cantu prepared returns that contained false, improper or inflated deductions or tax credits, such as the earned income tax credit. The complaint also alleged that these activities led to her clients filing returns which unlawfully understated income tax liabilities and overstated refunds.
Return preparer fraud is one of the IRS’ 2013 Dirty Dozen Tax Scams. The IRS has some tips on their website for choosing a tax preparer. In the past decade, the Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department website.
An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.
The permanent injunction against Maria I. Cantu is a significant step in the fight against tax preparer fraud. Tax preparer fraud is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences for individuals and the economy as a whole. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect taxpayers and bring perpetrators to justice.
Mandatory Facts:
Defendant/Respondent: Maria I. Cantu
Criminal Charges: Preparing federal tax returns containing false, improper or inflated deductions or tax credits
City and State: McAllen, Texas
Exact Date: Not specified
Sentence or Outcome: Permanent injunction barring her from preparing federal tax returns for others
Dollar Amounts: None
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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