By: Richard L. Smith
A tax preparer from Union County, has admitted to preparing fraudulent tax returns, resulting in improperly inflated refunds for his clients, according to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Emmanuel Amenyo, 59, of Union pleaded guilty on October 10, in Newark federal court to charges of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns.
The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo.
Amenyo's illegal activity spanned from 2018 through 2021, during which he operated a tax preparation business.
As part of his business, Amenyo knowingly submitted numerous false tax returns, both for himself and his clients, to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The fraudulent returns included fabricated claims for charitable contributions, itemized deductions, child and dependent care expenses, and other false expenses, none of which were legitimately entitled to his clients.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, these actions led to an overall tax loss of $250,466.
In the court filings, it was emphasized that Amenyo was fully aware of the fraudulent nature of these claims and intended to secure larger tax refunds through this deceit.
Amenyo now faces up to three years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for April 1, 2025.
This case stresese the continued efforts by federal authorities to hold accountable those who seek to exploit the tax system for personal gain, according to the statement released by the U.S. Department of Justice.