14 DAY TRIAL // Funnyman Chris Tucker is the latest star to become an IRS “wanted man.” Apparently, the “Rush Hour” star owes the US government no less than $11 million in unpaid taxes going as far back as 2001. Presumably in order to try and shake off part of this debt, the star is trying to sell his Florida mansion for less than half its listed price, TMZ reports.
Though they make more money for a single project than the average Joe could even dare to dream to make in a lifetime, stars too get into trouble with the IRS. Just recently, it emerged that Nicolas Cage, arguably one of the best paid actors in Hollywood, had a debt of over $14 million, which he attributed to poor managing by his financial consultant. Action movie star Wesley Snipes is bound to go to jail for three whole years for the same reason. Now, it’s Chris Tucker who’s in a serious jam.
“Chris Tucker’s ongoing tax problems have reached Nicolas Cage proportions – according to new docs, the ‘Rush Hour’ star now owes the IRS more than $11 million in back taxes. The Internal Revenue Service filed documents with the LA County Recorder’s Office yesterday, which show Tucker owes $11,571,909.26 in federal taxes for the years 2001, 2002 and 2004 through 2006. Here’s how it all breaks down: 2001 – $4,007,794.34, 2002 – $5,060,074.23, 2004 – $55,544.84, 2005 – $660,414.94, 2006 – $1,788,080.91,” TMZ says.
“But this isn’t Tucker’s first issue with taxes – as we previously reported, the State of California filed a lien against Tucker for allegedly not paying $3,594,409 in state taxes over the same time span. FYI – Back in 2001, Tucker reportedly took in a $20 million payday for ‘Rush Hour 2’ and scored $25 million for ‘Rush Hour 3’... which hit theaters in 2007. So far, no word from Chris’ people on the tax situation,” the same media outlet goes on to say.
TMZ also reports that, perhaps following Cage’s lead earlier this year, Tucker is unloading some property. Only three years ago, the actor purchased a mansion in Florida for $6 million by securing a $4.2 million loan. He’s now trying to sell it for only $2 million, which could mean he’s trying to come up with some money fast to pay the taxman.
Follow me on Twitter @ElenaGorgan