Sherita Booker, a 46-year-old resident of Cleveland, was charged on April 9 with aiding or assisting in the preparation of false and fraudulent federal income tax returns. Authorities allege that Booker prepared and filed false tax returns for her clients.
The case highlights concerns about fraudulent practices in tax preparation businesses. Prosecutors say such actions can lead to significant financial losses for both the government and taxpayers who may be unaware of wrongdoing on their behalf.
According to court documents, Booker learned how to prepare tax returns while working at a national tax return preparation company between June 2016 and April 2017. Afterward, she started her own business under several entity names as well as her own name. Investigators found that she allegedly attached fraudulent Schedule C documents—typically used to report business profits and losses—to clients’ Form 1040 filings even though those clients did not own businesses. The complaint also alleges that Booker used other schemes to reduce taxes owed by her clients.
If convicted, Booker could face up to three years in prison per count. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge after consideration of U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutory factors.
The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) division led the investigation into these allegations. Assistant United States Attorneys Brenna L. Fasko and Elliot Morrison are prosecuting the case for the Northern District of Ohio.
Officials emphasize that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
