9 tales of celebrity tax troubles

By Imaeyen Ibanga

updated 7:10 PM EST, Thu December 06, 2012

stephen baldwin

New York state says Stephen Baldwin didn’t file a personal income tax return from 2008 to 2010. The liability landed the Baldwin brother in jail. The government says he’s accrued $350,000 bill. That figure includes penalties and interest. Baldwin, who was arraigned and released on his own recognizance, faces up to four years in prison if convicted. He is due back in court February 5, 2012.

Lionel Richie

"Hello? Is it me you’re looking for?" “Yes,” the IRS is saying to Lionel Richie. The agency issued a lien against the singer for unpaid taxes. Richie told CNN that the situation is "being handled immediately.”

wesley snipes

Wesley Snipes' taxes took him all the way to the Supreme Court, which refused to hear the appeal of his federal conviction on tax evasion charges. The actor is now serving a three-year prison sentence.

nick cage

Nicolas Cage paid $6.25 million toward his massive tax burden this year, according to E! News. It’s a fraction of what he owes. In 2010, the actor told People magazine he was $14 million in debt to the government.

Pamela Anderson

Beach beauties aren’t exempt from tax woes. See Pamela Anderson. California's Franchise Tax Board says she’s on the hook for more than $500,000 in personal income taxes.

sammy davis jr

Even death couldn’t save Sammy Davis Jr. from his $5.2 million tax bill. More than a year after his 1990 passing, his memorabilia was sold at auction to help settle his debt, according to People magazine.

leona

“Only the little people pay taxes.” The IRS let Leona Helmsley know her infamous sentiment wasn't going to fly. The Queen of Mean got a 16-year prison sentence in 1989 -- and it began on April 15, Time reports.

chris tucker

E! Online reported in 2010 that Chris Tucker owed nearly $12 million to Uncle Sam. Tucker joked during a comedy show in 2011, "That's the last time I let Wesley Snipes help me out with my taxes," according to the Miami New Times.

willie nelson

The IRS handed Willie Nelson a huge tax bill in 1990. To pay it, he released “The IRS Tapes: Who’ll Buy My Memories?" and the IRS sold nearly everything he owned.

stephen baldwin

Lionel Richie

wesley snipes

nick cage

Pamela Anderson

sammy davis jr

leona

chris tucker

willie nelson

Uncle Sam doesn’t joke when it comes to money -- just ask some of the celebrities who’ve found themselves in sticky situations due to tax troubles.

Large, unpaid tax bills have sent some to jail and actor Stephen Baldwin is the newest addition to the club.

See what other celebrities have had problems staying on the right side of the tax laws.

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