James F. McDonough
Of Counsel
732-568-8360 jmcdonough@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Mary J. Blige Faces Tax Lien on New Jersey Mansion
Author: James F. McDonough
Date: February 21, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
Grammy winner and R&B artist Mary J. Blige is facing a host of financial issues that recently culminated in a $900,000 tax lien being placed on her home.
The state of New Jersey imposed the lien on Blige’s 18,250-square-foot mansion in Saddle River after Blige violated tax law by failing to pay back taxes. She bought the home with her husband in 2008 for the price of $12.5 million, and quickly ran into financial issues trying to make the annual $100,000 property tax payments. The French country-style home features an indoor movie theater, fitness center, gourmet kitchen and eight bedrooms, according to AOL Real Estate. The lien is not the only issue the top-selling artist is facing.
She is currently facing a lawsuit from Bank of America, which sued the singer after defaulting on a $500,000 loan. The bank said she took out the loan in 2005 and stopped making payments in 2012. In addition, Blige’s former landscaper is also suing the singer for $4,000 in back tax payments. In May 2012, the New York Post reported that Blige’s charity, which is designed to empower women, failed to file tax returns for the last several years, and is missing hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations. Further, the organization defaulted on a $250,000 loan from TD Bank.
“The problem is that I didn’t have the right people in the right places doing the right things,” Blige said of the charities problems, according to the Post.
In all, the singer and her husband are on the hook for more than $3 million in defaulted mortgages. In an effort to overcome these financial woes, Blige dropped the original $14 million asking price of her New Jersey home – which has been on the market since 2011 – to its valued $12.5 million.
- Practices: Tax and Trusts & Estates, Corporate Tax Planning
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
Why Every Business Should Conduct an Annual Insurance Coverage Review
Most New Jersey business owners purchase insurance policies, file them away, and assume they are protected if a claim arises. Without a regular insurance coverage review, many companies discover gaps only after a lawsuit, cyberattack, property loss, or other significant event occurs. An annual insurance coverage review can help businesses identify potential risks, ensure their […]
Author: George McGowan
Demand Letters & Cease and Desist Letters: When to Send One (and When Not To)
Businesses and individuals often encounter situations where another party breaches a contract, fails to pay a debt, or continues harmful conduct. In many such disputes, a precisely drafted demand letter or cease-and-desist letter serves as a powerful legal tool. It can frequently resolve the dispute and avoid litigation. While demand or cease-and-desist letters can resolve […]
Author: George McGowan
How to Effectively Use Contracts to Manage Risk
Key provisions in your contracts, including those relating to indemnification, insurance, and defense, are essential to contract risk management. While sometimes considered “boilerplate,” these provisions play a pivotal role when determining which party is responsible for certain costs and liabilities. They must always be negotiated and drafted carefully. Indemnification Clauses Businesses should never overlook the […]
Author: George McGowan
Understanding Portability for Estate and Gift Tax
Portability of estate and gift tax enables a surviving spouse to inherit any unused portion of their deceased spouse’s federal estate and gift tax exemption. So, if one spouse doesn’t utilize their full exemption, the surviving spouse can effectively double their exemption amount with regard to estate tax liability. For married couples, portability offers a […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
Pet Trusts in New Jersey and New York: A Practical Estate Planning Tool
For many of us, pets are more than companions—they are members of the family. Yet they are often overlooked or inadequately provided for when it comes to estate planning. A pet trust offers a legally enforceable way to ensure that your animal continues to receive proper care if you become incapacitated or pass away. As […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
How Can Trusts Be Used in Business Succession?
For many New Jersey business owners, a closely held company represents decades of work, financial investment, and personal sacrifice. Trusts in business succession planning are one of the most effective tools for protecting that value, allowing founders to control how and when the business passes to the next generation while reducing the risk of disputes, […]
Author: George McGowan
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.