Former tax preparer convicted of preparing false returns

2/16/2013

A former tax preparer with H&R Block in Toledo faces up to five years in prison when sentenced for preparing false tax returns.

Wanda Love, 57, of Toledo was convicted Friday in U.S. District Court of one count of conspiracy in the preparation of false tax returns and 59 counts of helping to prepare false tax returns. The jury deliberated seven hours.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Karol said Love “deliberately prepared false tax returns showing these people had self-employed business income so that they would get refunds under the earned income tax credit program.”

The 59 clients received about $134,000 in fraudulent refunds between 2007 and 2009.

Mr. Karol said it was unknown how much money Love received to prepare the returns, but she received a commission for each return she prepared and witnesses testified she also was paid under the table by clients.

Among those who testified during the nearly week-long trial was Sonja Moses of Toledo, 40, Love’s cousin, who pleaded guilty in November to conspiracy in the preparation of false tax returns. Moses, who awaits sentencing, said she referred potential clients to Love.

Judge Jack Zouhary allowed Love to remain free on bond until sentencing June 7.