Utah Duo and Accounting Firm Hit with $11M COVID Fraud Charge

Utah residents Zachary Bassett and Mason Warr, along with COS Accounting & Tax LLC, dba 1099 Tax Pros, have been charged by a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City for their alleged role in an $11 million COVID-related tax fraud scheme.

Bassett, 39, of Provo, and Warr, 37, of Vineyard, are accused of preparing over a thousand fraudulent tax forms seeking relief funds under the CARES Act and FFCRA. The indictment charges them with conspiracy to defraud the United States, wire fraud, and aiding in filing false tax returns.

According to court documents, the scheme took place from April 2020 to August 2021. If convicted, the defendants face substantial fines and possible forfeiture of assets tied to the fraudulent activity.

“During the pandemic, these defendants are accused of taking advantage of programs meant to provide relief to businesses affected by COVID-19,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Albert Childress. “IRS CI is dedicated to holding those who exploit the crisis accountable.”

The initial appearance for Bassett, Warr, and COS Accounting & Tax LLC is scheduled for February 22, 2023, at the U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City.

U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah announced the charges, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer K. Muyskens prosecuting the case. Those with information on similar frauds are encouraged to report them via the DOJ’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or through their online complaint form.