Jacksonville Tax Preparer Admits to Massive Fraud with Over 900 False Returns
Guilty Plea and Upcoming Sentencing
A Jacksonville tax preparer, Survalarie Harris, has admitted her role in a sweeping tax fraud scheme involving more than 900 falsified returns. Harris entered a guilty plea and now faces a potential prison sentence of up to three years. Her sentencing is scheduled for December 10, marking the final stage of a case that has revealed widespread abuse of taxpayer trust.
Deceptive Practices Uncovered
Investigators discovered that Harris engaged in fraudulent methods designed to reduce tax liabilities and artificially increase refunds for her clients. Central to her scheme was the use of fictitious business losses, fabricated expenses, and misleading entries on tax filings. By manipulating the numbers, she enabled her clients to qualify for credits they were not legally entitled to receive.
The Method Behind the Fraud
Court documents detail how Harris advised taxpayers to claim nonexistent business activity. In one notable case, she suggested that even something as minor as occasionally braiding hair could be treated as a business loss on a tax return. This approach drastically reduced adjusted gross incomes, which in turn allowed clients to qualify for Earned Income Credits fraudulently.
Undercover Operation
The fraudulent scheme came to light through an undercover investigation. On March 22, 2022, an IRS agent posing as a customer met with Harris, who without requesting any documentation, fabricated a business loss on the return. This false claim triggered eligibility for credits the agent was not entitled to, highlighting Harris’s deliberate misuse of the system.
Scope of the Fraud
The investigation revealed that Harris’s activity was not an isolated incident but a pattern spanning years. Between 2020 and 2022, she prepared over 900 fraudulent returns, resulting in a tax loss of at least $1,824,279. As part of her guilty plea, Harris acknowledged the staggering financial damage caused by her actions.
Breach of Trust and Accountability
Tax preparers hold a position of responsibility, entrusted with ensuring accuracy and honesty in the filing process. Harris not only broke this trust but also undermined the integrity of the tax system by fabricating losses and exploiting credits. Her actions left a trail of false returns and placed the burden on taxpayers and the system at large.
Case Progress and Prosecution
The case against Harris moved forward after extensive investigation, with prosecutors outlining the scale of her misconduct and the deliberate strategies used to manipulate tax filings. With sentencing set for December, Harris awaits the outcome that could send her to federal prison.