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Linden Tax Preparer Indicted for Fraudulent Tax Returns and COVID-19 Relief Fraud
Anne Bonilla faces 16 federal charges for falsifying tax documents and defrauding pandemic relief programs.
A Linden, New Jersey, tax preparer was charged in a 16-count federal indictment for falsifying client tax returns and fraudulently obtaining Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Anne Bonilla, also known as “Anne Davinovish,” 53, pleaded not guilty to 13 counts of falsifying tax returns, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and two counts of wire fraud during her arraignment today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court.
Allegations of Tax Fraud
According to the indictment, Bonilla operated Anne Accounting Services Inc., where she prepared at least 46 fraudulent tax returns, inflating client expenses to secure approximately $340,000 in unwarranted refunds. She also used a conspirator’s identity to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and an Electronic Filer Identification Number (EFIN), which were linked to fraudulent returns totaling more than $790,000 in federal refunds for tax year 2023.
COVID-19 Relief Scheme
In addition to tax fraud, Bonilla and a conspirator allegedly submitted fraudulent EIDL applications in 2020. One application secured $110,000 in Small Business Administration (SBA) funds, while another brought in $131,200 using a third party’s identity to conceal Bonilla’s involvement. Authorities linked altered bank statements submitted in connection with the scheme to her purchase of real property in Florida.
Potential Penalties
Each count of filing false tax returns carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The wire fraud and conspiracy charges each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and fines of $250,000 or twice the gross financial loss caused, whichever is greater.
Bonilla is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. This case highlights continued federal efforts to combat financial crimes and pandemic-related fraud.
