Actor Stephen Baldwin Faces Income Tax Charges in New York
Stephen Baldwin.
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Actor Stephen Baldwin faces criminal charges in Rockland County, N.Y., where he is accused of failing to file returns and pay state income tax for 2008, 2009 and 2010.
The district attorney said that, with penalties, the 46-year-old now owes $350,000, the Associated Press reports.
Baldwin pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Nyack Justice Court on Thursday and was released without bail in the felony case, according to the AP, the New York Daily News and the Pelham, N.Y., Patch.
His lawyer, Russell Yankwitt, stated: “Mr. Baldwin did not commit any crimes, and he’s working with the district attorney’s office and the New York State Tax Department to resolve any differences.”
“I commend District Attorney [Thomas P.] Zugibe for his ongoing efforts to investigate and bring to justice those individuals who attempt to avoid paying taxes,” said Thomas H. Mattox, who serves as state tax commissioner, as reported by the Patch.
“It is rare and unfortunate for a personal income tax case to require such strong enforcement measures in order to ensure compliance with our tax laws, particularly in light of the fact that the vast majority of New Yorkers fulfill their filing requirements voluntarily,” Mattox continued. “The tax department works diligently with taxpayers to address issues before they escalate, and we strongly encourage those that have difficulties meeting their obligations to contact us for assistance.”
A 2009 bankruptcy filing said he then owed $1 million in taxes.
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