DAVIE, Florida – A Florida attorney has been sentenced to eight years in prison for his involvement in a $10 million tax evasion conspiracy. Michael L. Meyer, based in Davie, pleaded guilty to the charges earlier this year. The case revolved around a fraudulent tax shelter scheme that aimed to assist high-income clients in minimizing their tax liabilities through the use of fabricated charitable deductions.
According to the Department of Justice, Meyer personally profited over $10 million from the illegal scheme. With this newfound wealth, he indulged in an extravagant lifestyle, acquiring luxury vehicles such as Lamborghinis, Rolls-Royces, Mercedes-Benzes, a Bentley, and even a Ferrari. Additionally, Meyer purchased a multimillion-dollar estate.
Between 2013 and 2023, court documents reveal that Meyer orchestrated and sold the Ultimate Tax Plan, through which clients appeared to donate valuable property to charities under his control. However, authorities discovered that clients retained complete control over these so-called “donated assets.”
Despite warnings from various sources, including the IRS, Meyer continued to promote his illegal shelter to wealthy taxpayers. As a result, the IRS conducted multiple audits on Meyer’s charities, which confirmed the economic sham surrounding the Ultimate Tax Plan. Although Meyer was forced to close down the bogus charities, he simply formed new ones to facilitate his illegal activities.
In 2018, the Justice Department filed a civil suit against Meyer, seeking to prevent him from further promoting the Ultimate Tax Plan. The following year, a federal district court permanently barred him from organizing, promoting, marketing, or selling the scheme.
In sentencing Meyer, U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore of the Southern District of Florida also imposed a three-year supervised release period. The court will determine the restitution owed by Meyer at a later date.
This case highlights the consequences faced by those who engage in fraudulent tax schemes. The Department of Justice’s efforts to crack down on such illegal activities serve as a reminder that individuals attempting to evade their tax obligations will face severe penalties.