Tax Watchdog

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Posted by Robert Snell (The Detroit News) on Wed, Jul 15, 2009 at 3:11 PM

Disenchantment under the sea of taxes for 'Back to the Future' star

If only Hollywood actress Lea Thompson could hop in a DeLorean, travel back in time and pay her tax bill, the state of California wouldn't need to slap her with an $8,691 lien.

Thompson, 48, who played Marty McFly's mom Lorraine in the "Back to the Future" flicks, starred in a string of classic 1980s movies, including as a teen guerrilla in "Red Dawn" and the sensitive girlfriend in "All the Right Moves." She and her waffle-iron hair also appeared in the 1986 turkey "Howard the Duck."

What's owed:

The IRS filed an $8,691 lien against Thompson and director husband Howard Deutch on May 18 in the Los Angeles County Recorder of Deeds office.

Their side:

Thompson could not be reached for comment and a message left at her production company went unanswered.

Watch Thompson flex her musical chops below in this clip from "Howard the Duck."

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About this Weblog

Who owes taxes in Metro Detroit

Robert Snell is a Detroit News business reporter. He focuses on state and federal tax liens and, based on public records, interviews and Detroit News archives, identifies those who don't pay income, business and property taxes. He can be reached at rsnell@detnews.com or (313) 222-2028.

Why we focus on unpaid taxes

Every year, about $345 billion in federal taxes are either late or unpaid, according to the IRS, ripping open holes in budgets and shortchanging schools and public safety. That forces taxpayers to cough up more than their fair share, tax experts say. About $2.5 billion went uncollected in Michigan between 2000 and 2006.

Liens are filed when taxpayers ignore government pleas for payment. Tax liens are like tar. They stick to everything - homes, cars and income. According to the IRS, liens give the government a legal claim to a person's or company's property. Liens serve as security or payment for the tax debt and a red flag to creditors.

There are a variety of reasons people don't pay. Some can't afford to and some refuse while others miscalculate or receive bad advice. Unpaid taxes can lead to prison - just ask actor Wesley Snipes.

This blog will focus on state and federal liens and identify those who don't pay income, business and property taxes. We will gather our information from public records, interviews and Detroit News archives.