James F. McDonough
Of Counsel
732-568-8360 jmcdonough@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Mary J. Blige Faces Tax Lien on New Jersey Mansion
Author: James F. McDonough
Date: February 21, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
Grammy winner and R&B artist Mary J. Blige is facing a host of financial issues that recently culminated in a $900,000 tax lien being placed on her home.
The state of New Jersey imposed the lien on Blige’s 18,250-square-foot mansion in Saddle River after Blige violated tax law by failing to pay back taxes. She bought the home with her husband in 2008 for the price of $12.5 million, and quickly ran into financial issues trying to make the annual $100,000 property tax payments. The French country-style home features an indoor movie theater, fitness center, gourmet kitchen and eight bedrooms, according to AOL Real Estate. The lien is not the only issue the top-selling artist is facing.
She is currently facing a lawsuit from Bank of America, which sued the singer after defaulting on a $500,000 loan. The bank said she took out the loan in 2005 and stopped making payments in 2012. In addition, Blige’s former landscaper is also suing the singer for $4,000 in back tax payments. In May 2012, the New York Post reported that Blige’s charity, which is designed to empower women, failed to file tax returns for the last several years, and is missing hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations. Further, the organization defaulted on a $250,000 loan from TD Bank.
“The problem is that I didn’t have the right people in the right places doing the right things,” Blige said of the charities problems, according to the Post.
In all, the singer and her husband are on the hook for more than $3 million in defaulted mortgages. In an effort to overcome these financial woes, Blige dropped the original $14 million asking price of her New Jersey home – which has been on the market since 2011 – to its valued $12.5 million.
- Practices: Tax and Trusts & Estates, Corporate Tax Planning
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
New York NDA Requirements for Businesses
Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) remain a critical tool for protecting sensitive business information. However, New York NDA requirements have evolved, and businesses must ensure these agreements are carefully drafted to remain enforceable. In a competitive market like New York City, NDAs are commonly used to protect proprietary information, client relationships, and strategic plans. At the same […]
Author: Dan Brecher
New Jersey Will Contest Grounds Explained
How Courts Evaluate Testamentary Capacity and Undue Influence Will contests in New Jersey are difficult to win, given the strong presumption that a properly executed will reflects the testator’s intent. However, challenges based on lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence remain common, particularly where there are concerns about mental capacity or the involvement of […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
Legal Issues Before Bringing on Investors
Bringing on outside investors can provide the capital and strategic support a business needs to grow. However, raising capital also introduces important legal, financial, and operational considerations. Before bringing on investors, businesses should address key legal issues to reduce risk, streamline investor due diligence, and position the company for long-term success. Early preparation signals that […]
Author: Dan Brecher
SECURE 2.0 RMD Planning Strategies
How the Updated Law Shapes Retirement and Estate Planning The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 materially reshapes the required minimum distribution (RMD) landscape, extending tax deferral opportunities while accelerating distribution requirements for many beneficiaries. For high-net-worth individuals and families, these changes are not merely technical. They require a reassessment of retirement income strategies, beneficiary planning, […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
Buying Commercial Property in New Jersey: Legal Guide for Small Businesses
Small businesses considering buying commercial property in New Jersey must evaluate a range of legal, financial, and operational factors. While ownership can offer long-term value and control, it also introduces significant risks if not properly structured. This guide outlines key considerations to help New Jersey business owners make informed decisions, minimize legal exposure, and successfully […]
Author: Robert L. Baker, Jr.
The SEC’s Latest Guidance on Applying Federal Securities Laws to Tokenized Securities
On January 28, 2026, staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Divisions of Corporation Finance, Investment Management, and Trading and Markets issued a joint statement clarifying how existing federal securities laws apply to tokenized securities. The SEC’s “Statement on Tokenized Securities” does not establish new law, but it does provide greater clarity on the […]
Author: Dan Brecher
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.