Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
IRS Goes After Michael Jackson's Estate for $702 Million Tax Bill
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: September 20, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
The estate of the late pop icon Michael Jackson is embroiled in a bitter battle with the IRS over a tax bill, interest, and penalties that involve a range of his assets. The agency issued an official Notice of Deficiency to the estate in May.
The $702 million tax bill revolves around Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, his image and likeness, and several recording properties. Although the estate is challenging the tax agency’s assertion, it has yet to reveal any specific amounts for which it may be liable, Reuters reports. Jackson’s attorneys did pay estate taxes when the pop star passed, the value of the estate is in question, which may be lead to a lengthy dispute in the U.S. Tax Court. This is largely because some of the assets in question – such as Jackson’s image and likeness – may be challenging to quantify.
This has been evidenced by the year-long struggle between attorney’s for the estate and the IRS to reach a resolution.
“The government believes estates of celebrities likely have a significant audit potential,” a representative of Jackson’s estate told Reuters. “The estate believes the estate tax return properly reflected the interests of Mr. Jackson as of the date of his death.”
Forbes noted that federal estate tax return for Jackson’s estate reported a taxable estate of approximately $9 million. However, many tax analysts estimate the total worth of the estate to be around $400 million, leaving a large gap in what was paid and what still may be owed, especially once interest and penalties are assessed. Under existing tax law, the penalties for Jackson’s estate could be as high as 40 percent of the difference between the taxes paid and those allegedly owed for some of the assets in question.
- Practices: Tax and Trusts & Estates, Sophisticated Estate Planning & Wealth Preservation
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress
The Trump Administration’s new tariffs are having an oversized impact on small businesses, which already tend to operate on razor thin margins. Many businesses have been forced to raise prices, find new suppliers, lay off staff, and delay growth plans. For businesses facing even more dire financial circumstances, there are additional tariff response options, including […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
Common Causes of Partnership Disputes and How to Resolve Them
Business partnerships, much like marriages, function exceptionally well when partners are aligned but can become challenging when disagreements arise. Partnership disputes often stem from conflicts over business strategy, financial management, and unclear role definitions among partners. Understanding Business Partnership Conflicts Partnership conflicts place significant stress on businesses, making proactive measures essential. Partnerships should establish detailed […]
Author: Christopher D. Warren
Businesses Are Facing Financial Headwinds—A Practical Guide
*** The original article was featured on Bloomberg Tax, April 28, 2025 — As a tax attorney who spends much of my time helping people and companies who have large, unresolved issues with the IRS or one or more state tax departments, it often occurs to me that the best service that I can provide […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
President Trump's Termination of Member Gwynne Wilcox
On January 28, 2025, the Trump Administration terminated Gwynne Wilcox from her position as a Member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or the Board). Gwynne Wilcox, a union side lawyer for Levy Ratner, was confirmed to the Board for an original term in 2021 and confirmed again for a successive five-year term expiring […]
Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh
Breach of Contract Explained: Types and Consequences
Breach of contract disputes are the most common type of business litigation. Therefore, nearly all New York and New Jersey businesses will likely have to deal with a contract dispute at least once. Understanding when to file a breach of contract lawsuit and how long you have to sue for breach of contract is essential […]
Author: Brittany P. Tarabour
How to Dissolve a Corporation in New Jersey: A Step-by-Step Guide
Closing your business can be a difficult and challenging task. For corporations, the process includes formal approval of the dissolution, winding up operations, resolving tax liabilities, and filing all required paperwork. Whether you need to understand how to dissolve a corporation in New York or New Jersey, it’s imperative to take all of the proper […]
Author: Christopher D. Warren
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.