Maryland Tax Preparer Jailed for Filing False Returns and Fraudulent Refunds
A Maryland tax preparer has been sentenced to 27 months in prison for filing false tax returns. Ronald Eugene Watson, also known as Sabir Muhammad, deliberately included falsified details to inflate refunds. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice and the IRS Criminal Investigation team. Watson operated SW Accounting Associates in Largo, Maryland, between 2015 and 2017. As a self-employed tax preparer, he charged clients fees based on their refund amounts, typically ranging from $500 to $1,500.
During this period, he repeatedly submitted tax returns with exaggerated or entirely fabricated business expenses. These false claims reduced clients' tax liabilities and secured them larger refunds than they were entitled to. The investigation was led by the IRS Criminal Investigation team. Trial Attorney Matthew L. Cofer and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah B. Grossi handled the prosecution. U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang delivered the sentence, which included 27 months in prison, a year of supervised release, and restitution of approximately $268,634 to the United States. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron announced the outcome. They emphasised that the case highlights the serious penalties for tax professionals involved in fraudulent activities.
Watsonâs sentence includes prison time, supervised release, and financial restitution. The case reinforces the legal consequences for tax preparers who submit false information. Authorities have made it clear that such fraudulent practices will be pursued and penalised.
