North Carolina woman accused of filing false tax returns

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) - Federal prosecutors have accused a North Carolina woman of preparing false tax returns.

The U.S. Department of Justice said in a news release Claudia Lynette Shivers was arrested Friday after she was indicted on charges of tax fraud, aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns for clients and filing a false 2014 tax return.

Specifically, Shivers is accused of conspiring with at least three others to prepare false tax returns to maximize refunds, directing clients to hand-write false information on tax forms and other documents to create a false record of information.

The department says the co-conspirators have already pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns and are awaiting sentencing.