HOUSTON – A tax preparer has pleaded guilty to assisting in falsifying tax returns resulting in a loss of more than $100,000.
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According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Texas, Christopher J. Guevara admitted to making false deductions and providing residential energy credits on a 2017 tax return.
However, he owned and operated a tax service business from 2018 - 2020 and generated larger refunds on returns he prepared for businesses. He also admitted to pocketing some of the money (in addition to Guevara’s normal fee for preparing taxes).
Court records claim Guevara admitted to placing $26,857 in fake business losses that resulted in a tax loss to the U.S. of $13,390 on that return. He took responsibility for $123,458 in losses to the IRS and will be paying that back as restitution.
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A judge will impose a sentence on October 31, where Guevara could face up to three years in prison as well as a possible fine of up to $250,000. Meanwhile, he’s permitted to remain on bond until sentencing.