Stratford Tax Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Filing Numerous False Tax Returns

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JUAN SILVA, 38, of Stratford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to seven months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for preparing numerous false federal income tax returns.  Judge Shea also ordered Silva to serve 45 days in home confinement and perform 80 hours of community service while on supervised release

According to court documents and statements made in court, Silva operated Oficina Hispana, a multi-service business that included tax return preparation.  Between approximately 2011 and 2017, Silva falsified itemized deductions and unreimbursed employee business expenses on numerous returns that he prepared for clients.  In addition, for the 2011, 2012 and 2013 tax years, Silva made substantial deposits of business receipts from his tax preparation business into his personal bank accounts, and failed to report to the IRS a total of more than $306,000 in income.

On December 21, 2017, Silva pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return. 

Judge Shea ordered Silva to pay restitution of $143,693.

The IRS, with Silva’s assistance, has been taking action to recover unpaid taxes from Silva’s clients.  Silva’s restitution obligation will be reduced if monies are recovered from his clients.

Silva, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on August 30.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.