It feels like every day I'm reading about yet another celebrity that owes the IRS. In this celebrity tax debt case, it's Al Pacino that owes the IRS thousands in back taxes.
Al Pacino's Tax Debt
Al Pacino's movies have grossed more than $1 billion and he's a certified Hollywood big-shot; so why can't he hire competent accountants to file his taxes? His tax bill allegedly stems from his failure to pay taxes in 2008 and 2009. The total amount? More than $188,000!
Al Pacino's Back Taxes Breakdown
The IRS sent Al Pacino (now 70, by the way!) a bill for $169,143.06 for the unpaid 2008 taxes and $19,140.44 for his 2009 taxes, for a total of $188,283.50 according to documents from the IRS.
Bad Accountant Causes Massive Tax Debt
I give Al Pacino credit for giving the public an explanation for his debt, unlike most celebrities that keep silent. One of Al Pacino's spokespersons said he did not intend to overlook his tax obligation. He blames his tax debt on his former business manager, Kenneth Starr.
Kenneth Starr- The Accountant from Hell
Kenneth Starr was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison last week for a $33 million Ponzi scheme. Supposedly, the crooked attorney used money he scammed from his celebrity clientele, like Al Pacino, Uma Thurman, and Lauren Bacall, to finance a lavish lifestyle for himself and for his younger ex-stripper wife.
Getting it Back Together
Al Pacino's spokesman has stated he has new financial managers, and they're actively working to resolve his tax debt. This goes to show you, be careful who you trust to handle your finances. And, don't work with "celebrity accountants" with the last name "Starr" for starters...