Tax Evasion - Hollywood Star in the Dock  

Tax Evasion - Hollywood Star in the Dock

A Hollywood hard man, paid millions of dollars per film, may not seem the most likely candidate to be pulled before a judge on tax evasion charges but that is exactly what is happening to Tinseltown stalwart, Wesley Snipes.

According to a report in the Telegraph, Hollywood action hero, Wesley Snipes, could be faced with a lengthy prison sentence due to years of tax evasion. The star of films such as 'Blade Trinity' and 'White Men Can't Jump' is alleged to have engaged in years of tax evasion dating back to when he was just making his way in movies all the way to when he was picking up multi-million dollar pay cheques for Hollywood blockbusters.

Tax Evasion - Flights From Justice

It goes without saying that when it's a Hollywood star on the dock for tax evasion, the case receives a considerably higher profile than a run of the mill tax evasion accusation. According to the report in the Telegraph, Wesley Snipes' celebrity status may work against him in his tax evasion case as prosecutors are calling upon the judge to throw the book at him. The prosecutors are calling for a 3 year jail sentence and a $5m dollar fine to be imposed upon Snipes in order to show that tax evasion is a crime that is not taken lightly. The extent of Snipes' misdeeds according to a statement released by the Justice Department and reported in the Telegraph, "For nearly a decade, Snipes has engaged in a campaign of criminal tax conduct, combining brazen defiance with insidious concealment aimed at cheating the government of $41 million."

Tax Evasion - The Sentencing

The case against Wesley Snipes and the allegations of tax evasion reached a dramatic conclusion on the 25th April, 2008 when the Hollywood action star was indeed given the maximum jail sentence of three years. After the jury heard how the actor had wilfully avoided $15m in tax through the use of offshore accounts, the judge in the case deemed it appropriate to make an example out of Snipes and firmly believed that the sentence handed down would serve as a warning to those purposively engaged in tax evasion. According to a report on the BBC, Wesley Snipes plans to appeal the three year jail sentence imposed upon him but regardless of the outcome of this appeal, the US Justice system believe that they have set a tax evasion precedent with this case.

Speak to Gilbert Tax about Tax Evasion

Gilbert Tax are tax specialists who specialise in resolving tax investigations and disputes. Offering efficient, friendly and cost effective solutions to tax problems, Gilbert Tax are pleased to provide assistance with issues ranging from tax evasion to VAT fraud. With over 60 years of combined experience in the industry, Gilbert Tax offer unparalleled service that will get to the bottom of tax discrepancies and disputes. To find out more about tax evasion and the range of services provided by Gilbert Tax, just call 0800 734 3333 or email scott.gilbert@gilberttax.co.uk

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