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Tax Preparer Charged With Filing False Tax Returns
A tax preparer from Hallandale Beach, Florida, has been charged with filing false tax returns on behalf of his clients, according to the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Wifredo A. Ferrer.
Efrain Felipe, 41, was charged in a two-count Information with making and subscribing a false tax return on behalf of a client, and aiding and abetting, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Sections 7206(1) and 7206(2). If convicted, Felipe faces a maximum statutory sentence of up to 3 years in prison on each count.
Felipe operated a tax preparation business in Broward County, where he prepared fraudulent tax returns for his customers by claiming that some customers were entitled to a First Time Home Buyers Credit (FTHBC) of $7,500.00, for properties they did not own or for properties that were purchased years earlier.
According to the charges, Felipe also falsely claimed the FTHBC on his own personal tax return. He made his initial appearance in federal court yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alicia M. Otazo-Reyes.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI, which assisted in the case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman O. Hemming, III.
Felipe’s trial has been set for June 17, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Robert N. Scola, Jr. in Fort Lauderdale. An Information is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. More information and related court documents can be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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