Marcel J. Toto-Ngosso, age 50, was convicted of 17 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of false tax returns and was sentenced to 70 months in prison for preparing and filing false Tax Returns.
According to the U.S. Justice Department and the IRS, Marcel J. Toto-Ngosso took part in a scheme to generate fraudulent tax returns for clients. According to trial evidence, Toto-Ngosso obtained the names and social security numbers of idividuals, which he later sold to his clients for $500 to $800 each. He then used the names and social security numbers on his clients' tax returns so they could secure larger refunds by claiming fraudulent deductions and income adjustments. He did this all through a home base business for 9 years before the IRS finally caught up to him.
His offenses, prosecutors said, took place over nine years through 2007 from a business based at his home.
“As today’s sentence shows, fraudulent tax return preparers face serious consequences, including jail time,” said John A. DiCicco, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Tax Division. “This case also demonstrates why taxpayers should carefully review their individual income tax returns before signing and filing their returns with the IRS.”
“Tax return preparers help Americans with one of their biggest financial transactions each year. We must ensure that all preparers are ethical and provide good service,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Chief Eileen Mayer. “Today’s sentence signals our determination to ensure the tax preparation industry is on board with our overall goals to strengthen the tax system.”
Cracking Down: The judge ordered Marcel Toto-Ngosso to pay $238,788.25 in restitution for his crime. Two of his associates were sentenced along with him. Even if the IRS doesn't catch up with you at first, they will eventually. Face your IRS responsibilities before the IRS brings the hammer down on you!