Stephen Baldwin Agrees to Make Payment on Taxes He Owes New York State

Actor appeared today in Rockland County Court, paid $100,000 to reduce current tax liability

New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Thomas H. Mattox announced on Thursday that actor Stephen Baldwin has paid an additional $100,000 on the total amount of $343,068 that he owes the State in back personal income taxes, penalty and interest.

Baldwin, 47, of Upper Grandview, NY, appeared before the Hon. Charles P. Apotheker in Rockland County Court and presented a certified check to the Tax Department.

Following an investigation conducted by the Tax Department’s Criminal Investigations Division and the Rockland County District Attorney, Thomas P. Zugibe, Baldwin was arrested in December 2012 and arraigned on one count of Repeated Failure to File Personal Income Tax Returns, a class E felony.

According to the charges, he failed to file New York State Personal Income Tax Returns for 2008, 2009, and 2010. Baldwin’s total outstanding tax liability due to New York State at that time, including penalties and interests, was more than $300,000.

In March 2013, Baldwin pled guilty to the felony charge brought against him. He also agreed to pay an additional $300,000 by the time of his sentencing in March 2014. His next court date is January 10 before Judge Apotheker.

“I thank District Attorney Zugibe for his tireless work in prosecuting this case,” Commissioner Mattox said. “It shows that, regardless of a person’s occupation or financial situation, all New Yorkers must meet their obligation to pay their fair share of income taxes in a timely manner.”

Commissioner Mattox added that the Tax Department often arranges installment payment agreements to help taxpayers fulfill their filing requirements voluntarily. “We work diligently with taxpayers to address issues before they escalate. If you have a tax debt, don’t hesitate – take action and contact us to resolve your situation.”

In New York State, 96 percent of taxes are paid by businesses and individuals who voluntarily meet their tax responsibilities. The remaining 4 percent is collected through the Tax Department’s audit, collections and criminal investigations programs. Through its enforcement programs, the Department ensures fair tax administration for all New Yorkers.