The IRS says DMX has been hiding millions in order to avoid paying his tax debt. Rapper DMX is no stranger to controversy. Known to have had several run-ins with the law, DMX is now being sought out by the Feds for skipping out on a $1.7 million tax bill. On Thursday, a Manhattan federal jury indicted Earl Simmons aka DMX and ordered to surrender to authorities. The 46-year-old emcee was found guilty of 14 counts of federal tax evasion: one (1) count of corruptly endeavoring to obstruct and impede the due administration of Internal Revenue Laws, one (1) count of evasion of payment of income taxes, six (6) counts of evasion of assessment of income tax liability, and six (6) counts of failure to file a U.S. individual income tax return. US. Attorney Joon H. Kim stated, “For years…the recording artist and performer known as DMX, made millions from his chart-topping songs, concert performances and television shows. But while raking in millions from his songs, including his 2003 hit ‘X Gon’ Give it to Ya,’ DMX didn’t give any of it to the IRS. Far from it, DMX allegedly went out of his way to evade taxes, including by avoiding personal bank accounts, setting up accounts in other’s names and paying personal expenses largely in cash. He even allegedly refused to tape the television show ‘Celebrity Couples Therapy’ until a properly issued check he was issued was reissued without withholding any taxes. Celebrity rapper or not, all Americans must pay their taxes, and together with our partners at the IRS, we will pursue those who deliberately and criminally evade this basic obligation of citizenship.” As of now, DMX is presumed innocent. However, if he is unable to prove his innocence, DMX could face up to 44 years in prison. If convicted of all charges, Count 1 carries a maximum sentence of three years. Counts 2-8 carry a maximum sentence of five years—each. Counts 9-14 carry a maximum sentence of one year–each. Check out the full court papers U.S. vs. Earl Simmons at Forbes.
