Owner of local tax service and 2 sisters plead guilty to IRS fraud

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Three sisters employed at a local tax preparation business pleaded guilty Thursday to filing fraudulent tax returns to the IRS, according to the U.S. District Attorney's Office.

Maria Campos and her two sisters, Elizabeth and Gloria Romo face time in prison for assisting and preparing fraudulent tax returns for benefits.

According to the U.S. District Attorney's Office, Campos was the owner of Campos Tax Service, operating in the Rio Grande Valley for over 10 years.

With assistance from the three sisters, Campos Tax Service clients fraudelently applied for and claimed residential energy credits, business credits and childcare credits between 2018 to 2020.

The U.S. District Attorney's Office says the fraudulent applications were made to earn larger tax return for Campos Tax Return clients.

From 2018 to 2020, Campos Tax Service filed approximately 6,501 federal income tax returns.

All false filings between the three sisters resulted in a total sustained tax harm of $3,672,472.

Campos and Elizabeth Romo face up to five years in prison while Gloria Romo faces up to three years.

Each sister will also face a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Their sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 27.

All were permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.