Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Lauryn Hill's Deadline to Pay Back Taxes Passes
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: May 6, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
A U.S. Magistrate Judge has postponed sentencing for Grammy winner Lauryn Hill after she pleaded guilty to tax law violations, but she still must pay back taxes by May 3.
In 2012, Hill admitted to failing to file tax returns from 2005 to 2007 on $1.8 million in income earned during that period. Although the court granted the New Jersey resident a two-week reprieve to come up with the rest of the money she owes, she was required to pay more than $504,000 to the federal government by the May 3 deadline. She has already made one $50,000 toward her taxes and penalties, according to Reuters.
Hill, who has not released an album in 12 years, hoped to generate some income to put toward her back taxes by signing a new recording contract, but these plans were stalled, the news source added. Instead, Hill’s representative said she planned to take out a loan to make her payment and was simply waiting on final approval. U.S. Magistrate Judge Madeline Cox Arleo scheduled the final hearing for May 6, and cautioned Hill to avoid making any requests or missteps.
“This is not someone who stands before the court penniless,” Arleo said, according to Reuters.
Hill currently faces up to three years in prison, one year for each count of tax evasion. A MarketWatch analysis notes that courts were sending more tax cheats to jail in an effort to curb the high incidence of tax evasion and prompt evaders to pay their back taxes. Citing data from the Internal Revenue Service, the news source reports that in 2012, 673 tax evaders received jail sentences, a 52 percent increase from 2002 when 442 served prison time for their tax crimes. This trend may also come to affect wealthy tax evaders more heavily as the IRS seeks to close the tax gap. Audits of those making $1 million or more increased 12 percent in 2012 from those conducted in 2011, MarketWatch reports.
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Buying Commercial Property in New Jersey: Legal Guide for Small Businesses
Small businesses considering buying commercial property in New Jersey must evaluate a range of legal, financial, and operational factors. While ownership can offer long-term value and control, it also introduces significant risks if not properly structured. This guide outlines key considerations to help New Jersey business owners make informed decisions, minimize legal exposure, and successfully […]
Author: Robert L. Baker, Jr.
The SEC’s Latest Guidance on Applying Federal Securities Laws to Tokenized Securities
On January 28, 2026, staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Divisions of Corporation Finance, Investment Management, and Trading and Markets issued a joint statement clarifying how existing federal securities laws apply to tokenized securities. The SEC’s “Statement on Tokenized Securities” does not establish new law, but it does provide greater clarity on the […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Common Legal Mistakes NYC and New Jersey Business Owners Make
Operating a business in the New Jersey and New York City metropolitan region offers incredible opportunities, but it also requires navigating a dense and highly regulated legal environment. From entity formation to regulatory compliance, seemingly minor legal oversights can expose business owners to significant risk. In our work with businesses throughout the region, our attorneys […]
Author: Dan Brecher
What Founders Can Learn From Start-up Suits
High-profile founder litigation is more than just a media spectacle. For startup founders, these cases underscore the legal and structural risks that can arise when rapid growth outpaces formal oversight. While launching a new company can be both an exciting and deeply rewarding endeavor, founders must be mindful that it also comes with significant risks. […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Corporate Governance Reviews: A Practical Guide for New Jersey Companies
Every New Jersey company should periodically evaluate its governance framework. Strong corporate governance protects directors and officers, builds investor confidence, reduces litigation exposure, and positions a company for sustainable growth. The first quarter of the year is a great time to evaluate your corporate governance practices and perform any routine maintenance needed to keep that […]
Author: Ken Hollenbeck
What to Do After Being Served with a Lawsuit: Steps to Protect Your Legal Rights
Being served with a lawsuit is one of the most stressful legal events a business or individual can face. Whether the claim involves a contract dispute, an employment matter, an intellectual property issue, or another legal challenge, the actions you take in the first few days can significantly shape the outcome of your case. Acting […]
Author: Robert E. Levy
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.