Tina Luretha Tyree Johnson, 45, of Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Johnson has entered into a plea agreement in which she will plead guilty to tax fraud and aiding and abetting.

The case, which highlights the need to choose a tax preparer wisely, is to be scheduled before Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever.

(Tips on finding a qualified tax preparer may be found at the IRS website)

U.S. Attorney Thomas Walker stated in a press release, “Our tax system relies on the honesty of taxpayers with a heightened duty of honesty expected from professional tax preparers. Whenever someone like Johnson deliberately files false returns, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in support of the IRS will pursue the matter through the Courts as provided by our laws.”

According to the Criminal Information filed on January 31, Johnson, beginning in or about January 2008 and continuing until on or about June 2008, did knowingly make and present, and caused to be made and presented, to the Internal Revenue Service claims against the United States for payment that were false by preparing federal income tax returns for individuals totaling approximately $40,867.

“A federal tax return is one of the most important financial documents that many individuals or families deal with in a given year and taxpayers need and deserve return preparers who are ethical, fully qualified and able to provide the best possible service,” stated Jeannine A. Hammett, Special Agent in Charge for IRS Criminal Investigation- Charlotte Field Office. “Taxpayers are cautioned to seek out a reputable return preparer with the proper credentials. The IRS is increasing its education and enforcement presence in the return preparer community this filing season in an effort to combat this type of fraud. Please don’t fall victim,” said Hammett.

Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney J. Gaston B. Williams is handling the prosecution on behalf of the government.