A former tax return prepared based in New Orleans, La., has pleaded guilty to stealing identifications to file tax returns and receiving $577,000 in refunds in others' names. From January 2011 through February 2011, Stewart had about $37,809 in federal and state tax returns electronically deposited into bank accounts under this control. He also cashed or deposited U.S. Treasury checks for about $539,393 at a New Orleans area bank.
He faces a maximum of 10 years for prison for the theft of public money charge and two years for the aggravated identity theft count, which must run consecutive to any other prison term he receives. He also is subject to a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss caused by the offence.
Stewart operated Stewart's Tax Service and Stewart LTD from approximately 2001 through 2008, before the Internal Revenue Service suspended his Electronic Filing Information Number.
