Local Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Filing False Claims with the IRS

Memphis, TN – A local tax preparer has pleaded guilty to filing false claims in the Memphis area. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the guilty plea today.

According to the charging instrument, from calendar years 2014 to 2016, Gina Holley filed false and fraudulent tax returns when she included false Fuel Tax credits. She did so claiming tax payers were entitled to a tax credit, when in fact, Holley knew taxpayers were not entitled to a tax credit claimed. As a result of Holley’s acts, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) suffered a loss of over $400,000.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "One of the primary functions of this office is to protect the United States Treasury and individual taxpayers. Whenever there is fraud against our tax system, we will use all available resources to punish and deter such dishonest criminal behavior."

Holley pleaded guilty to three counts of presenting false claims to the United States. The maximum penalty is 3 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled on September 20, 2018 before U.S. District Judge Thomas Parker.

This case was investigated by the IRS.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Damon Keith Griffin is prosecuting the case on the government’s behalf.