Phoenix tax preparer sentenced for adding fake deductions to returns

PHOENIX – A Phoenix tax preparer was sentenced to probation and fined for falsifying deductions in order to increase her fees, authorities said Tuesday.

Karen Hernandez was placed on probation for three years and ordered to pay an $11,000 penalty, according to a press release from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

She pleaded guilty in September and was sentenced last week.

While working at Tax Xpress on 75th Avenue near Desert Sky Mall, Hernandez falsified information on nine returns for seven Arizona taxpayers during the 2016 and 2017 tax seasons, according to the release.

She added deductions that resulted in either larger refunds or lower amounts due, which increased what she earned.

The victims were not aware of the false information, but they must file amended returns and are responsible for any taxes that hadn’t been properly paid.

Hernandez was ordered to cover the cost of preparing the amended returns plus any interest or penalties that need to be paid.

She was indicted in the case in January along with Pedro Arvizu. Arvizu’s criminal case is still ongoing.

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich encourages taxpayers to read returns thoroughly before signing them.

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