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Preparer Sought $124M Covid Credits

 A New Jersey tax preparer has been arrested for filing more than 1,000 tax returns claiming more than $124 million in COVID-relat4ed credits.

The Internal Revenue Service says Leon Haynes of Teaneck, N.J., filed about 1,387 returns on behalf of himself and clients claiming the credits. 

Haynes allegedly told clients they were eligible for government funds simply because they had businesses. He then is accused of submitting forms to the IRS grossly overstating the number of employees and wages paid. He also allegedly sought funds for three of his own companies.

Haynes sought about $124,751,995 in tax refunds for his own companies and business clients. Haynes received multiple checks for slightly more than $1 million for his own companies and $31.6 million in refunds to his clients. The IRS also claims he also charged clients as a fee of as much as 15 percent of refunds they received. 

Haynes faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false return and 20 years in prison for mail fraud if convicted.

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