Tax Preparer Filed False Returns
A Huntington Beach tax preparer pleaded guilty Monday to filing false tax returns claiming more than $500,000 in illegal refunds.
Juan M. Hernandez, 36, who owned Taxes and Revenue Co., filed for child care credits for clients without children, fuel excise tax credits for those without off-road vehicles and mortgage interest deductions for clients who were not homeowners, according to U.S. Atty. Nora M. Manella. Hernandez also admitted that he had tax-refund checks mailed to a post office box he controlled, then forged clients’ signatures on checks and deposited them into his bank accounts.
He pleaded guilty to obstructing tax law administration, preparing false tax returns and passing a forged government check. Hernandez, who is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 18, faces a maximum sentence of 22 years.
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