Lauryn Hill was in a Newark, NJ courtroom today (May 6th) for sentencing on tax evasion charges. Despite having reportedly paid over $900,000 in taxes and penalties yesterday, the Grammy-winning singer was sentenced to 3 months in prison for failing to pay taxes from 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Hill pleaded guilty last year to not paying federal taxes on $1.8 million earned from 2005 to 2007. Two weeks ago, a judge confirmed that Hill had paid only about $50,000 of more than $500,000 she owes. She faced up to 3 years in prison.
On Monday, Hill explained to the judge that she had always planned to eventually pay the taxes but was unable to during the time; as she had walked away from the music business. She made similar statements in an online posting made last year after pleading guilty.
“I needed to be able to earn so I could pay my taxes, without compromising the health and welfare of my children, and I was being denied that,” Hill said Monday.
Before the sentencing, her attorney said Hill had paid more than $970,000 to satisfy the state and federal tax liabilities, and he was seeking probation.
In addition to three months in prison, Hill must serve an additional three months in home confinement
