Conway resident arrested for three counts of tax charges

Columbia, SC (August 15, 2012) --- SC Department of Revenue (SCDOR) investigators today arrested a woman for one count of forgery, one count of assisting in the preparation of a false return and one count of conspiracy.

Connie Livingston, 29, was taken to the Horry County Detention Center and if convicted of the charges, could face penalties of up to $5,500 in fines and/or 15 years in prison.

During the SCDOR investigation of her 2011 tax returns, Livingston admitted to providing her tax preparer with a fraudulent W2 tax form in order to have her income tax return prepared; Livingston also did not work for the employer listed. The 2011 return was submitted in which Livingston requested a state refund of $567, to which she was not entitled.

The investigation revealed that Livingston and another individual conspired to commit the offense of willfully assisting in the preparation of a false income tax return.  Livingston was advised of the tax scam by another individual, and this individual provided Livingston with the fraudulent W-2 tax form for a fee.