Federal Court Permanently Shuts Down Georgia Tax Preparer for Fraudulent Filings

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia has issued a permanent injunction against Tanja D. Hollis and her business, Tanja Tax Preparations, LLC. This court order effectively shuts down the Griffin, Georgia-based tax preparation service, prohibiting Hollis from preparing or assisting in the preparation of federal tax returns for others.

A permanent injunction is a final court order that requires a person or business to stop a specific action indefinitely. In this case, the court barred Hollis from acting as a return preparer, interfering with tax laws, or promoting false tax schemes.

Findings of Fraudulent Activity

According to the court’s order, Hollis knowingly filed federal income tax returns that understated her customers’ tax liabilities. The court found that she fraudulently claimed business expenses for clients who did not own or operate a business, and education expenses for customers who were not enrolled as students. Additionally, the court determined that Hollis manipulated adjusted gross income by reporting fictitious business profits to claim larger earned income tax credits than her customers were legally entitled to receive.

The court found that 90% of the returns Hollis prepared between 2022 and 2025 contained these fictitious items. As a result, the court ordered Hollis to pay $567,000.00 to the United States. This is known as disgorgement, a legal process that requires a person to give up profits obtained through illegal or unethical conduct.

What This Means for Taxpayers

This case serves as a warning for taxpayers to remain vigilant when choosing someone to handle their financial information. Taxpayers are ultimately responsible for the accuracy of their own tax filings, regardless of who prepares them. If a preparer suggests claiming business or education expenses that do not apply to your situation, it is a significant red flag for potential fraud.

The IRS provides resources to help taxpayers avoid fraud and protect their personal information. The agency offers a free directory of federal tax preparers on its website and provides 10 tips for avoiding tax season fraud. Taxpayers can also check the Department of Justice website for an alphabetical list of individuals who have been legally barred from preparing returns.

Government Enforcement Efforts

The Department of Justice has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers over the past decade. The government continues to monitor for violations of these court orders. If you believe an enjoined person or business is continuing to prepare tax returns, you may contact the Civil Division’s Tax Litigation Branch with details.

If you suspect your tax returns were filed incorrectly or fraudulently, consulting with a tax attorney or a qualified professional can help you understand the necessary steps to correct your filings with the IRS and address potential penalties.

This article is general information based on U.S. Department of Justice and court or agency records available at publication time. It is not legal advice; laws and deadlines differ by state and by case. Published November 11, 2026.