Tax Watchdog

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Posted by Robert Snell (The Detroit News) on Thu, Sep 24, 2009 at 4:54 PM

History of debts haunts wanted actor

Actor Randy Quaid, who is being sought by California authorities for reportedly stiffing a hotel, has a history of delinquent bills. The IRS has filed tax liens against him totaling more than $1.16 million in recent years, records show.

Quaid, 58, star of "National Lampoon's Vacation," also filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy in January 2000 in Los Angeles. At the time, he was raking in more than $83,000 a month, according to court records. Among his creditors...wait for it...The Carlyle Hotel.

What's owed:

The IRS filed a $229,886 lien against Quaid on Oct. 12, 2004, in the Los Angeles County Recorder of Deeds office.
The IRS filed a $933,789 lien against Quaid on May 5, 2004, in Los Angeles.

His side:

Quaid could not be reached for comment.

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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.