Camden County Man Admits Preparing False Tax Returns and Causing Tax Loss of More Than $16,000,000

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden County tax preparer admitted to preparing false tax returns for his clients and causing more than $16,000,000 in tax losses, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced today.

Michael Sigall, 55, of West Berlin, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn to two counts of aiding or assisting the preparation of false tax returns.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:                                                                                                  

From 2018 through 2024, Sigall operated an income tax return preparation business.  During this period, he prepared and filed income tax returns for hundreds of clients that contained materially false statements relating to tax credits for residential energy improvements.  As a result of these false and fictitious credits, Sigall’s clients received inflated refunds to which they would not have been entitled if Sigall had prepared accurate tax returns.  The false tax returns prepared by Sigall caused a tax loss of more than $16,000,000.

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, or twice the gross loss or gain from the offense, whichever is greatest.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 2, 2025.

U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel A. Friedman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division.

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Defense counsel:

Rocco C. Cipparone, Jr., Haddon Heights, New Jersey