Atlanta Tax Preparers Accused of Keeping Client Funds

An investigation is underway into tax preparers at Whitlan Tax Service in Metro Atlanta, who are accused of a serious scam involving faking documents and allegedly pocketing client money intended for the IRS. Customers believed their tax returns were being filed, only to discover through IRS notices that their payments never reached the government.

Allegations of Fraud and Misappropriation

Customers allege that the owners of Whitlan Tax Service, Jahaya King and her husband, absconded with their funds. Many clients are now facing significant debts, penalties, and interest owed to the IRS and state agencies for unpaid taxes. One customer, Donna Hines, reported paying $15,000 to King and her husband for her elderly grandmother’s taxes, only to find the debt remains unsettled and has ballooned to $28,000 due to penalties.

Further investigation by WSB-TV revealed that Whitlan Tax Service allegedly failed to meet essential federal requirements, such as possessing the necessary Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) for filing returns. This discovery has intensified the anger and apprehension among customers, who describe the actions as “wicked” and have expressed a damaged trust in small businesses handling important financial matters.

Promises of Returns and Cautionary Tales

Adding to the alleged deception, King and her husband reportedly promised clients substantial tax refunds, a tactic tax experts identify as a major red flag. “A legitimate tax preparer is going to review your files, review your income, ask questions and not make any personal guarantees or promises,” shared tax expert Shana Pope. Some customers also reported receiving incomplete or amended tax returns, making it difficult for legitimate tax professionals to rectify the situation.

Pope further cautioned taxpayers, “When the IRS comes after their money, their penalties, et cetera, they come to the taxpayer, not the tax preparer.” The woes of these customers serve as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of choosing professional, certified tax preparers, especially during tax season. King and her husband are reportedly evading customer complaints and may face charges of theft by deception as investigations by the IRS and South Fulton police continue.

• Tax preparers at Whitlan Tax Service in Metro Atlanta are accused of fraud.
• They allegedly faked documents and kept client money meant for the IRS.
• Customers discovered the scam when they received IRS notices for unpaid taxes.
• The business owners, Jahaya King and her husband, are accused of running off with client funds.
• The IRS and South Fulton police are investigating, with potential charges of theft by deception.