Taxes were incorrectly calculated, suit says

The family of a deceased Highland woman is accusing her former accountants of erroneously filing her tax returns for several years.

William Wehrle, on behalf of the estate of Melba L. Wehrle, filed a lawsuit March 31 in Madison County Circuit Court against Janey Miller and Wellen Tax Services Inc.

According to the complaint, Miller, an employee of Wellen Tax Services, agreed to prepare Melba Wehrle's taxes from 1998 through 2007. Beginning in 1999, Wehrle says, his mother began receiving a death annuity through her deceased husband's pension. Wehrle alleges from 1999 through 2007 his mother's income tax on her annuity was incorrectly calculated by Miller.

Wehrle is suing Miller and Wellen Tax Services for violating Illinois' Public Accounting Act, negligence and breach of contract. He asks for more than $450,000 in damages, plus court costs.

Attorney Deborah A. Hawkins of Edwardsville is representing Wehrle.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 11-L-304