A growing number of people in Metro Atlanta say they are now paying for their taxes twice after trusting a local tax service that they believe failed them.
The case is about Whitlan Tax Service, run by Jahaya King and her husband. Several clients say they gave the couple money to pay their taxes, thinking everything was handled. But later, letters from the IRS showed that the taxes were never paid. Now, many of these clients are facing large debts, fines, and stress.
For some, the biggest pain is not just the money lost, but the extra cost they now have to pay because of delays. One woman, Donna Hines, said she paid $15,000 to cover her grandmother’s taxes. She believed the matter was settled.
“If I had paid it on time, it would have been about $6,500,” Hines said. “Because of the penalties and the delay and no processing of her information, it is now $28,000.”
Stories like hers are becoming more common. Many say they trusted the business because it promised good returns and easy processing. But instead, they were left with missing documents and unpaid taxes.
Investigators found that the business may not have followed basic federal rules. Tax preparers are required to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) before filing returns. Reports suggest this step may not have been properly followed.
Experts say this case shows a deeper problem. Some tax preparers make big promises to attract clients, but that is a warning sign.
“A legitimate tax preparer is going to review your files, review your income, ask questions and not make any personal guarantees or promises,” tax expert Shana Pope shared.
For many victims, the damage goes beyond money. Some say the situation has changed how they see small businesses.
“It’s very sad, and it also hurts my trust in small businesses,” one client said.
Police in South Fulton and the IRS are now looking into the case. The owners of the business have not responded publicly, and some clients claim they are avoiding contact.
As the investigation continues, experts are reminding people of one key fact: even if someone else handles your taxes, you are still responsible.
“When the IRS comes after their money, their penalties, et cetera, they come to the taxpayer, not the tax preparer,” Pope said.
For now, affected clients are left trying to fix the damage, while others are being warned to check carefully before trusting anyone with their taxes.
By: Paisley Rae Thompson