Despite their seven- or eight-digit earnings, some celebs just don’t want to fork over a portion of their earnigs to Uncle Sam. Here’s a list of 17 who got busted and paid the price.
Nicolas Cage
In 2012, Cage forked over $6 million of the $14 million that he owed in back taxes. We’re sure his reaction to the news of his debt was completely low-key and not at all terrifying.
Wesley Snipes
Snipes served almost 3 years behind bars for unpaid taxes. Authorities say he paid next to nothing on over $38 million in earnings.
Josh and Anna Duggar
The eldest Duggar and his wife owe about $14,000 to the goevernment. Small potatoes compared to some of the sums on this list, but Josh doesn’t earn nearly as much as the other celebs, and this debt could hurt his future political career.
Lauryn Hill
The former Fugee did three months behind bars for unpaid taxes in 2013. Last year, it was revealed that she still owes about $800,000.
Lindsay Lohan
In 2011, it was reportedly discovered that LiLo owed about $56,000 in state taxes and nearly a quarter-million in federal taxes. We’re assuming she avoided jail because the government doesn’t want her any more than the rest of us.
Lil Wayne
Weezy reportedly owes the government $12 million in back taxes. That’s AFTER he paid off $7 million of his debt in 2012.
Willie Nelson
The country legend was slapped with a $16.7 million (!!!) bill for unpaid taxes in 1990. He’s got an excuse for forgetting to file, though. We hear his short-term memory isn’t the greatest.
Lil Kim
The rapper reportedly owes more than $1 million to the IRS. In fairness, she’s had much bigger legal problems to worry about.
O.J. Simpson
Post-prison life can be rough for ex-cons. It’ll be especially tough for O.J. Simpson, who reportedly owes the state of California roughly $1.4 million.
Mike Tyson
In a recent interview, Iron Mike declared, “I like the IRS now.” He has every reason to. The agency knocked a cool $2 million off of his colossal tax debt.
Martin Scorsese
Maybe Marty’s been spending too much time hanging out with goodfellas. The legendary director has been hit with over $4 million in tax liens in the past ten years.
Christina Ricci
The former child star paid off a $180,000 debt to the government in 2010. We hope she didn’t have to dip into her Wednesday Addams savings.
Christie Brinkley
Brinkley recently paid off more than half a million in back taxes. Come on! People that pretty shouldn’t have to pay taxes!
Suge Knight
The former Death Row CEO was recently hit with a $6.5 million lien. Hey, we guess if he spends the rest of his life in prison, he won’t have to pay it. Upside!
Martha Stewart
The lifestyle queen failed to pay $220,000 in taxes on her East Hampton mansion. She reportedly tried to get out of it by claiming that she doesn’t spend much time there.