Tax Watchdog

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Posted by Robert Snell (The Detroit News) on Mon, Jul 6, 2009 at 4:17 PM

Supermodel Gisele Bundchen sashays past tax man

The tax man just filed a super-sized lien against supermodel Gisele Bundchen, the Brazilian bikini model and wife of former University of Michigan quarterback Tom Brady. She owes $72,003 in California taxes, records show.

Bundchen, 28, married Brady this year and the Victoria's Secret model is reportedly pregnant with their first child. She was paid an estimated $35 million last year and was the 37th highest-paid celebrity in Forbes.com's Celebrity 100 list.

What's owed:

The state of California filed a $72,003 tax lien against Bundchen on June 1 in the Los Angeles County Recorder of Deeds office.

Her side:

Bundchen's publicist said he was checking into the matter but did not respond.

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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.