IRS and FTB file tax liens against Baywatch beauty

Unlike most Americans, whose sources of income are fairly consistent, celebrities’ earnings – though more substantial – tend to be a bit erratic. For instance, while the stars of a weekly sitcom can expect a regular paycheck, what about the famous faces that sign a movie contract every year or so? This difference may account for some of the reported income tax issues a few household names have encountered in recent months.

Following in the footsteps of Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears and Steven Seagal, reports indicate that Pamela Anderson – the blonde bombshell best known for her role on “Baywatch” – has accrued more than $300,000 in back taxes from 2011. As a result, both the IRS and the FTB have filed tax liens against the actress.

According to TMZ, the actress owes $259,395 to the IRS and $112,118.90 to the FTB for unpaid taxes from the last fiscal year.

Though a substantial amount, the $370,000 Anderson currently owes the two tax-collecting agencies pales in comparison to the debts she accrued in 2009. At that time, the IRS filed a tax lien against the starlet for $1.7 million. A representative speaking on Anderson’s behalf said the outstanding debt was due to a computational error, Accounting Today reports.

“Mistakes may have been made in calculating taxes owed,” the spokesperson said of the 2009 income tax discrepancy.

No statements have been issued regarding the 2011 tax liens.

As Anderson’s 2009 case shows, even a simple error in your tax planning may cause the IRS or FTB to take action against you. If you want to avoid such a misunderstanding, contact the experienced tax attorneys at Moskowitz LLP in San Francisco. We advocate on your behalf.