A New Jersey resident, Matthew Tucci, has pleaded guilty to tax evasion charges. According to court documents and statements, Tucci filed tax returns for 2015 and 2016 indicating he owed over $2 million in taxes but failed to pay them. Instead, he invested in real estate and engaged in transactions to hide his interest in these properties.
In 2017, the IRS notified Tucci of his outstanding taxes, interest, and penalties for the years 2015 and 2016. Following this notification, Tucci transferred several properties to an entity owned by another person while maintaining control over two of them. He sold one property and refinanced another, using the proceeds for personal expenses rather than settling his tax obligations. In 2019, Tucci submitted false documents to the IRS claiming no connection to the entity owning these properties.
Tucci's sentencing is set for October 9, 2025. He could face up to five years in prison along with supervised release, restitution, and financial penalties. The sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The announcement was made by Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba for the District of New Jersey.
The investigation is being conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI. Trial Attorney Catriona Coppler from the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Belgiovine are handling prosecution duties.
