West Valley tax preparer accused of filing fraudulent returns for clients, himself

PHOENIX — The owner of a Peoria tax preparation business was indicted for allegedly filing fraudulent returns for clients and himself, authorities announced Wednesday.

The indictment against 38-year-old Butoyi Mechak includes 14 counts of willfully aiding and assisting in the preparation of false or fraudulent tax returns, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.

A federal grand jury also charged him of three counts of making and subscribing a false tax return through his business, PTPS Tax Services, LLC.

Mechack prepared false and fraudulent tax returns for his clients from 2019 to 2023, overstating and misrepresenting tax credits, income, deductions and expenses, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said he did this to fraudulently reduce his clients’ tax liability and to claim refunds they weren’t entitled to.

Mechack also allegedly underreported his income while filing his individual tax returns in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

His arraignment was held on March 26. He pleaded not guilty and was released under conditions, prosecutors said.

Red flags for tax fraud

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona advised Arizona taxpayers to keep a sharp eye out for fraud when picking a tax preparer. According to the Associated Press, tax scams are on the rise.

Watch out for these red flags when choosing a tax return preparer:

• Preparers who claim they can get you a larger refund than anyone else.
• Those who base their fees on a percentage of your refund.
• “Experts” who don’t have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).
• Anyone who asks you to sign a blank tax form.

If you haven’t filed yet, also consider how long the preparer — or their firm — will be available after your return is submitted. You want someone who will still be around to answer questions about how your return was prepared.

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