Worcester Tax Preparer Pleads Gulity To Preparing False Returns

BOSTON – A Worcester woman pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Worcester to falsifying tax returns.

Jenniffer Cox Elicier, 34, of Worcester pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to two counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. The statutory maximum penalty for the crime is three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for May 2, 2014.

Elicier operated Cox Elicier Tax in Worcester where she prepared individual federal income tax returns for clients. Elicier inserted false information into her clients= Form 1040 returns, including false Schedule A deductions such as gifts to charity and unreimbursed employee expenses, and thereby generated illegal refunds.

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and John G. Collins, Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service=s Criminal Investigation in Boston made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori J. Holik of Ortiz=s Economic Crimes Unit.