PHOENIX — A Phoenix man has been indicted of filing false tax returns for himself as well as clients of his tax preparation business, authorities said Tuesday.
Pacifique Kashosi allegedly falsified paperwork for his business, Africa Union Tax Services LLC, from 2021 to 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
Why is Phoenix accused of filing false tax returns?
Kashosi allegedly claimed his clients were owed tax credits related to fuel expenses as well as paid sick and family leave.
However, he either made up or exaggerated these claims to make it seem like his clients were owed more money back from the IRS than they were actually entitled to, according to the DOJ.
Furthermore, Kashosi allegedly failed to report income he earned by operating Africa Union Tax Services LLC in 2022 and 2023 on his personal tax returns.
If he is convicted, he could face a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of aiding and assisting the preparation of false tax returns, the DOJ said.
Earlier this year, a Texas woman was sentenced to over one year in prison for defrauding the IRS in a scheme that targeted an Arizona tax firm.
