Some readers who are long-time fans of country music will recognize the name of outlaw legend David Allan Coe. He wrote big hits for artists such as Tanya Tucker (Would You Lay with Me In a Field of Stone") and Johnny Paycheck ("Take This Job and Shove It"), but also scored as a recording artist ("You Never Even Called Me by My Name," "Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile," and "Don't Cry, Darlin'," among others).
The outlaw is 76 years old now, but as defiant as ever. According to the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Coe recently pleaded guilty to a count of impeding and obstructing the IRS. He faces up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for tax evasion.
The Internal Revenue Service said Ohio-born Coe did at least 100 shows a year from 2008 through 2013, but the Cincinnati resident failed to pay his federal taxes on the income earned. Some years he didn't file a return at all, the IRS said, and in other years he would file a return but not pay what was owed.
Instead of paying his taxes, the old outlaw was out gambling, the IRS said, or paying off other debts.
According to a news article, the IRS also claims Coe began demanding that concert promoters pay him in cash. He refused to take $50 bills, however, saying they were bad luck -- something a gambler wants to avoid, if possible.
According to the tax collectors, Coe owes $466,564.86 -- plus interest, penalties and restitution yet to be determined.
Hard times and bad luck are staples of country music, so it's possible that Coe's current struggles will provide lyrics to another song or two. No doubt his tax attorneys would suggest he pay the IRS its cut from any royalties from the tunes.
If you face accusations that you have not filed or paid taxes, you can speak with a tax law attorney experienced in negotiating with the IRS and helping clients find favorable resolutions of difficult disputes.
