The New York State Tax Department today announced that actor Stephen Baldwin has made his fourth $100,000 installment on his outstanding tax debt of more than $400,000.   The actor is working with the Department to resolve the remainder of his tax debt.  

Baldwin, 47, of Upper Grandview, NY, appeared this morning in Rockland County Court and presented a certified check to the Tax Department. 

Following an investigation conducted by the Tax Department’s Criminal Investigations Division and the Rockland County District Attorney, Thomas P. Zugibe, Baldwin was arrested in December 2012 and arraigned on one count of Repeated Failure to File Personal Income Tax Returns, a class E felony. 

According to the charges, he failed to file New York State Personal Income Tax Returns for 2008, 2009, and 2010.  In total, Baldwin’s tax liability at that time, including penalties and interests, was more than $350,000.

In March 2013, Baldwin pled guilty to the charge brought against him and agreed to pay the balance of his tax debt.  

“We thank District Attorney Zugibe for partnering with us on this case and our ongoing efforts to prosecute tax evaders in Rockland County,” Commissioner Mattox said.  “We will continue to focus on ensuring fairness on behalf of the vast majority of New Yorkers who file their returns and pay their taxes voluntarily. ”

Commissioner Mattox added that taxpayers who cannot pay their tax debt in full should contact the Tax Department directly to set up an installment payment agreement.  “As we approach the April 15 filing deadline, make sure to file your taxes, even if you can’t pay in full,” he said.   “We can help you with payment terms, but you must file your return timely to avoid additional penalties.”

In New York State, 96% of taxes are paid by businesses and individuals who voluntarily meet their tax responsibilities. The remaining 4% is collected through the Tax Department's audit, collections and criminal investigations programs. Through its enforcement programs, the Department ensures fair tax administration for all New Yorkers.