Columbia Tax Preparer Arrested

S.C. Department of Revenue investigators arrested a woman Tuesday morning on 14 counts of assisting in the preparation of a false return.

Carlotta Watson, 33, is charged with entering false figures and false itemized deductions during the preparation of income tax returns for tax years 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Watson is the owner of Jonathan & Watson Tax Service on Brevard Street off of Broad River Road in Columbia. 

S.C. Department of Revenue officials say Watson wrongfully generated tax returns for her clients without their approval or knowledge, causing taxpayers to receive an incorrect refund amount from the state of South Carolina.

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

Watson is being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, where she is awaiting a bond hearing.