Tax Watchdog

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Category: Brian McKnight

Posted by Robert Snell (The Detroit News) on Tue, Sep 29, 2009 at 12:11 PM

Crooner hits false note with tax man

R&B singer Brian McKnight, who sang the national anthem during the 2005 MLB All-Star game at Comerica Park, owes more than $257,000 in federal taxes, records show.

McKnight, 40, who competed on "Celebrity Apprentice" this year, hosts a morning show on KTWV-FM in Los Angeles.

The former Motown Records singer/songwriter has sold more than 20 million records during his career.

In 1999, he paid $1.26 million for this home near Los Angeles, which was featured on MTV's "Cribs."

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What's owed:

The IRS filed a $257,345 lien against him on Sept. 10 in the New York City Register's office.

His side:

McKnight's manager could not be reached for comment today and the singer could not be reached at KTWV-FM.

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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.