NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - An income tax preparer has admitted filing fraudulent returns on behalf of her clients, causing the government losses of more than $130,000.
Federal prosecutors Shirley Arias, also known as Shirley Zambrano, pleaded guilty Monday to aiding and assisting others in the preparation of false and fraudulent tax returns. The 43-year-old Fair Lawn resident faces up to three years in prison when she’s sentenced July 25.
Arias was an owner and operator of Santos & Associates in Union City.
Prosecutors say that for the tax years 2012-2014, Arias assisted in the filing of returns based on false information. She used a number of fraudulent practices, including falsely claiming deductions and fabricating educational credits to get refunds for her clients that were greater than they should have received.
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