GRIMY NEWS ALERT: A local tax preparer has admitted to a massive fraud scheme, misleading clients and costing the government over $16 million. Michael Sigall, 55, from West Berlin, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn on two counts of aiding or assisting in the preparation of false tax returns.
Sigall’s scheme, which spanned from 2018 to 2024, involved preparing and filing hundreds of income tax returns with false statements about residential energy improvements. These fake credits led to inflated refunds for his clients, totaling over $16 million in losses for the government. “Each count of aiding or assisting the preparation of false tax returns is punishable by a maximum of 3 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000,” Judge O’Hearn reminded Sigall.
The investigation that led to Sigall’s guilty plea was conducted 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 represented the government in this case.
Sigall’s sentencing is scheduled for December 2, 2025. The defendant is represented by Rocco C. Cipparone, Jr., of Haddon Heights, New Jersey. “The IRS will continue to work tirelessly to protect taxpayers from those who seek to defraud them,” U.S. Attorney Habba emphasized.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accurate tax preparation and the severe consequences for those who seek to exploit the system for personal gain.
For more information, visit sigall.information.pdf.
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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