Camden Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to $16M Fraud Scheme

CAMDEN, N.J. – A tax preparation scandal has hit Camden County as Michael Sigall, 55, of West Berlin, admitted to a massive scheme involving the preparation of false tax returns. The scheme, which spanned from 2018 to 2024, has resulted in a staggering $16,000,000 in tax losses.

Sigall pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn to two counts of aiding or assisting the preparation of false tax returns. He operated an income tax return preparation business during this period, filing hundreds of returns with false statements about residential energy improvements credits. This deceitful practice led to inflated refunds for his clients, who were not entitled to such amounts.

According to U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, each count of aiding or assisting the preparation of false tax returns carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a fine up to $250,000, or twice the gross loss from the offense. Sigall’s sentencing is scheduled for December 2, 2025.

The investigation was led by special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel A. Friedman represents the government in this case.

Michael Sigall will now face the consequences of his actions, while law enforcement continues to crack down on financial crimes that undermine the integrity of our tax system.

For more information, please refer to the sigall.information.pdf file.

Defense counsel: Rocco C. Cipparone, Jr., Haddon Heights, New Jersey

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