New Haven — A New London man pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday after he filed thousands of falsified tax returns that cost the government more than $250,000.

Yves Aubourg, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return. The offense carries a maximum term of three years in prison.

According to a release, Aubourg prepared more than 2,000 tax returns for the tax years from 2011 through 2015 through a business he operated in New London. The government lost $264,870 as Aubourg falsified information on returns including the fabrication of education and business expenses, dependents and charitable contributions.

Aubourg is required to make full restitution to the government. The Internal Revenue Service also is recovering unpaid taxes from his clients, and his restitution amount will be reduced as money is recovered. He is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 15.