EXCLUSIVE: LAURYN HILL SAYS “VERY REAL THREATS” KEPT HER FROM PAYING TAXES

Today (March 15) is tax day in the United States. As some citizens were getting prepared to file last-minute tax forms over the last several days, one Grammy winning performer was filing legal documents to prevent her conviction on three counts of tax evasion from sending her to jail.

According to TMZ, former Fugees member Lauryn Hill is asking a judge for probation for her guilty plea to owing federal taxes on over $1.8 million in income from the years 2005, 2006, and 2007. Hill earned $818,000 in ’05, $222,000 in ’06, and $761,000 in ’07.

[ALSO READ: Lauryn Hill Hit With New Delinquent Tax Bill]

Reportedly, Hill’s documentation explained that the “Killing Me Softly” singer avoided paying taxes in those years because she had to protect her family.
“She withdrew from society at large due to what she perceived as manipulation and very real threats to herself and her family,” TMZ quotes the papers to read. There were no specific mention of the type of threats Hill or her family members allegedly faced.

Hill is also requesting that the court take into consideration that it would be much easier for her to pay back the taxes she owes if she is placed on probation and allowed to continue to work as oppose to being sent to jail.

Hill was originally released on $150,000 bail in June of 2012 which allowed the rapper/singer to tour internationally. Lauryn joined Nas on their joint “Life Is Good/Black Rage” Tour late last year.

[ALSO READ: Nas And Lauryn Hill Embark Upon “Life Is Good/Black Rage” Tour]

The judge in the case is expected to rule on Hill’s sentence on April 22. Each count carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.

Kuhusu TAMBARARE HALISI

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