⏱ 2 min read
Butoyi Mechack, a 38-year-old tax preparer from Peoria, Arizona, has been indicted for preparing and assisting in the preparation of numerous false and fraudulent tax returns. From 2019 to 2023, Mechack allegedly overstated and misrepresented tax credits, deductions, income, and expenses to reduce his clients’ tax liability and claim refund amounts they weren’t entitled to. The scheme was uncovered by the IRS Criminal Investigation, which led to Mechack’s indictment on March 17, 2026.
Mechack, who operated PTPS Tax Services, LLC, is charged with three counts of Making and Subscribing a False Tax Return and 14 counts of Willfully Aiding and Assisting in the Preparation of False or Fraudulent Tax Returns. He also filed individual tax returns for himself that substantially underreported his income for tax years 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Mechack pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment on March 26 and was released on conditions. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of Making and Subscribing a False Tax Return, and a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of Willfully Aiding and Assisting in the Preparation of False or Fraudulent Tax Returns.
The IRS Criminal Investigation is warning the public to be cautious when choosing a tax preparer, especially during tax season. The agency advises taxpayers to be wary of preparers who claim they can obtain larger refunds than others and to avoid those who base their fees on a percentage of the refund amount.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Arizona
- Location: AZ
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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