Benjamin Myers/Reuters
Rev. Al Sharpton has become a political ally of New York City’s mayor and President Obama, but he and his charity owe the government millions of dollars in taxes. A New York Times investigation reports that Sharpton owes more than $4.5 million in current state and federal taxes on his personal income and his for-profit companies, Raw Talent and Revals Communications. Sharpton has more than $3 million in personal federal tax liens and state tax liens of $777,657. Raw Talent owes a combined $717,329 on state and federal tax liens. His nonprofit National Action Network also failed to pay federal payroll taxes. NAN’s tax liability grew from $900,000 in 2003 to nearly $1.9 million by 2006. It also took on a questionable role during Sharpton’s 2004 run for the presidency, which may have violated FEC regulations. Among the other financial issues in Sharpton’s past: He has a very questionable history of paying rent, often evading payment for personal housing and professional office spaces.