More bad news continues to follow elusive singer Lauryn Hill as reports claim she owes nearly $500,000 in state taxes to New Jersey weeks after pleading guilty in a $1.6 million case.
According to reports, Hill owes the Garden State just over $440,000.
In addition to failing to pay a $1.8 million tax bill from the federal government, Lauryn Hill also failed to pay $440,000 in taxes to the State of New Jersey. A week before a judge ordered Hill to pay the $446,386 in unpaid state taxes, she was charged with failing to file federal tax returns in 2005, 2006, and 2007–a federal crime. The Fugees singer pled guilty and now faces three years in prison. (Business Insider)
Last June, Hill posted a hefty bail bond at her Newark, New Jersey federal court appearance to avoid incarceration.
Hill, 37, a hip hop singer and rapper best known as a member of the Fugees and for a Grammy-winning 1998 solo album, pleaded guilty to failing to file federal returns between 2005 and 2007, despite an income of more than $1.8 million primarily from film and recording royalties. Her sentencing date was set for sometime in late November. She was released on $150,000 bail. (Reuters)
Following last June’s appearance, an attorney for the singer spoke out in her defense.
Hill’s attorney Nathan Hockman said the star had been targeted by the federal government because of her celebrity status. “There are many people in society who fail to file their taxes on time who only face civil liability,” Hockman said. “They chose Ms. Hill in particular because of who she was.” Hill spoke little at her hearing today and stood attentively with her arms crossed in front of her chest when the judge first addressed her. She appeared in a white button-down shirt, blue blazer and long coral skirt. (Star-Ledger)
Recently, estranged ex-Fugees group member Wyclef Jean briefly spoke on Hill’s woes.
“Actually, you know, I ain’t speak to Lauryn. It’s been a minute. I heard about the little drama she got in the news, wishing her better on that. You know? Actually, I was on the phone with Pras earlier. It’s all good. Nothing but love for the Fugees.” (Montreality)
