Stratford Man Gets Prison Time For Filing False Tax Returns

STRATFORD, CT — A tax preparer from Stratford could pay more than $140,000 in restitution and must serve prison time after his sentencing Thursday, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Connecticut. Juan Silva prepared numerous false federal income tax returns between 2011 and 2017, the news release stated.

Silva, 38, was ordered to pay restitution of $143,693 and serve seven months in prison, as well as 45 days of home confinement and 80 hours of community service. He will also be on supervised release for one year after he leaves prison. The IRS, with Silva’s assistance, has been working to recover unpaid taxes from Silva’s clients, according to the news release. Silva’s restitution obligation will be reduced if funds are recovered from his clients.

The news release stated that Silva, who operated a business called Oficina Hispana, falsified itemized deductions and unreimbursed employee business expenses on returns he prepared for clients. He also deposited business receipts into his personal bank accounts and failed to report more than $306,000 in income to the IRS. On Dec. 21, 2017, Silva pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return.

Silva, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison Aug. 30. The case was investigated by the criminal investigation division of the IRS.