Stephen Baldwin admits he failed to pay NY taxes
NEW CITY, N.Y. (AP) — Stephen Baldwin, the youngest of four brothers in show business, said Friday he’s looking forward to ‘‘clearing the wreckage of my past.’’
Step 1 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, 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.
Besides William, Baldwin’s brothers Daniel and Alec — the latter was a star of TV’s ‘‘30 Rock’’ — are also actors. Asked if he was getting any help from the family, Stephen Baldwin 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.
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