The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida has issued a permanent injunction against a Central Florida-based tax return preparer, Kenia Rodriguez.
The injunction prohibits Rodriguez from preparing tax returns for others and from any involvement in owning, managing, or working at a tax preparation business in the future.
Terms of the Permanent Injunction
Under the terms of the permanent injunction, Rodriguez is required to send notices of the injunction to individuals for whom she prepared federal tax returns after January 1, 2016.
Additionally, she must post copies of the injunction in locations where she conducts business, including social media accounts and websites.
The injunction also grants the United States the authority to conduct post-judgment discovery to monitor compliance with the injunction.
Allegations of Fraudulent Activity
The civil complaint against Rodriguez alleged that, operating under the fictitious entity Rodriguez Tax Services, she fraudulently claimed extensive deductions and credits on customers’ tax returns to underreport their tax liabilities intentionally.
Furthermore, Rodriguez allegedly concealed her tax preparation activities by failing to properly identify herself on the tax returns she prepared.
Announcement by Justice Department
Deputy Assistant Attorney General David A. Hubbert of the Justice Department’s Tax Division announced the permanent injunction against Rodriguez.
IRS Guidance for Taxpayers
Taxpayers seeking a reliable tax preparer are advised to remain vigilant against unscrupulous individuals.
The IRS provides resources on its website for selecting a tax return preparer and offers a free directory of federal tax preparers.
Additionally, the IRS offers guidance on the credentials and qualifications taxpayers should look for in their tax preparers.
Justice Department’s Efforts Against Unscrupulous Preparers
Over the past decade, the Justice Department’s Tax Division has obtained injunctions against numerous unscrupulous tax preparers.
Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website.
Taxpayers who suspect a violator of an injunction should contact the Tax Division with details.
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