Tax Watchdog

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Posted by Robert Snell (The Detroit News) on Fri, Feb 6, 2009 at 7:22 AM

IRS takes bite out of boxing bride, screen siren Robin Givens

Hollywood actress and serial sports star squeeze Robin Givens owes $237,672 in state and federal taxes, according to public records.

Givens, 44, has appeared in several Hollywood hits, misses and TV shows including "The Family That Preys," "Boomerang" and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." In 2006, she starred in "Chicago" during its run at the Fisher Theatre.

Equally noteworthy was her stormy marriage to boxer/biter Mike Tyson and relationship with Murphy Jensen, a Michigan native and tennis star who along with brother Luke Jensen won the 1993 French Open doubles championship.

What's owed since last year:

The IRS filed a $218,473 lien against Givens on Jan. 14 in the New York City Register's Office for unpaid taxes, records show.
The state of New York filed a $19,199 tax warrant against Givens on Feb. 2, 2008, according to New York County Clerk records.

Her side:

Givens could not be reached for comment and officials with her management company 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.