Justice Department Sues to Stop Miami Tax Return Preparer from Preparing Federal Tax Returns for Others

Return Preparer Allegedly Claimed Fraudulent Education, Fuel Credits

2016-04-19

Rose M. Chazulle, a tax return preparer in Miami has prepared fraudulent federal tax returns that claim education and fuel credits to which her clients are not entitled, according to a civil lawsuit filed by the Justice Department, on April 18. The suit seeks to bar Chazulle and her company, RMC Professional Services Corporation, from preparing federal tax returns for others.

According to the complaint, Chazulle prepared federal income tax returns for customers that falsely claimed refundable credits, including American Opportunity Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit. Chazulle included the false education credits for customers who did not incur educational costs and otherwise did not qualify for this credit, the complaint alleges. In addition, the complaint states Chazulle prepared tax returns that falsely claimed:

● Fuel tax credits for customers who had no businesses of any kind, even though the credit can only be taken when fuel is used for certain business purposes or to operate a school bus;

● Fabricated business losses, claimed on Schedule C, Profit or Loss from Business, even though the customers did not have a business; and

● Wages described as household help income in order to falsely claim a larger Earned Income Tax Credit than the customer otherwise would have been able to claim.

The complaint estimates that Chazulle’s conduct cost the United States over $14 million for the tax years 2011 to 2013.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice