The owner of a tax preparation business on Miramar Road admitted in federal court today that she filed more than 4,000 false income tax returns, and obtained more than $7 million in bogus refunds, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Melissa Ann Vega, the 44-year-old owner of L&T Works, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to file false, fictitious, and fraudulent claims for federal tax refunds, tax evasion and aggravated identity theft before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bernard Skomal, prosecutors said.
The plea agreement said that Vega conspired with others to file the false income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service without the knowledge of her clients.
Prosecutors said that, among other things, they claimed thousands of dollars in false education expenses and tax credits for which the clients were not qualified. They also stole identity information from clients, including the personal data of minors.
“Tax return preparers owe a duty to their clients to prepare tax returns that are accurate and comply with the law,” said U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy. “Tax return preparers who defraud the IRS out of millions of dollars, intentionally falsify tax returns, and steal the identities of minor dependents breach the public’s trust and undermine confidence in the tax system.”
The defendant, who prosecutors said is an ex-con also known as Lisa Vega, is scheduled to be sentenced March 4. She was also required to relinquish ownership of several firearms seized in a raid on her home in April.
Three co-defendants — Tammie Cowles, Stephen Elliott, and Justin Vega — previously entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to file false claims for tax refunds. Justin Vega is Melissa Vega’s son.
Their sentencing hearings are scheduled for early next year.
With a new filing season right around the corner, Duffy reminded the public to always review a copy of any tax return prepared and filed on their behalf, and to be skeptical of tax preparers who offer to obtain substantial tax refunds.
