Carlos Mencia is not alone in facing tax issues in California. A recent list of the state’s 500 largest tax delinquents includes high-profile figures such as an R&B icon and a former NBA athlete, both accused of significant tax debts.
NBA player Malik Beasley and singer Toni Braxton are featured on the California Franchise Tax Board’s top 500 tax delinquencies list, each owing substantial amounts to the state.
Beasley, who played for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Detroit Pistons last season, reportedly owes about $1.9 million alongside his former partner, Montana Yao. A lien was placed against them in October last year concerning a Beverly Hills address.
Recently, Beasley joined the Puerto Rican team, Cangrejeros de Santurce, although he was released last month.
He has also been embroiled in controversy as federal authorities have launched an investigation into alleged gambling activities during his time with the Milwaukee Bucks. The NBA has initiated its own investigation. The results are yet to be disclosed.
“An investigation is not a charge,” stated Beasley’s attorney, Steve Haney, to ESPN. “Malik is afforded the same right of the presumption of innocence as anyone else under the U.S. Constitution. As of now he has not been charged with anything.”
Additionally, Braxton holds a prominent position on the state’s tax evaders list.
The “Un-Break My Heart” singer owes the state approximately $438,000 in taxes, with a lien filed against her in December 2018.
Braxton has experienced financial difficulties recently, including receiving liens from federal and state authorities in 2017. Once a towering figure in the 90s music scene, her prominence diminished in later years.
She has acknowledged having extravagant spending habits, leading her to file for bankruptcy twice.
“I love dishes and house things, so I kind of lost it a little bit on the houseware,” Braxton revealed to “Good Morning America.” In another instance, she filed for bankruptcy after falling ill post-payment to all her vendors for her Las Vegas residency.
The Los Angeles DA’s office highlighted Mencia’s inclusion on the top 500 list Thursday.
Los Angeles County DA Nathan Hochman labeled Mencia one of the “500 greatest tax delinquents,” alleging the comedian avoided reporting $8.7 million of his income over five years.
Speaking at a press conference in downtown LA, the DA noted Mencia had received 78 warning notices as California missed out on about $300,000 in taxes.
Mencia is charged with six counts related to personal taxes and another six concerning his businesses between 2019 and 2024.
If found guilty, Mencia could face up to 10 years in prison. He was apprehended at his Encino home at 7:05 a.m. Thursday by Hochman’s newly formed Business Tax Fraud Unit, which targets tax crimes.
The California Post has reached out to representatives for Beasley and Braxton for comments.
