Stephen Baldwin avoids jail for unpaid tax bill
Stephen Baldwin, the youngest of four brothers in show
business, said on Friday that he's looking forward to ‘clearing the
wreckage of my past.’
Avoiding jail: Stephen Baldwin struck a plea deal in court on Friday for unpaid taxes
And his first step will be coming up with $300,000 for the tax man.
Baldwin, 46, admitted in Rockland County Court that he failed to pay New York state income taxes for 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Under a plea bargain, he gets to stay out of jail - so he can make some money - and can have his record wiped clean if he pays the taxes within a year.
His total bill in taxes, interest and penalties is $400,000, but state Supreme Court Justice Charles Apotheker said $100,000 had already been paid.
Baldwin, who is currently appearing on All-Star Celebrity Apprentice, said he never intended to avoid paying taxes and got in trouble by trusting others.
‘Unfortunately, I got some really bad suggestions and advice ... from lawyers and accountants," he said outside court.
Baldwin, who lives in Upper Grandview, said he believes he can meet the deadline, noting that his father was a schoolteacher who made $25,000 and raised six kids.
‘I just look forward to getting the $300,000 paid in the next year,’ he said.
He said he's directing a movie starring his brother William and that other ‘faith-based opportunities’ consistent with his principles are emerging.
His lawyer said earlier this month that Baldwin would not be taking any roles like his starring turn as a professional thief with a short temper in the 1995 film The Usual Suspects.
If he doesn't pay all the money within a year, the plea bargain provides for a five-year sentence of probation and repayment within that time.
Hoping
to put it behind him: The actor spoke outside the Rockland County
Courthouse in New York with attorney Russell Yankwitt by his side
Large sum: Stephen owed $400,000 but has paid back $100,000 of the amount already
Besides William, Baldwin's brothers Daniel and 30 Rock star Alec are also actors.
Asked if he was getting any help from the family, Stephen said: ‘Just support as family support. ... The responsibility lies ultimately with myself.’
No sentencing date was set. Another court appearance is planned in June to see how repayment is going.
Plea bargain: Stephen's record will be wiped if he pays back the remaining $300,000 within the next year
Coming up Trumps: The 46-year-old is currently appearing on All-Star Celebrity Apprentice
Avoiding jail: Stephen Baldwin struck a plea deal in court on Friday for unpaid taxesBaldwin, 46, admitted in Rockland County Court that he failed to pay New York state income taxes for 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Under a plea bargain, he gets to stay out of jail - so he can make some money - and can have his record wiped clean if he pays the taxes within a year.
His total bill in taxes, interest and penalties is $400,000, but state Supreme Court Justice Charles Apotheker said $100,000 had already been paid.
Baldwin, who is currently appearing on All-Star Celebrity Apprentice, said he never intended to avoid paying taxes and got in trouble by trusting others.
‘Unfortunately, I got some really bad suggestions and advice ... from lawyers and accountants," he said outside court.
Baldwin, who lives in Upper Grandview, said he believes he can meet the deadline, noting that his father was a schoolteacher who made $25,000 and raised six kids.
‘I just look forward to getting the $300,000 paid in the next year,’ he said.
He said he's directing a movie starring his brother William and that other ‘faith-based opportunities’ consistent with his principles are emerging.
His lawyer said earlier this month that Baldwin would not be taking any roles like his starring turn as a professional thief with a short temper in the 1995 film The Usual Suspects.
If he doesn't pay all the money within a year, the plea bargain provides for a five-year sentence of probation and repayment within that time.
Hoping
to put it behind him: The actor spoke outside the Rockland County
Courthouse in New York with attorney Russell Yankwitt by his sideBesides William, Baldwin's brothers Daniel and 30 Rock star Alec are also actors.
Asked if he was getting any help from the family, Stephen said: ‘Just support as family support. ... The responsibility lies ultimately with myself.’
No sentencing date was set. Another court appearance is planned in June to see how repayment is going.
Plea bargain: Stephen's record will be wiped if he pays back the remaining $300,000 within the next yearComing up Trumps: The 46-year-old is currently appearing on All-Star Celebrity Apprentice