Tax Watchdog

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Posted by Robert Snell (The Detroit News) on Wed, Oct 28, 2009 at 1:45 PM

Tax man targets edgy actor Eric Roberts

Silver screen psycho Eric Roberts, brother of Oscar-winner Julia Roberts, owes more than $345,000 in delinquent state and federal taxes, records show.

The former soap opera actor was nominated for an Oscar after starring in 1985's "Runaway Train" and is perhaps best known for his edgy role in "Star 80" as the jealous husband of Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten. Last year, he played a gangster in the Batman flick "The Dark Knight."

Roberts, 53, also starred in the 2006 made-for-TV-movie "Fatal Desire," inspired by a Flint-area murder case and true-crime book.

Roberts, who owns this home in Sherman Oaks, Calif., is the father of teen singer/actress Emma Roberts.

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What's owed:

The IRS filed a $232,549 lien against Roberts and his wife, actress Eliza Garrett, on Sept. 25 in the Los Angeles County Recorder of Deeds office.
The state of California filed an $86,670 lien against the couple on March 27 in Los Angeles.
The IRS filed a $26,104 lien against the couple on Sept. 22, 2008, in Los Angeles.

Their side:

Roberts could not be reached for comment and did not respond to an e-mail sent to his production company.

Bonus clip:

Here's a movie trailer from "Star 80" showing Roberts' eerie charm.

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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.