City tax officials say they’ve collected an overdue tax bill from ‘N Sync and the band’s management after several reminders and two lawsuits.
The account was “paid in full” as of Thursday, city tax administrator Melinda Frank said Friday. She could not confirm the amount because the payment had not been entered into the city’s computer system by the close of business.
Two lawsuits, each covering a separate aspect of the city income tax law, sought a total of $7,861 for back taxes, interest and penalties for income earned in the city in 2000 and 2001.
The group paid slightly more than $4,000 after providing the city with new information that indicated the tax bill should be less, city attorney Richard Pfeiffer said.
The complaints filed in April in Franklin County Municipal court named Zeeks Inc. and four of the five band members.
Other out-of-town taxpayers have failed to file or had late payments before, Frank said.
“Before we file suit against anyone, we usually send nine to 10 notices,” she said. “They have gradually sterner and sterner language.”
Messages were left after hours Friday at the New York offices of the band’s public relations firm. No telephone listing could be found for Zeeks.
Cleveland, Cincinnati and other Ohio cities also tax entertainers and pro athletes who perform or play there for a day or few days at a time. Cities say it’s the same as taxing the income of commuters who work in city limits but live elsewhere.