Tax Watchdog

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Posted by Robert Snell (The Detroit News) on Mon, Nov 9, 2009 at 2:36 PM

IRS/state tax man barking at rap star DMX

Too bad troubled rapper DMX has backed out of a celebrity boxing match, because he could use the money, according to public records. The IRS and state of New York are barking about the $1.5 million he owes in delinquent taxes.

What's owed:

The IRS filed a $442,869 lien against DMX and his wife on Jan. 2 in the New York City Register's office.
The IRS filed a $663,554 lien against DMX on Sept. 10, 2007, in the Maricopa County (Ariz.) Recorder's office. According to the lien, he owes income taxes from 2002, 2003 and 2005.
The state of New York filed an $8,343 tax warrant against the couple on Feb. 15, 2007, in the New York County Clerk's office.
The New York State Tax Commission filed a $44,357 tax warrant against the couple on March 6, 2006, in New York.
The IRS filed a $370,460 lien against the couple on Sept. 20, 2005, in New York.

Their side:

A DMX publicist 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.