A woman who owned a tax business with three Atlanta locations continued to file fraudulent claims even after officials raided her business and cancelled her electronic filing number.

More than $4 million in fraudulent returns were filed by Jessica L. Hills, the former owner of Direct Tax, says U.S. Attorney John A. Horn. On Tuesday, she plead guilty for her role in filing thousands of fake returns.

From 2012 through 2014, 30-year-old Hills sought inflated refund amounts based on fraudulent information and used stolen identities to make the filings, according to information presented in federal court Tuesday. College Park Police initially searched her business following taxpayer complaints.

“Hills’ actions caused considerable financial damage and personal inconvenience to thousands of taxpayers,” said Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot, IRS criminal investigation special agent in charge.

The IRS, FBI, Social Security Administration, Secret Service and Georgia Department of Revenue are all investigating the case.

Hills is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 9.

About the Author

Featured

Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC