Martha L. Williams, Tax Fraud, Nevada 2020

Las Vegas Tax Preparer Sentenced for Filing False Tax Returns

A Las Vegas tax preparer was sentenced to two years in prison for filing fraudulent tax returns for her clients over approximately five years, causing a total tax loss of $529,782 to the IRS.

The defendant, Martha L. Williams, 43, owned and operated MJW and Associates (formerly known as Across the Board Management Company), which were tax preparation businesses in Las Vegas.

Between 2009 and 2014, Williams prepared more than 1,000 tax returns on behalf of her clients. She admitted to preparing 750 false tax returns that inflated the clients’ refunds by claiming fictitious deductions related to businesses that did not actually exist.

To make these businesses appear legitimate, Williams used the IRS’ website to apply for and receive Employer Identification Numbers for fictitious businesses. In total, Williams caused a tax loss of at least $529,782 to the IRS.

Martha L. Williams pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of a false tax return. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks sentenced Williams to one year of supervised release and ordered Williams to pay $529,782 in restitution to the IRS.

This case was investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Grimmer prosecuted the case.

If you suspect tax return preparer misconduct or improper tax preparation practices, report it to the IRS at https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/make-a-complaint-about-a-tax-return-preparer.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nv/pr/las-vegas-tax-preparer-sentenced-filing-false-tax-returns