Natchitoches Preparer Pleads Guilty In Tax Scheme

SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) — A Natchitoches preparer has pleaded guilty in a federal tax case.

U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley's office said Monday that 38-year-old Lashanda E. Harris pleaded guilty to "aiding and assisting in making and subscribing a false return."

Prosecutors said Harris assisted customers in preparing false tax returns for tax year 2011. The returns contained false information concerning W-2 forms, federal tax withholdings, Earned Income Tax Credit and the American Opportunity Tax Credit. She received kickbacks from customers who got fraudulent refunds that sometimes exceeded $100,000.

Sentencing was set for Jan. 30. Harris faces up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and restitution.