Tax Watchdog

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Posted by Robert Snell (The Detroit News) on Thu, Nov 12, 2009 at 1:13 PM

Infamous Hollywood legend slapped with lien

Cop-slapping, Hungarian bombshell Zsa Zsa Gabor owes more than $118,000 in delinquent federal taxes, records show.

It is the latest financial woe facing the 90-something actress, famous for being famous much like her great-niece Paris Hilton. Earlier this year, her lawyer claimed that Gabor lost as much as $10 million in the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme.

What's owed:

The IRS filed an $118,321 lien against Gabor on Oct. 5 in the Los Angeles County Recorder of Deeds office.

The address listed on the lien is this Los Angeles mansion.

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Her side:

Gabor's lawyer and publicist did not return calls seeking 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.