Prison Time For Wesley Snipes

         Yesterday, Wesley Snipes was sentenced for 3 years for tax fraud; for not filing his tax returns for approximately three years.  Wow, they are really making an example of him.  I am sure…Joe Smoe will think twice about it if they are tempted not to file; or, not to pay when they owe taxes.   This conviction will have a huge IMPACT on those tempted not to pay.   No-one wants to, willingly, go through this kind of trauma, if they can avoid it…unless they got screws loose.

         On the radio this morning, i heard that Mr. Snipes allegedly paid the court 5 million dollars in back taxes….with something like 30 million, or so to go!  Wowee, how many zillions of dollars does a person have to make to OWE that kind of money in taxes and penalties?  I, for one, don’t want to ever be in that position.  Maybe it isn’t so bad being a middle class Joe Smoe!  🙂 

         I am sure that Mr. Snipes’ lawyers will appeal this sentence; but, more than likely, that will only delay the event.  There was plenty of star power personal references presented to the court, attesting to Mr. Snipes character…but, it didn’t seem to make a difference.  The government is going to hold up this conviction so that the public will pay close attention to the consequences.

        I feel badly for Mr. Snipe’s family.  The stress of paying that kind of money plus, worry over their loved one going to prison has to be overwhelming.  If Mr. Snipes was a victim of poor tax advice…that is bad enough.  However, if he choose to put himself in this position, rebelling against having to part with his money…then the sentence is deserved.   It was alleged, in court, that he not only willfully was rebelling, he was hiding money overseas and through friends and family.  Understand that the prosecution presented evidence that this was not just a whim or a mistake…they alledged that this went on for a decade.  In that case, three years of prison time, should allow for enough time to reflect on the error of his ways.

          None of us have the ability to read his mind and determine his actions; thankfully, that responsibility was up to the judge and jury.  If nothing else, this conviction just reinforces the old saying…there is nothing sure about life, except death and taxes!!!

         

Advertisement

Read Full Post »

Making Amends?

      Actor Wesley Snipes was acquitted of federal tax fraud and conspiracy but he was convicted for 3 counts of not filing tax returns.  Wow, can you imagine how much money he owes?  His lawyer says that he plans to make financial amends.

      You hear horror stories of how much trouble people get into when they dont pay their taxes or if they are late.  There are horrible fees and penalties added to what they originally owe.

       When a multi-millionaire gets paid as much as they do in the entertainment industry you would think that they would have multiple tax advisors.  From what was reported in the news lately, Wesley paid taxes up until 1999, when he was ill advised that he did not have to pay them.

       Years ago…i remember hearing from a loved one that the IRS didnt have a legal right to demand that a person pay taxes, because they were not a proper legal entity.  I told this person, that i loved, to not believe such garbage.  I argued at the time, that if that were true, no one would pay taxes.

        Thank God, the person that i care about didn’t listen to such crazy talk.   I would not want anyone, that i cared about, to make such a deliberate mistake, to listen to something, that goes against common sense.

        I don’t see how any sane person could make the kind of money that Mr. Snipes made; and truly and honestly, believe that they would not have to pay taxes on it and not understand that they were required to file a tax return.

        When you stop to think about how much good a person could do with the kind of money that was owed; it could make a person sick.  It is true, i think what the Bible says, the love of money can corrupt.

         If the everyday “little people” who scrape every dime and nickle they own just to pay their bills and do right with their tax returns, year after year….you would think that those who are so financially blessed could do the same. 

          Regardless, it is sad to think that someone could have to leave their family; and go to prison, just over something so crazy as to be influenced by a group, person or organization that had a gripe with the government.  It has been previously, reported that Mr. Snipes may have to serve up to 3 years in prison because of his convictions.  Pay what is honestly owed…don’t try to be creative in this area of life.

Read Full Post »