Lauryn Hill’s bank account may not be overflowing at the moment (she hasn’t released in album in over a decade) but during 2005, 2006 and 2007, the Fugee’s singer earned more than $1.6 million. Federal prosecutors say that Hill failed to file income tax returns with the IRS during those years.
Hill, who has won five Grammy Awards, was hit with three charges for failing to file tax returns. According to USA Today , each charge carries a maximum fine of $100,000 and one year in prison.
Hill hasn’t released an album since her MTV Unplugged concert in 2002, but according to papers filed in U.S. District Court in Newark, the singer owns and operates four private corporations: Creations Music, Boogie Tours, L.H. Productions 2001 and Studio 22. Philly.com reports that most of her income comes from royalties from her film and music career. The singer reportedly earned $818,000 in 2005, $222,000 in 2006, and $761,000 in 2007.
A court date has been set for June 29th where she will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Shipp.
Hill’s career started with the hip hop group the Fugees. In 1998, she released her first and only solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill . The album won Hill best Album of the Year and Best New Artist of the year.
Since then, Hill has kept a relatively low profile. She has had six children with her longtime boyfriend Rohan Marley. ( The couple split up last year .) She is also reportedly working on a new album. In 2010, she said that she was getting closer to a release date.
