Former New Haven Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that DEVON WILLIAMS, 30, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to preparing false tax returns

According to court documents and statements made in court, 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 false deductions, including deductions for unreimbursed employee expenses, charitable donations, and mortgage interest.  Some returns contained false Schedule C (sole proprietorship business) information.

Williams pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting the preparation of a false tax return, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.

In pleading guilty, Williams agreed that losses suffered by the IRS as a result of his fraud totaled more than $550,000.

Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for December 27, 2019.  Williams is released on a $150,000 bond pending sentencing.

As a result of Williams’ fraudulent conduct, many of his clients’ filed tax returns will need to be amended.  Williams’ clients are required to resolve their own tax liability with the IRS.

This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Laraia.