Branchville Man Indicted for Fraudulently Claiming Veteran Tax Exemption

Sussex County resident allegedly misrepresented military status to avoid paying state income taxes, resulting in improper exemption

Sussex County, NJ — A Sussex County man has been indicted for allegedly filing a fraudulent state income tax return by falsely claiming a veteran’s exemption, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) announced on July 16.

William Hayden, 58, of Branchville, New Jersey, faces one count of filing a fraudulent tax return, a third-degree offense under New Jersey law.

According to the indictment, Hayden is accused of knowingly marking the “Spouse/CU Partner Veteran” box on the couple’s 2019 New Jersey Gross Income Tax Return, which was submitted on July 14, 2020. The designation falsely indicated that Hayden was a military veteran, thereby qualifying for a $6,000 exemption to which he was not entitled. The fraudulent exemption allowed the couple to avoid approximately $382 in state taxes.

Attorney General Platkin emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity in the state’s tax system. 

“Our tax system relies on everyone filing a true and accurate tax return,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Fraudulently claiming an exemption reserved for military veterans is something we will not tolerate.”

DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton added, “Attempting to avoid payment of taxes by fraudulently claiming veterans’ status is a violation of our tax laws that cannot go unpunished."

The charge, classified as a third-degree offense, carries a potential sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

Deputy Attorney General Christopher Scerbo is prosecuting the case for the Division of Criminal Justice.

The indictment remains an allegation, and Hayden is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.