Former Jackson, Missouri Tax Preparer Indicted For Tax Fraud

St. Louis, MO - Cynthia M. Raymond was indicted on multiple fraud counts involving her preparation of 98 false tax returns under the names of 36 clients for the tax years of 2007 through 2010.  The indictment alleges that these tax returns under reported taxes in cumulative amounts in excess of $300,000. 

According to the indictment, Raymond included false deduction on the returns which resulted in excessive and unlawful refunds.  She provided her clients with a different tax return than what was filed with the IRS.  The tax refund listed on the tax return Raymond provided to her clients matched the tax refund deposited to their account.  She then electronically filed the false tax returns which generated the payment of false refunds which she had directed to her own account. It is alleged that Raymond received $103,000 of direct deposits into her account from the false refunds.

The indictment charges a separate criminal act in which Raymond used the name and social security number of a Jackson-area resident to prepare a completely fabricated tax return for 2009.  According to the indictment, Raymond directed the false refund from that return in the amount of $1075 into her own account.

CYNTHIA M. RAYMOND, Kansas City, KS, formerly of Jackson, MO, was indicted Wednesday by a federal grand jury on three felony counts of making and filing a false tax return, six felony counts of aiding and assisting in making false tax returns and one felony count of identity fraud.  She was arrested by federal agents earlier today at her residence in Kansas City.

If convicted, each of the tax counts carry a maximum penalty of three years in prison and/or fines up to $100,000; identity theft carries a maximum of five years and/or $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney James E. Crowe, Jr., is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.