CELEBRITY TAX EVASION Stephen Baldwin Avoids Jail Time
Our celebrity articles often revolve around those who’ve found themselves in trouble with the IRS and the federal government. But accumulating debt on state taxes can be just as disastrous. This month, we’re examining how actor Stephen Baldwin found himself in hot water with the state of New York and facing up to four years of jail time. The youngest Baldwin brother was clearly facing some financial hardship at the close of the 2010s. He publicly auctioned his 1.4-acre Rockland County home after it was revealed he had defaulted on over $824,000 in mortgage payments in 2009 and filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy shortly thereafter. But the payment on his $515,000 home wasn’t the only thing Baldwin was dodging. In 2012, it was revealed that the star of “The Usual Suspects” had failed to file state income taxes for the years 2008–2010. The news broke on Dec. 6, 2012, when Baldwin was arrested and the Rockland County Special
Investigations Unit formally charged the actor with failing to file his New York state personal income tax returns. These state felony charges carried with them the threat of four years of jail time, so Baldwin and his lawyers were quick to cooperate with investigators and the New York State Department of Taxation. The actor pled guilty in 2013 after striking a deal with tax officials. All told, Baldwin was on the hook for $400,000 in back taxes, but thanks to his cooperative attitude, the court waived interest and penalties and had the final amount reduced to $300,000. Beyond avoiding jail time, the celebrity was not even put on probation. Compared to fellow actor Wesley Snipes’ costly choice to fight tax charges, Baldwin’s outcome speaks to the value of cooperating with law officials and tax authorities to reach an understanding.
We may not all have the good fortune to be able to afford the lawyers available to the Baldwin family, but we can make efforts to get square with our state or federal taxes without disputing the charges. Even for powerful celebrities, sometimes playing ball with the taxman is the best course of action.
EVERYTHING POPCORN
LOL
Everything is the best bagel flavor. This is not a matter of debate. Sprinkle the seasoning on popcorn for a delicious snack that will have people asking, “What does this remind me of?”
Ingredients
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3/4 cup popcorn kernels 2 tablespoons flaky sea salt 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
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2 teaspoons granulated onion
1/3 cup canola oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Directions
1. In a small skillet over medium heat, toast sesame seeds. Shake skillet often and cook until white seeds are golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and add garlic, onion, and salt. 2. In a large saucepan, combine popcorn kernels and oil. Cook over medium- high heat, covered, until popcorn kernels start to pop. Once popping, continue cooking and shaking the pan intermittently until popping ceases, about 3–5 minutes. 3. Transfer popcorn to a large mixing bowl. Pour in butter and toss to coat. Finally, add seasoning, toss again, and serve.
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