The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance announced the arrest of two New York City tax preparers on felony charges of preparing and filing fraudulent income tax returns.

”The tax season may have passed, but our efforts to protect taxpayers from unscrupulous tax preparers extend throughout the year,” said Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Jerry Boone. “On behalf of honest New Yorkers, we will continue to work closely with District Attorney Vance to prosecute tax criminals.”

Both preparers worked for Gavin Sky, Inc., doing business as Liberty Tax Services in Manhattan.

Michelle C. Abreu, 30, of 612 W 135th Street, Manhattan, was employed as a tax preparer at Gavin Sky’s 4773 Broadway location in Manhattan. She was charged with 4th degree criminal tax fraud and 1st degree offering a false instrument for filing, both felonies.

Abreu is alleged to have knowingly prepared and filed fraudulent income tax returns on behalf of her clients. The returns contained false itemized deductions that lowered the income of the client and the tax that should have been paid.

If convicted, Abreu could face a sentence of up to 4 years in prison.

Marcos J. Caamana, 27, 943 Magenta Street, the Bronx, worked as a tax preparer at Gavin Sky’s 590 West 207 Street location in Manhattan. Caamana was charged with one felony, 1st degree offering a false instrument for filing, and one misdemeanor, 5th degree criminal tax fraud.

He is alleged to have prepared and filed fraudulent income tax returns showing false itemized deductions, such as inflated job expenses.  

If convicted, Caamana could face a sentence of up to 4 years in prison.

The defendants pleaded not guilty and were released on their own recognizance. They’re scheduled to appear in court on June 13. The Office of Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. is prosecuting both cases. A criminal complaint is an accusation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Hiring a tax preparer?  Use this checklist.

To help consumers screen potential tax preparers, the Tax Department has published a checklist available at its Tips for hiring a tax preparer webpage. Before hiring a preparer, use the checklist as a guide when visiting or calling prospective individuals.

File a complaint

If you're aware of a tax preparer who has engaged in illegal or improper conduct, contact the NYS Tax Department’s Office of Professional Responsibility at (518) 530-HELP (option #2) or file a tax preparer complaint online. The Tax Department will review your complaint promptly and, if appropriate, take corrective action, which may include sanctions.