Tax Watchdog

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Posted by Robert Snell (The Detroit News) on Wed, Nov 11, 2009 at 9:57 AM

Tax man brings the noise against Flavor Flav

What time is it? Time to pay your taxes, Flavor Flav. The state of California is accusing rapper turned reality show sell-out Flavor Flav of owing more than $183,000 in delinquent taxes, records show.

Flav, 50, real name William Drayton, is a member of legendary rap group Public Enemy, and lately has starred in several seasons of VH1's reality show "Flavor of Love."

What's owed:

The state of California filed an $183,810 lien against Drayton on Sept. 17 in Sacramento County Court.

His side:

Flavor Flav could not be reached for comment. His manager said he forwarded an e-mail message to the rapper.

Bonus clip:

Here's Public Enemy (and Anthrax) before Flav flamed out.

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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.