Lauryn Hill Signs $1M Record Deal To Pay Taxes, Avoid Prison; First Songs in a Decade

In order to avoid being charged with tax evasion, Lauryn Hill has signed a $1 million record deal with Sony Music to help pay off her back taxes.

Last year, the eight-time Grammy-winning singer pleaded guilty to tax evasion on the $1.8 million that she earned from 2005 to 2007. At the time, her attorney said she would pay restitution by the time of her sentencing. However, she has only paid $50,000, although she owes $554,000 in total. A federal judge postponed Hill's tax evasion sentencing Monday, giving her until May 6 to pay off her liability.

During Monday's proceedings in Newark, N.J., Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra Moser announced that the singer/actress had signed a new deal with Sony and was set to receive $1 million for recording five new songs, plus additional money for an entire album's worth of music. However, Hill has yet to finish writing and recording the new songs. The 37-year-old mother of six has not released an album since 2002 and lives a reclusive life with her family.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Madeline Cox Arleo criticized the acclaimed singer for reneging on her promise to pay back the tax bill.

"This is not someone who stands before the court penniless," Arleo said to Hill's attorney, Nathan Hochman. "This is a criminal matter. Actions speak louder than words, and there has been no effort here to pay these taxes."

The total Hill owes is in dispute. According to her lawyer, the amount is slightly less than $1 million, including civil penalties and interest, which would make her sentencing range from 24 to 30 months. However, the U.S. attorney's office estimates it's more than $1 million which would boost her sentencing range from 30 to 36 months under federal law.

Hill's attorney said he would seek a probationary sentence for the former Fugees band member.