Jelsema shared with Target 8 a voicemail she said Smith left her on Nov. Jelsema, a single mom who qualifies for tax credits, explained that the refund was large because it covered three years during which she had not filed. You can trust her. Jelsema said she never met Tatanisha Smith in person. I need a down payment for a home for my kids and I. Every day looking at my account. Jelsema said Smith started working on her taxes in October and announced Jan. He said he recently contacted the IRS himself because of problems he has started encountering with work Smith had done for him.
Target 8 tried to talk to Smith in person, knocking on doors and leaving a business card. But she said she was due five more checks in total from the state and federal governments. Smith, 49, was already acquainted with Beason because he had represented her when she was charged last year with stealing a credit card.
The victim in that case, Steve Johnson from Muskegon, told Target 8 he had checked into the hotel with extended family for a brief getaway. The IRS told Target 8 it does not comment on specific cases, but it urges taxpayers to report suspected fraud immediately.
The IRS sent Target 8 links to tips on how taxpayers can protect themselves from unscrupulous preparers and steps to take if you do not receive your refund. From the IRS:. Follow the instructions for completing the claim package. BFS will review your claim and the signature on the canceled check before determining whether they can issue you a replacement check.
The BFS review can take up to six weeks to complete. Copyright Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
