Self-taught Tax Return Preparer – Tomeka Winberly – Convicted of Preparation of Fraudulent Tax Returns

A federal jury in Miami returned guilty verdicts against Tomeka Wimberly on twenty-four counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of fraudulent income tax returns.

The evidence at trial revealed that Wimberly was a “self-taught” tax preparer who prepared thousands of false tax returns between 2004 and 2005 which resulted in her clients receiving thousands of dollars in bogus refunds. The false returns reported fictitious and/or inflated deductions for un-reimbursed employee business expenses, charitable contributions, mortgage interest, and investment deductions, as well as false education, child care, and child and dependent expenses. During her first year in business, Wimberly prepared over 700 tax returns and obtained more than $2 million in refunds. By 2006, Wimberly prepared more than 1000 tax returns and obtained more than $4 million in refunds.

Wimberly faces a maximum sentence of up to 72 years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of up to $2.4 million dollars. Sentencing is scheduled for September 20, 2011, before United States District Court Judge Paul C. Huck.

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