East County Tax Preparer Sentenced For Fraudulent Returns

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA – An El Cajon tax preparer who prepared fraudulent returns for her clients that reported fake business losses, charitable contributions and medical, dental and education expenses was sentenced today to 37 months in federal prison.

Marla Lynn Cunningham, the owner and operator of Cunningham's Tax Service, caused a tax loss of more than $1.2 million, authorities said.

Cunningham was also ordered to pay $91,867 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.

She pleaded guilty last December to three counts of preparing false tax returns from 2010 through 2012, according to prosecutors with the Justice Department's Tax Division.

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