Lauryn Hill has admitted failing to pay the U.S. government her tax bill after receiving terrifying threats to the safety of her and her family.

The threats to Lauryn Hill were also the reason for her decision to move out of the spotlight after her huge success in the late 1990's.

Lauryn Hill just filed legal papers asking for mercy before her sentencing later this month. She claimed that she had a legitimate reason for not filing her tax returns for 2005, 2006 and 2007. During that time period, she earned a total of $1.8 million. She has already pled guilty for tax evasion and faces the prospect of years in prison. She faces a maximum of one year in jail and a $100,000 fine for each count. 

But according to the documents, Lauryn stopped paying taxes 'when she withdrew from society at large due to what she perceived as manipulation and very real threats to herself and her family."

Lauryn Hill hasn't specifically stated what threats she received, but finally fans of the soulful singer have an explanation for her disappearance immediately following her rise to fame.

Lauryn Hill, according to TMZ, previously claimed that she left the spotlight to get back in touch with her musical roots.

Now, Hill is asking the court to consider other factors before she is sentenced, including the fact that she can pay off the debt faster if she isn't imprisoned.

Hill was originally released on a $150,000 bail in June 2012, allowing the "Killing Me Softly" Fugees singer to tour internationally.

Lauryn Hill's trial is set for April 22.