Al Sharpton's tax troubles

The Rev. Al Sharpton usually isn't one to shy away from attention, but no one likes it when the added interest comes from tax collectors.

The Associated Press reports that it has obtained government records indicating that
Sharpton and his business entities owe nearly $1.5 million in overdue
taxes and penalties.

Sharpton's personal debts include $365,558 in New York City income tax
and $931,397 in federal income tax, according to an IRS lien filed last spring. Sharpton's for-profit company, Rev.
Al Communications, owes New York state another $175,962 in delinquent taxes.

According to the wire service, the U.S. Attorney also is investigating Sharpton's National Action Network. Lawyers for the nonprofit group have been negotiating with the
feds over the size of the debt, as well as trying to pay off tens of thousands of dollars owed for failing to properly maintain workers compensation and
unemployment insurance.

This is not the first time Sharpton has tangled with the tax man.

In
1990, he was acquitted of tax fraud and charges that he stole from one
of his charities. He followed that up with what was essentially another
victory in a tax case by pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge of
failing to file a state return.