Tax preparer pleads guilty to fraud count

A Bridgeport-based tax preparer pleaded guilty Monday to a tax fraud offense following an undercover sting operation.

Torise Baker, 38, a Bridgeport resident, entered the plea to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false and fraudulent income tax returns. 

The charge carries a maximum potential penalty of three years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. However, court documents show federal guidelines have been calculated at a sentencing range of 18 to 24 months, and a fine of up to $75,000.

U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea is scheduled to sentence Baker June 13. Baker remains free on bond pending her sentencing.

Baker prepared approximately 3,600 tax returns for the 2014 through 2016 tax years for clients through 101 Things 2 Do LLC, a multi-service business she operated in Bridgeport.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, many of these tax returns claimed false deductions, including unreimbursed business expenses, charitable contributions and tax preparation fees.

In April 2016, an undercover federal agent posed as a customer seeking to have a tax return filed. Baker met with the agent, who provided her with a W-2 for the 2015 tax year.

The agent indicated there were no gifts to charity or other valid deductions to include, prosecutors said. 

However, Baker prepared and filed a tax return for the agent that included $5,520 in deductions for charitable gifts; $2,105 for parking fees, tolls, and transportation; and $2,660 for uniforms and protective clothing, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.

Baker also failed to file her own federal tax returns for the 2015 and 2016 tax years.

Baker has agreed to pay $112,956 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.

Attorney Frank Riccio of Bridgeport, who is representing Baker, declined to comment.

Any of Baker’s clients who have inaccurate information on their returns are required to amend them. According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, the amount of Baker’s restitution may be reduced if her clients resolve their tax liabilities with the IRS.

Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.