Former San Francisco 49er William H Paris, Jr. (aka Bubba Paris) is now a motivational speaker. He’ll have a new topic to talk about: Why You Should Pay Your Taxes.
Back in February Mr. Paris was indicted on three misdemeanor counts of failing to file a tax return. He was alleged to have earned between $41,700 and $83,800 annually from 2006 to 2008. He pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one count of not filing a tax return in a plea deal. Mr. Paris agreed to make restitution of $126,530; he’ll be sentenced next February. He faces up to one year at ClubFed and a possible fine of up to $100,000.
That’s the second former football player who has not had a good week. Former Philadelphia Eagle Freddie Mitchell was sentenced to 37 months at ClubFed earlier this week. Mr. Paris, though, is not facing as lengthy a sentence. At most he faces one year in prison; given that he has promised to make restitution it’s likely he’ll get probation.
A hint to celebrities: You’re a perfect target for IRS Criminal Investigations when you don’t file and pay your taxes. If you are convicted, it will be covered in the news. Consider that Bubba Paris didn’t report tax on $182,743 and is paying restitution of $126,530 (which include penalties and interest)–That’s a tax rate of 69%! He’ll also have to pay California, too. It’s a lot easier to just pay your taxes in the first place.
