Local Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty To Fraud Charges

St. Louis, MO – JENNIFER WALTER pled guilty to multiple charges of making false, fictitious and fraudulent claims to the U.S. Department of the Treasury in connection with the filing of false tax returns and the creating of false W-2 forms.

Walter was employed as a tax return preparer for Liberty for All Tax Service in St. Louis, Missouri.  For tax years 2010 through 2012, Walter assisted clients with filing fraudulent tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service.  Walter also made false claims for refunds on her taxes for the tax years 2008 through 2010.  Walter created false W-2 forms in which she claimed false wages and withholdings for herself and others.  The false information reported to the IRS allowed Walter to claim various tax credits for her clients, including child tax credits and the earned income credit, to which her clients otherwise would not have been entitled.  Walter’s fraudulent conduct resulted in the payment of approximately $114,457 in refunds by the IRS.

"Refunds are issued to taxpayers who are entitled to them," said Sybil Smith, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation.  "We will aggressively pursue those who prepare false claims for refunds for the purpose of enriching themselves and stealing from the U.S. Treasury."

Jennifer Walter, St. Louis, MO, pled guilty to five felony counts of making false claims upon a department of the United States, before United States District Judge Henry Autrey. Sentencing has been set for January 12, 2015.

Each count of making false claims carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000.  In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Missouri Department of Revenue, Criminal Tax Investigation Bureau and University City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dianna Collins is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.