Key facts
- Rapper Carl Mitchell, known as Twista, pleaded guilty to five counts of willfully failing to pay income taxes.
- Mitchell owes more than $440,000 in back taxes for the years 2019-2023.
- He faces a potential prison sentence of up to five years.
- The IRS alleges Mitchell used third-party royalty advances to evade tax levies.
- Mitchell has additional unpaid tax liabilities dating back to 2011.
Washington (AP) — Chicago rapper Carl Mitchell, known professionally as Twista, has pleaded guilty to five counts of willfully failing to pay his income taxes, a crime that carries a potential prison sentence of up to five years. The IRS Criminal Investigations division stated that Mitchell failed to pay taxes from 2019 to 2023, accumulating over $440,000 in back taxes.
Mitchell entered his guilty plea last week and is scheduled for sentencing on October 22. According to the IRS, despite warnings from tax authorities and his own accountants, Mitchell arranged to receive advances on future royalties through a third-party company, knowing these funds would be inaccessible to the IRS for levies. The agency also noted that Mitchell has outstanding tax liabilities dating back to 2011 and has made significant personal purchases, including at least four luxury vehicles.
Twista, best known for his 2004 album 'Kamikaze,' has collaborated with artists such as Ye (formerly Kanye West) and Jamie Foxx. He has received two Grammy nominations for his work, with income derived from performances, album sales, streaming, and royalties. Representatives for Mitchell did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Adam Jobes of IRS-CI's Chicago field office stated that the agency pursues all individuals who willfully refuse to pay taxes, regardless of their fame.