Shreveport Tax Preparer Sentenced for Fraudulent Activities

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Tax office with documents and client looking concerned about tax fraud

News Summary

Sharhonda Law, a tax preparer in Shreveport, faces 20 months in federal prison for tax fraud. She prepared false returns claiming non-existent farming income, resulting in incorrect refunds. The IRS investigated, revealing multiple fraudulent claims, including her own taxes. Law must also pay $123,455 in restitution. This case highlights the importance of ethical tax practices in the community.

Shreveport Tax Preparer Faces Jail Time for Tax Fraud

Shreveport, a city with a rich history and vibrant community, has had its fair share of ups and downs. This week, the news took a rather surprising turn with the sentencing of a local tax preparer, Sharhonda Law, to 20 months in federal prison for committing tax fraud. This case has definitely caught the attention of both the residents and the authorities.

What Happened?

At 39 years old, Sharhonda Law, who operated Law’s Tax Service in Shreveport, found herself in hot water after the U.S. District Judge Maurice Hicks Jr. delivered the sentence. Not only does she have to serve her time behind bars, but she’s also looking at an additional three years of supervised release after she completes her prison term. On top of that, Law was ordered to pay a hefty sum of $123,455 as restitution for her fraudulent activities.

The Scheme

So, what led to this serious legal trouble? Back in 2019, Law prepared a tax return for one of her clients that falsely claimed farming income and expenses. It gets more interesting—this concocted tax return showed a fictitious net farming loss, which resulted in a tax refund for the client. The twist? The client actually owed money that year! Upon further investigation, it became clear that the client didn’t own any farming operations and hadn’t provided Law with any income or expense records related to farming at all.

Further Investigations

As the investigations unfurled, it became evident that the wrongdoings didn’t stop there. Law had, in fact, made similar misleading claims on six other tax returns prepared for different clients. That’s right, it seems like she may have thought she was above the law, but her actions did not go unnoticed.

Her Own Taxes

As if dodging the IRS on behalf of her clients wasn’t enough, Law also falsified her income on two of her personal tax returns and failed to file returns for multiple years. It’s alarming to think that someone in her profession, who is supposed to help others navigate the complicated world of taxes, would take such risky shortcuts for personal gain.

Investigative Action

Behind the scenes, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)—specifically its Criminal Investigation division—was hard at work unraveling Law’s fraudulent web. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin S. McCoy, who focused on bringing justice to those affected by Law’s actions. It’s a real reminder of how serious tax fraud is taken by authorities and the ramifications that come from bending the rules.

What This Means for Shreveport

For the people of Shreveport, this case serves as a cautionary tale. It shows that no matter your occupation, anyone can fall victim to their own greed and the temptation of fraud. It also highlights the diligence of the IRS in rooting out fraudulent behavior within the community. With tax season around the corner, it’s essential for residents to choose their tax preparers wisely and stay informed about what constitutes ethical tax practices.

As the dust settles on this case, it’s yet another chapter in the ongoing battle against tax fraud. Law’s sentencing may bring some relief to those who might have felt that such behavior could go unpunished. But for Sharhonda Law, she has a long road ahead as she serves her time and contemplates the choices that led her to where she is today.