Wichita Tax Preparer Convicted Of Filing False Returns

WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita tax preparer has been convicted on charges of filing false federal income tax returns, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Lata L. Tomlinson, 33, Wichita, Kan., was convicted on 19 counts of preparing false income tax returns for a total of 17 people during tax years 2007, 2008 and 2009.

During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Tomlinson had a college degree in accounting and worked for various tax preparation companies before starting her own business in 2006 called Talking Taxes And More.

In tax returns she prepared, she falsely stated deductions for depreciation, home improvements, business repairs, contract labor, legal fees, home repairs, medical expenses, advertising, insurance, car and truck expenses, hay and grain expenses, cell phones and care of dependents.

Sentencing is set for July 8. She faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison and a fine up to $100,000 on each count. Grissom commended the IRS - Criminal Investigation, Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.