From a press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office:

FEDERAL TAX PROSECUTIONS SERVE AS REMINDER TO TAXPAYERS TO COMPLY WITH TAX OBLIGATIONS AS APRIL 15 DEADLINE APPROACHES

CHICAGO – Three tax return preparers, a salesman, and the owner of a psychic reading business are among seven Chicago and suburban defendants who are facing federal prosecution in separate cases for alleged federal income tax crimes. These cases, along with others recently charged, are typical of federal tax prosecutions that occur throughout the year, but they also serve as a reminder to taxpayers of the importance of voluntary compliance with their tax obligations as the April 15 filing deadline approaches, federal law enforcement officials announced today.

“The IRS Criminal Investigation Division is committed to ensuring that all taxpayers pay their fair share,” said James C. Lee, Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago. “We are aggressively serving the American people by investigating criminal violations of the Internal Revenue Code. Tax fraud does not know a season – IRS special agents pursue criminals year round, not only at tax time. Taxpayers who might be thinking about cheating with this month’s filing deadline looming should think twice or they will risk the consequences.”

Gary Shapiro

Gary S. Shapiro, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, noted that in addition to criminal penalties, including incarceration, fines, and the costs of prosecution, convicted defendants remain responsible for any taxes and interest due, as well as civil penalties of up to 75 percent of the tax owed. Those making false claims against the government may be required to pay restitution or may be sued civilly for an amount greater than the fraudulent claims.

[One of those listed in the press release is from McHenry.  That information is seen below.]

TOWANA VIRAMONTES, 37, of McHenry, has pleaded not guilty after being indicted in January on 15 counts of making false claims for tax refunds in 2008 and 2009. Viramontes, who was the principal of a telemarketing business that operated under various names, including American Creative Solutions, Inc., Apple Leasing, Inc., and Leads 2 Guaranteed Loans, allegedly prepared false Forms W-2 that she provided to at least 15 individuals, some of whom worked for her business and some who did not.

The charges allege that Viramontes caused these individuals to file false claims for income tax refunds, typically a few thousand dollars each, using the false W-2s that she provided and then to pay her a substantial portion of the tax refunds they obtained. (AUSA Dylan Smith.)

Assisting in the preparation of false tax returns or filing a false tax return carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count. Making a false claim upon the United States carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Failing to file an income tax return, a misdemeanor, carries a maximum sentence of a year in prison and $100,000 fine. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.

The public is reminded that criminal charges are not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.