Woman was previously indicted for allegedly running a mortgage scam.
Stephanie Hand was previously indicted for allegedly running a mortgage scam, authorities said.NEWARK -- An Essex County lawyer pleaded guilty Tuesday to skipping out on two years of tax returns, a move that authorities say cost the government more than $50,000.
According to a release from IRS Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen, Stephanie Hand pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to file tax returns for her business, Newark law firm Hand Little, LLC, in 2008 and 2009. During those years, the firm grossed more than $326,000, Larsen said.
"Most individuals file truthful tax returns voluntarily and pay their share of taxes," Larsen said in the release.
"IRS special agents are doing their job to ensure the honest individuals do not have to pick up the tab of those people not filing their returns."
Hand is facing up to two years in prison and $50,000 in fines, officials said. Her sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 15.
In 2013, Hand was indicted for allegedly stealing $873,520 in a mortgage scheme. Authorities alleged Hand teamed up with two men to run the scheme, which involved using stolen identities to file fraudulent home mortgage loan applications.
The status of that case is unclear.
Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
