New Haven Tax Preparer Committed $550K In Fraud: Feds

NEW HAVEN, CT — A former New Haven business owner has been sentenced to eight months in prison and one year of supervised release for preparing false tax returns, according to a statement from federal prosecutors. Devon Williams, 30, of Atlanta, will also pay restitution of $550,000.

According to the statement, Williams formerly owned and operated Perfect Preparers, LLC, a tax preparation business based in New Haven.

Between approximately 2014 and 2017, Williams prepared numerous federal tax returns for clients that contained inflated deductions, including false deductions for unreimbursed employee expenses, charitable donations, and mortgage interest. Some returns contained false Schedule C (sole proprietorship business) information.

Losses suffered by the IRS as a result of his fraud totaled at least $550,000, according to the statement.

Williams pleaded guilty to the charge of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns Oct. 3. He is free on $150,000 bond and will report to prison March 4.