Tax Watchdog

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 Blog posts by category: Don Darling

Category: Don Darling

Posted by Robert Snell (The Detroit News) on Tue, Oct 13, 2009 at 7:22 AM

'Amazin' debt for Miracle Met Ron Darling

Tax agencies in two states and the IRS have former New York Mets pitcher and TBS analyst Ron Darling caught in a squeeze play. Darling, who helped call the Yankees-Twins game Sunday, owes $544,197 in state and federal taxes, records show.

The 49-year-old Hawaii native earned $17.9 million during a 13-season career, according to Baseball-Reference.com. He won a World Series ring with the Mets in 1986.

What's owed:

  • The IRS filed a $71,076 lien against Darling on July 29 in the New York City Register's office.
  • The state of New York filed a $12,664 tax warrant against Darling on May 23 in the New York County Clerk's office.
  • The state of California filed an $84,860 lien against Darling on June 6, 2008, in Contra Costa County Court.
  • The IRS filed a $375,597 lien against Darling on May 15, 2008, in the New York City Register's office.

His side:

Darling could not be reached for comment. Turner Sports spokesman Jeff Pomeroy said he left the retired pitcher a cell-phone message and forwarded an e-mail from The Tax Watchdog.

"We will not comment as this is a personal issue," Pomeroy wrote in an e-mail message.

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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.