TRENTON — A Sussex County resident has been indicted for filing a fraudulent tax return in which he falsely claimed a veteran’s exemption, state officials announced Friday.
William Hayden, 58, of Branchville, is charged with one count of filing a fraudulent tax return, a third-degree offense, according to New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice.
The indictment alleges that Hayden falsely identified himself as a veteran on his 2019 New Jersey Gross Income Tax Return, which he assisted in preparing and submitting on July 14, 2020. The form marked the “Spouse/CU Partner Veteran” box, resulting in a $6,000 exemption and approximately $382 in unpaid taxes.
“Our tax system relies on everyone filing a true and accurate tax return,” said Platkin. “Fraudulently claiming an exemption reserved for military veterans is something we will not tolerate.”
“Attempting to avoid payment of taxes by fraudulently claiming veterans’ status is a violation of our tax laws that cannot go unpunished,” said Division of Criminal Justice Director Theresa L. Hilton.
If convicted, Hayden faces a potential sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
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