Union County Tax Preparer Admits Helping Clients Prepare Fake Tax Returns

UNION, NJ — A Union County tax preparer admitted to helping clients prepare fraudulent tax returns, resulting in a total of $250,466 in improper refunds, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced Tuesday.

Emmanuel Amenyo, 59, of Union, guilty on Oct. 10, to an information charging him with aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false and fraudulent tax return.

Amenyo ran a tax preparation business — from tax years 2018 through 2021 — where he prepared and submitted individual tax returns to the IRS on behalf of clients.

During that time, Amenyo filed numerous false tax returns on behalf of his clients and subscribed to false tax returns with respect to his own taxes, according to documents filed in this case and statements made in court.

These tax returns falsely claimed charitable contributions, itemized deductions, child and dependent care expenses, and other qualified expenses to which Amenyo and his clients were not entitled, resulting in improperly large tax refunds, as Amenyo knew and intended, according to authorities.

Amenyo’s conduct caused a tax loss of $250,466.

Amenyo faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for April 1, 2025.

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