If You Can’t Get the Refund, Why Not File Some Liens?

The answer to this is, perhaps it’s against the law. And it is. Let me start at the beginning.

Back in 2008, Francis Chandler filed his 2007 tax return. He claimed he had quite a bit of interest income and even more withholding…$6,222,850 of withholding. He claimed a refund of $3,969,012. He got it, too. There was a problem, though: He should not have gotten the refund; the claim was false. Two years later, Mr. Chandler was indicted and charged with making a false claim against the United States.

Now, you and I would seek legal advice about the case, but Mr. Chandler had a “better” idea. I’ll file a lien against two federal judges, the US Attorney, and an Assistant US Attorney. That wasn’t a bright idea; that’s a false retaliatory lien, and that’s a crime, too. Eventually, Mr. Chandler pleaded guilty to the false claim and filing the lien.

Mr. Chandler was sentenced on Tuesday to 37 months at ClubFed;
he must also make restitution of just over $3 million. A helpful hint to anyone who is thinking of emulating Mr. Chandler: Don’t!

One Response to “If You Can’t Get the Refund, Why Not File Some Liens?”

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