IRS files $79,000 tax lien against Schwarzenegger [Updated]

The Internal Revenue Service has filed a federal tax lien against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for nearly $80,000, public records show.

The lien was filed May 11 at the Los Angeles County recorder's office for $79,064, according to a record in an electronic database that includes lien filings. The record does not indicate what property the lien was placed on, but it lists the debtor as Arnold Schwarzenegger with the governor's home address in Brentwood.

[Updated at 11:42 a.m.: A federal tax lien would be attached to all of the governor’s properties, according to the IRS.]

The lien was reported this morning by TMZ.com, which posted a copy of a lien document that says it is from the county recorder's office. That document shows that Schwarzenegger owes $39,047.20 from 2004 and $40,016.80 from 2005. The document also lists a section of the IRS code that suggests the debt may be penalties for a failure to report certain business transactions.

Schwarzenegger's spokesman, Aaron McLear, said in a statement that the "governor has paid his taxes in full and on time."

"No one, including the IRS, has notified the governor of any issues whatsoever with his taxes," McLear said. "We are contacting the IRS to determine if the document in question, which appears to be a penalty for missing info and not for unpaid taxes, is legitimate and if there is any discrepancy to resolve."

-- Michael Rothfeld in Sacramento

Comments

[harry]

Arnold needs to terminate them. Hasta La Vista baby.

[Randall]

Odd, I thought he was in Obama's camp. Wonder what he's being pressured for?

[Rodger Ellis]

If the unions don't agree with your position on something, they will send their minions to find ways to destroy you. This looks like one of those attempts. The good news is that Arnold is smarter than these goofballs.

[ameriapp]

Well, I guess it's settled then when his spokeman says he's paid all of his taxes and the IRS is just wrong!

[Ned]

So, is this Arnold's way of asking for an appointment to the Obama administration?

[Ned]

So, is this Arnold's way of asking for an appointment to the Obama administration?

[Some Anti-Nixon Guy]

Clearly, Schwarzenegger is a tax cheat, because Democrats would never, ever abuse the power of the IRS to pursue political opponents.

Hey, Dems, How does it feel to have worked so hard to put Nixon back in the White House?

[Hank Rearden]

What a shame! He should have switched parties with this hanging over his head. Arnold may have qualified for a cabinet position.

[Hank Rearden]

What a shame! He should have switched parties with this hanging over his head. Arnold may have qualified for a cabinet position.

[Tommy]

Give us a break, Arnold. You have no idea what this tax lien is about?? You say that because your a pathological liar just like 500 other criminals in D.C. You get a federal tax lien on your house because you didn't pay taxes - no other reason. Why even lie about it. Folks, who cares if the tax was unfair or an error or whatever. Why does he have to lie? That's the problem with this country. They all lie, all the time.

[jmcdowell]

Hell, this is nothing new. Liberals do not pay taxes, look at geithner and rangle.

[student1776]

This is notice to Arnold that the White House enemies list is alive and well. Obama and Rahm are the new Nixon and Haldeman.

[sambird]

The question is what Cabinet post will Arnold get??. He Qualifies!!

[TransitDave]

The lien is on his butt, not his property, that is the nature of an IRS lien......It can theoretically attach to any property he owns, and most especially, to any proceeds due him from the sale of any property he owns.....For a guy as rich as Arnold, I'm sure this was an oversight....But it will be a major pain until it's either paid off, or withdrawn.......I know the feeling, GUV................

[No One Special]

I don't give a rat's behind about Awwwnnnoouuulldd. That is his private business...needs to be punished if it is true...just like 'almost' anyone else would. I am too busy for gossip.

[SAL]

isn't his wife a Kennedy?? SO no problems!!

[SAL]

isn't his wife a Kennedy?? SO no problems!!

[fantum]

Did Arnold float a loan on the Governors Mansion?

[ronam46]

This proves it...he's a democrat.

[Al J]

Too bad the Governator isn't a dem in the administration because he would get a pass on his taxes and a high cabinet job. Again it's another Washington DC Obama political stunt to aid Moonbeam and embarass Ahnold in the run up to the Calif governor's race.

[Bob Loblaw]

Of course this could not possibly be political payback . . .

[Darrel]

He also needs to pay for the massive traffic and parking laws he and Maria violate on a continual basis!! Impeach this hypocritcal RINO.

[Jon Dolfurd]

Geez, where's the liens against Timmy Geitner, Tom Daschle, Charlie Rangel, Babs Boxer, just for starters.

I guess we do have a special privileged society, not equal for all under the eyes of the law as written.

[wavmogun(r)]

If Arnold had a (D) after his name, he would be just fine

[Tony L]

What's amazing is that TMZ will destroy some ones reputation with out checking if this was a IRS made mistake, which by the way happens a lot. The owners of TMZ probably receives BS notices from IRS showing outstanding taxes and fees and most of the time it is a computer input error of some sort. It happens to a lot of business owners.