Advertisement

Stephen Baldwin avoids jail with guilty plea in tax case

Actor Stephen Baldwin leaves Rockland County Court in New City, N.Y., on Friday after admitting he hadn't paid state income taxes for 2008, 2009 and 2010.
(Jim Fitzgerald / Associated Press)
Share via

Stephen Baldwin on Friday admitted in court he hadn’t paid New York state income taxes for a period of three years, and then walked away a free man — albeit one who still owes $300,000 in back taxes, and has to repay them fast.

Under the term of Baldwin’s deal, the “Celebrity Apprentice” contestant will stay out of jail so he can earn money to pay his debt. If he pays the money back within a year, his record will be wiped clean; otherwise he’s looking at a five-year probation sentence, during which he has to repay the cash.

“Unfortunately, I got some really bad suggestions and advice ... from lawyers and accountants,” he told reporters outside court in New City, N.Y. He said he never intended to avoid paying taxes.

Advertisement

The whole bill for 2008, 2009 and 2010, including interest and penalties, had hit $400,000, but the judge noted that $100,000 had been taken care of already.

“Ok prayer partners ... Pls lift me up ... Now thanks!,” Baldwin tweeted around the time he was headed into court. The youngest of the four acting Baldwin brothers has never been shy about his strong Christian faith.

Indeed, he said that “faith-based opportunities” were opening up for him, in addition to his plans to direct a movie starring brother William Baldwin. As an actor he’s in pre- or post-production currently on three films, according to IMDb.

Advertisement

He said the only help he’s getting from his family was “just support as family support. ... The responsibility lies ultimately with myself.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

ALSO:

Advertisement

Dionne Warwick files for bankruptcy in New Jersey

Wesley Snipes’ 3-year prison sentence for tax evasion is upheld

Lauryn Hill charged with skipping tax returns while making $1.6M+

Follow Christie D’Zurilla on Twitter and Google+. Follow the Ministry of Gossip on Twitter @LATcelebs and on Facebook facebook.com/ministryofgossip.

PHOTOS AND MORE:

PHOTOS: Celebrity portraits by The Times


PHOTOS: Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show


The Envelope: Celebs on the red carpet

Advertisement