Philadelphia Woman Admits To Tax Crimes

PHILADELPHIA - Sharnise Carroll, 36, of Philadelphia, PA, pleaded guilty yesterday to seven counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of fraudulent tax returns. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 30, 2016.  Carroll faces up to three years in prison, up to two years of supervised release, restitution to the IRS, a $700 special assessment and a possible fine.

Between February 2009 and September 2009, Carroll prepared and electronically filed federal income tax returns for seven individuals, six of whom did not know Carroll, in which she sought First Time Home Buyer Credit on behalf of each individual.  Carroll knew that none of the seven individuals qualified for the credit and one of the returns that Carroll prepared was for a minor whose identity had been stolen. Carroll received a total of $53,445 in cash payments and had the IRS directly deposit the monies into one of two bank accounts in her name.

The case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations in conjunction with the City of Philadelphia Office of Inspector General.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Linwood C. Wright, Jr.