Columbia Tax Preparer Accused of Filing False Returns

Columbia, SC (WLTX) - A Columbia tax preparer is being accused by the state department of revenue of filing false income tax returns for several clients.

Carlotta M. Watson, 33, now faces 14 counts of assisting in the preparation of a false return.

Watson is the owner and tax preparer at Jonathan & Watson Tax Service.

Investigators with the revenue department say Watson entered false figures and itemized deductions preparing returns for tax years 2007, 2008, and 2009. According to the revenue department, she inflated deductions on the returns, causing taxpayers to receiver an incorrect refund amount from the state of South Carolina.

Investigators do not believe the clients either gave approval or had any knowledge of what was taking place.

If convicted of all of the 14 charges, Watson, 33, could face penalties of up to 70 years in prison and/or $7,000 in fines.

Watson was booked at the Richland County Detention Center Tuesday.