The legendary rapper, who’s been in and out of jail over the course of his career, was arrested on Thursday (July 13) and charged with tax fraud for allegedly “engaging in a multi-year scheme to conceal” $1.7 million in taxes from the Internal Revenue Service.
X, who turned himself in, is now facing 14 counts, including tax evasion, failure to file a tax return, and corruptly trying to obstruct and impede the IRS, according to Rolling Stone. If he is found guilty on all charges, the multi-platinum superstar could face over 40 years behind bars.
“Celebrity rapper or not, all Americans must pay their taxes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim. “While raking in millions from his songs, including his 2003 hit ‘X Gon’ Give it to Ya,’ DMX didn’t give any of it to the IRS.”
According to the Department of Justice, DMX did not file any tax returns from 2010 through 2015, during which, he reportedly earned $2.3 million. On top of this, X reportedly went to great lengths to avoid paying taxes. At one point, he allegedly refused to film an episode of the reality show “Celebrity Couples Therapy,” until he was issued a check without any withholdings.
This is just the latest concern for the revered MC, who is slated to lead the “Ruff Ryders’ 20th Anniversary Tour” in September. Last year, he was sentenced to six months in jail for failing to pay child support. He also checked himself into rehab in April following a reported drug-related relapse.
DMX is scheduled to appear in court later today.
