Soccer Star Will Have to Go to Trial for Alleged Tax Evasion

The ongoing tax saga of soccer star Lionel Messi will continue. That news comes after a judge in Spain ruled that the Barcelona FC star would indeed have to stand trial for tax fraud charges in association with his many endorsement deals with foreign companies. The news comes just days after a report stated that Mr. Messi would not have to go to trial, and that only his father would face the courtroom.

Not So Fast

However, the Spanish judge ruled otherwise and said that Mr. Messi and his father should both have to go to trial. Even though his lawyers argued that Mr. Messi did not have any hands-on dealings with his endorsement contracts, the judge ruled that he “couldn’t have ignored” that a large part of his revenue was coming from foreign companies. If he is convicted, the soccer star could receive a sentence for as long as 22 months.

No Jail Time Likely

However, the good news for Mr. Messi is that even if he is found guilty of the charges he will most likely not spend any time behind bars. That’s because sentences for financial crimes shorter than two years are typically suspended according to Spanish law. In addition, Mr. Messi and his father have reportedly either already paid, or have agreed to pay, the missing tax money, plus interest.

Posted in
Are There Any Tax Benefits Coming to the Middle Class?

Are There Any Tax Benefits Coming to the Middle Class?

Are There Any Tax Benefits Coming to the Middle Class? Now that the president and his administration have announced their plans for an overhaul to our nation’s tax system and code, most taxpayers are wondering how it will affect them. While there are many reports that the nation’s wealthiest will get even wealthier, thanks to…

Top Careers for Working Parents

Top Careers for Working Parents

Top Careers for Working Parents Let’s face it, being a parent is a tough job. Long hours, no holidays or vacation days, and the pay is anything but spectacular. Of course, parenting has some great rewards, and most parents wouldn’t trade those intangible benefits for anything. However, the reality is most parents struggle to figure…

Trump Administration Proposes Sweeping Tax Cuts

  After months of promises, a brutally combative campaign and election, and the first 100 days in office, President Donald Trump and his administration have released their tax plan, which promises to include “the biggest tax cut” in the history of our country, according to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and National Economic Council Director, Gary…

Don’t Let These Common Misunderstood Tax Facts Hurt You

    Don’t let these common misunderstood tax facts hurt you. So how much do you know about taxes? Or more importantly, how much do you think you know? There are a lot of tax facts out there, and just as many tax misconceptions. Unless you’re a tax professional, chances are there are a lot…