A Stonefaced Lauryn Hill Shows Up for Tax Evasion Trial

Lauryn Hill caught a break on Monday when a federal judge postponed sentencing in Hill’s tax evasion case.The eight-time Grammy-winner, pleaded guilty in 2012 to not paying federal taxes on a reported $1.8 million earned between 2005 -2007.  After entering her plea, Hill agreed to pay upwards of $554,000 in restitution prior to her sentencing. So far the singer has only come up with $50,000 towards that amount.

The judge stated to Lauryn’s attorney, Nathan Hochman:

This is not someone who stands before the court penniless. This is a criminal matter. Actions speak louder than words, and there has been no effort here to pay these taxes.”

However, according to TMZ, the singer recently signed a million-dollar recording contract with her former label Sony and was planning to take out a $650,000 loan to pay off the $968,000 tax bill. The 37-year-old, New Jersey native remained mums in court and did not speak on the case or its postponement. She now has until May 3rd to get her affairs in order before learning her fate, three days later on May 6th.The exact amount that the singer owes the IRS is still being debated between her lawyers and the U.S. attorney’s office. Hochman says the former star owes less than $1 million while the prosecution is totaling figures out at more than a million. The difference in amounts will decide if Hill will face 24 to 30 months or 30 to 36 months. Hills legal team is assured that the mother of six will be able to repay the debt prior to her May 6^th hearing and are asking for a probationary sentence instead of jail time.

Peep shots of her leaving court below.

Last year, Lauryn penned a letter about her arrest explaining:

When I was working consistently without being affected by the interferences mentioned above, I filed and paid my taxes, this only stopped when it was necessary to withdraw from society, in order to guarantee the safety and well-being of myself and my family.”

Although she has a recording contract she has yet to generate any money from it.In 2012, Hill teamed up with Nas for the 10-city ‘Life Is Good’ tour. Hill is a member of The Fugees and released her only album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” in 1998. She has five children with Bob Marley’s son Rohan.

[AP,Huff Po]

-@crelsmusic