Rachelle Eldridge-Bray, Tax Return Preparer Fraud, Arkansas 2024

Tax Fraud

Rachelle Eldridge-Bray, a notorious tax return preparer from Arkansas, has been permanently barred from preparing federal income tax returns for others. The drastic measure was taken due to allegations that Eldridge-Bray prepares tax returns that understate her customers’ income tax liabilities and overstate her customers’ refunds.

The civil injunction order, to which Eldridge-Bray agreed, was signed by Judge D.P. Marshall Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. According to the complaint, Eldridge-Bray unlawfully prepares federal tax returns with fabricated business income and expenses and bogus itemized deductions.

Return preparer fraud was one of the IRS’s Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2018, and taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant. The IRS has some tips on its website for choosing a return preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers.

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’s 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.

Rachelle Eldridge-Bray’s actions have been deemed a serious offense, and her permanent ban from preparing tax returns will serve as a cautionary tale for others in the industry. It is essential for taxpayers to be aware of the potential risks involved in hiring an unscrupulous tax return preparer.

The case against Rachelle Eldridge-Bray serves as a reminder of the importance of choosing a reputable and trustworthy tax return preparer. Taxpayers must remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves from falling victim to tax return preparer fraud.

Rachelle Eldridge-Bray, a tax return preparer from Arkansas, has been permanently barred from preparing federal income tax returns for others due to allegations of underreporting income and overstating refunds. The civil injunction order, to which Eldridge-Bray agreed, was signed by Judge D.P. Marshall Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. Defendant: Rachelle Eldridge-Bray. Charges: Preparing tax returns that understate income tax liabilities and overstate refunds. Location: Jonesboro, Arkansas. Date: Yesterday. Outcome: Permanent ban from preparing federal income tax returns for others.