Lauryn Hill Charged With Federal Tax Offenses

Idolator Staff | June 7, 2012 10:34 am

Lauryn Hill has built an unfortunate reputation for taking her time before taking the stage at her live concerts, has allegedly been keeping the IRS waiting as well. The Grammy winning star is facing federal charges that she failed to file income tax returns for three years. In connection with the charges filed Thursday (June 7), authorities say she earned more than $1.6 million in the years she didn’t file, and now faces up to three years in prison if she’s convicted. Details below.

Hill controls four different corporations and generates the majority of her income from music and film royalties, according to a statement issued to MTV. The acclaimed singer (and former Fugees frontwoman) has gradually been rebuilding her public profile after years out of the spotlight — including performances at Coachella, Rock The Bells and on Late Night.

But the charges relate to years that Hill was less active, 2005-2007. Documents filed by the U.S. Attorney contend that she generated gross income of around $818,000 in 2005; about $222,000 in 2006, and more than $761,000 in 2007 — but didn’t file returns with the IRS on that money during that period.

The tax problem comes just days after Hill surprised fans with a brief set at the controversial Hot 97 Summer Jam concert — and stood up for Nicki Minaj, who’s been feuding with the station since morning DJ Peter Rosenberg mocked “Starships” from the stage.)

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