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Tax Preparer Sentenced to Six Years for Filing False Returns
A Memphis woman has been sentenced to 72 months in federal prison for submitting fraudulent federal income tax returns that defrauded the government of more than $700,000. Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, and Tracey D. Montaño, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation, announced the sentence today.
Bridget Pollard, 45, of Memphis, owned and operated Freedom Tax Service, a local tax preparation business. For the 2008 tax year, Pollard utilized an electronic filing identification number (EFIN) to electronically process and file tax returns. Pollard submitted 97 returns to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that falsely and fraudulently claimed credits for first-time homebuyers (FTHBC) and business owners (Schedule C).
Pollard reportedly told clients that all they had to do to qualify for FTHBC was have the intention to purchase a home. Many clients were unaware that Pollard was actually filing a tax return on their behalf; they thought they were simply applying for a home loan. Furthermore, Pollard filed false Schedule C tax forms for clients who were in fact unemployed.
The total amount of fraudulent claims made by Pollard was in excess of $700,000. In December 2015, Pollard was convicted by a federal jury on 12 counts of submitting fraudulent federal income tax returns.
Chief U.S. District Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Pollard to six years in federal prison on Wednesday, March 2, 2016. This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Pritchard and Damon K. Griffin prosecuted the case on the government’s behalf.
Bridget Pollard’s scheme has left many wondering about the integrity of the tax preparation industry. As the investigation and prosecution of Pollard’s case comes to a close, the community is left to pick up the pieces and rebuild trust in the system.
Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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