Tax Watchdog

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Posted by Robert Snell (The Detroit News) on Sat, Mar 14, 2009 at 8:36 AM

Tax man trips up dancing diva Lil' Kim

Rapper Lil' Kim, a contestant on this season's "Dancing With the Stars," owes $979,090 in delinquent state and federal taxes, records show.

Pop culture fans might remember Kim has a special connection to Motown royalty. Supremes singer Diana Ross and Kim, who was wearing a skin-baring outfit, were co-presenters at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards. At one point, Ross leaned over and playfully fondled the rap diva's exposed breast.

The 34-year-old rapper, whose real name is Kimberly Jones, has had trouble paying on time before. Last year, the repo man seized her Bentley after she missed four payments.

What's owed:

  • The state of New York filed a $12,599 tax warrant on April 26, 2008, in the New York County Clerk's office.
  • The IRS filed a $50,464 lien on Sept. 5, 2007, in the Bergen (N.J.) County Clerk's office.
  • The IRS filed a $67,509 lien on May 14, 2007, in Bergen County.
  • The state of California filed a $4,089 lien on Sept. 16, 2005, in Sacramento County Court.
  • The IRS filed a $232,348 lien on Aug. 16, 2005, in New Jersey.
  • The state of New Jersey filed a $51,471 lien on Aug. 11, 2005, in New Jersey State Superior Court.
  • The state of New Jersey filed a $77,939 lien on Dec. 9, 2004, in New Jersey Superior Court.
  • The IRS filed a $482,671 lien on Feb. 19, 2004, in New Jersey.

Her side:

Lil' Kim did not dispute the tax debts.

"Lil' Kim is paying her tax debt and will continue to do so," spokeswoman Lisa Perkins said.

She did not explain, despite repeated requests, what led to the tax liens being filed.

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About this Weblog

Robert Snell of The Detroit News

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.

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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.