Westchester County Tax Preparer Accused of Stealing Nearly $6,500 from Client and Failing to File His Own Personal Tax Return
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The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, along with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, today announced felony charges against a local tax preparer. Pierce Perrine, a tax preparer based in Westchester County, has been charged with criminal tax fraud in the fourth degree.
Using the business name Todd Pierce Associates, located at 445 White Plains Road, Eastchester, New York, Perrine allegedly failed to remit a $6,498 tax payment he collected from a client and instead pocketing the money for himself.
Perrine is also accused of understating the amount of income he earned from tax preparation services on his personal tax return in 2018.
Perrine turned himself into the New York State Police in Hawthorne on November 15, 2021. He is due back in Westchester County Court on December 16, 2021.
“The Tax Department continues to aggressively pursue those who attempt to defraud New Yorkers or disregard their personal tax obligations,” said Acting Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Amanda Hiller. “We’ll continue to work with all levels of law enforcement, including the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, to ensure all New Yorkers pay their fair share of taxes.”
“Honest people trying to follow the rules and pay their taxes need to be able to rely on the integrity of the professionals they hire to help them,” Westchester District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah said. “My Office is dedicated to holding accountable those who violate public trust and break the law.”
A criminal complaint is only an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Report fraud
New Yorkers aware of sales tax evasion or fraud can anonymously report it online or by phone at 518-457-0578. The Tax Department promptly reviews each complaint and takes corrective action when appropriate.
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