Tax Fraud Puts Yakima Woman Behind Bars

A Yakima woman has been sentenced to three years in prison for tax fraud.

Patricia Nowlin was convicted for preparing and filing approximately 497 false claims for income tax refunds.

According to court documents, the 49-year-old Nowlin and her conspirators used the personal information of other individuals (including their names, their dependent's names, and Social Security Numbers) to file false claims for tax refunds that totaled $2,740,135. She is also charged customers $1,000 to $2,500 to prepare their tax returns.

The industry-standard fee for preparing returns is approximately $100 to $200. She also paid co-conspirators $100 for recruiting customers.

"The privilege of living in the United States carries certain burdens, one of which is the voluntary payment of taxes. The system only works when everyone truthfully reports their income, pays their fair share of taxes, and does not make false claims for tax refunds," says Michael C. Ormsby, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.

"Patricia Nowlin's actions effectively stole from honest, hardworking US taxpayers, and her clients are now subject to IRS audits. This is a vivid reminder during this tax filing season to use sound reason by selecting a reputable return preparer," said Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Steve Bellis, of IRS Criminal Investigation.

Nowlin will also be on probation for three years after released.