Tax Preparer Faces Four Years Probation for Filing False Income Tax Returns

Denham Springs Woman Sentenced for Tax Fraud

A Denham Springs woman has been sentenced to four years of probation for her role in preparing and filing false federal income tax returns, according to U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite.

Katrular Buchana Bell, 39, a former tax preparer, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to serve four years of probation. In addition to her sentence, Judge Milazzo ordered Bell to pay $41,747 in restitution to the IRS.

According to court documents, Bell willfully aided and assisted in the preparation and electronic filing with the IRS of multiple false income tax returns. She fraudulently manipulated the income amounts reported on the returns in order to obtain large refunds to which the filers were not entitled.

In 2010, Bell provided the false information in a tax return for an individual’s income during tax year 2009. The return falsely stated that the taxpayer earned Schedule C income of $13,400. However, the individual did not work as an employee during 2009 and did not receive a Form W-2 reporting any wages that year.

Nonetheless, on or about January 20, 2010, Bell prepared a 2009 income tax return on the individual’s behalf to which she attached a false Schedule C and fraudulently claimed a refund of $4,915. Bell collected a fee for the preparation of this return.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Secret Service in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene Gonzalez is in charge of the prosecution.

Bell’s actions are a stark reminder of the importance of honesty when filing taxes. The IRS relies on taxpayers to provide accurate information, and individuals who engage in tax fraud can face serious consequences.

The sentence handed down by Judge Milazzo is a significant one, and it serves as a warning to others who may be considering engaging in similar activities. It is essential for taxpayers to understand that the consequences of tax fraud can be severe and long-lasting.

RELATED: Mazzella’s Italian: Owner Cooks Up Tax Evasion Scheme

RELATED: Wilmington Restaurateur Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud