A former tax preparer who had offices in Long Beach pleaded guilty Monday to filing false returns on behalf of her clients.

Susan E. Amezcua, former operator of Four Seasons Income Tax Services, which had offices in Long Beach and Bellflower, prepared or supervised the completion of thousands of federal income tax returns for her clients, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This led to a potential loss to the government of more than $1 million.

She claimed phony itemized deductions and credits, like false hobby, cell phone and employee expenses, which understated the amount of taxes owed, the IRS said.

When she is sentenced July 20, Amezcua faces up to six years in federal prison and a $500,000 fine. She could also be ordered to pay restitution of about $523,000 at sentencing.

City News Service contributed to this report.