A federal grand jury in Florence has indicted Talisha Cooper, a 44-year-old resident of Coward, on charges of preparing false tax returns. Cooper served as a tax return preparer and was the manager of Tax Fusions, a business located in Florence.
According to the indictment, Cooper knowingly filed fraudulent tax returns from 2019 to 2023. The returns allegedly included fabricated details such as false fuel tax credits, family and sick leave credits, employee business expenses, and fictitious Schedule C business profits or losses. Investigators have identified at least 43 false returns, culminating in a total reported loss of $374,349.
Cooper was taken into custody and appeared in federal court for arraignment. If convicted, she could face a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison in addition to a fine.
The investigation was carried out by the IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hummel is responsible for prosecuting the case.
Authorities remind the public that an indictment contains charges that are merely allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.