Charlotte Tax Pro Nabbed For Fraudulent Returns

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Aminta Smith, 32, of Charlotte, is facing federal prison time after a jury found her guilty of systematically defrauding the IRS and her clients. The former tax return preparer was convicted of filing false income tax returns, a scheme that stretched over three years and netted her over $300,000 in unreported income.

The Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina announced the conviction, a stark warning to those who exploit the tax system for personal gain. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman minced no words: “Tax return preparers who, for themselves or others, prepare fraudulent returns and otherwise manipulate our tax system will be prosecuted for their conduct and be held accountable.”

Prosecutors laid out evidence showing Smith fabricated wages, business expenses, and even entire businesses on her clients’ returns to inflate their refunds, specifically targeting the Earned Income Tax Credit. While enriching her clients with ill-gotten gains, Smith simultaneously concealed the bulk of her own earnings from her tax preparation business between 2013 and 2015. U.S. Attorney R. Andrew Murray emphasized the gravity of the situation: “We are committed to protecting the integrity of our tax system by prosecuting tax return preparers, who use their knowledge to cheat the system and commit tax crimes.”

IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Matthew D. Line added a blunt assessment: “Knowingly preparing and filing fraudulent tax returns is a crime.” The investigation revealed Smith falsely claimed education credits, fabricated W-2 wages, and created fictitious Schedule C businesses to maximize refunds. She then compounded the deception by underreporting her own income and failing to disclose her tax preparation business.

A sentencing date remains to be set, but Smith now faces a potential maximum sentence of three years in prison per count. Beyond incarceration, she could be subjected to a period of supervised release, restitution to the government, and hefty monetary penalties. This case serves as a chilling reminder that even seemingly ‘small’ tax crimes can carry significant consequences.

The investigation was a collaborative effort between special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley and Trial Attorney Allison Garnett of the Tax Division. They built a solid case against Smith, proving beyond a reasonable doubt her deliberate and calculated attempt to undermine the fairness of the American tax system. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as sentencing approaches.