By: Richard L. Smith
A Bergen County woman has admitted to a series of serious tax offenses, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Joshlyn Raye, 49, of Elmwood Park, acknowledged her guilt in Newark federal court before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas.
The charges against Raye included aiding in the preparation of false tax returns, tax evasion, and filing false declarations on quarterly tax returns for her business.
The court documents and statements revealed that from March 2010 to September 2023, Raye, the owner of JB Tax Services in Hackensack, engaged in multiple illicit activities involving taxes.
She intentionally evaded paying her personal income taxes over a three-year period, prepared and filed approximately 50 false tax returns for her clients, and submitted three fraudulent quarterly employment tax returns for her own tax preparation business.
These actions involved the use of fabricated and inflated financial figures, including expenses and itemized deductions.
The legal repercussions of Raye's actions are severe.
The charges for aiding in the preparation of a false tax return and filing a false declaration under penalty of perjury each carry a potential maximum sentence of three years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The tax evasion charge is even more serious, with a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
As part of her plea agreement, Raye has consented to pay restitution amounting to $676,168 to the government.
Additionally, she has agreed to file amended tax returns. Her sentencing is scheduled for August 6, 2024.
This case serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of tax fraud and the importance of adhering to tax laws.
The guilty plea by Raye highlights the ongoing efforts by authorities to clamp down on tax evasion and related offenses.
