Aretha Franklin's Estate Needs To Sell Property To Pay Singer's $5 Mill Tax Debt: Report

BY Erika Marie 6.9K Views
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Aretha Franklin
The singer originally owed the IRS $6.3 million.

The world lost the Queen of Soul in August 2018 and we all mourned the loss of the Motown legend whose voice impacted generations of music lovers. The Memphis icon passed away in her Detroit mansion, and while it seemed as if Aretha Frankin left this earth financially abundant with no worries as to how her estate would be handled.

Unfortunately, since then there have been reports that her estate has had issues settling debts and divvying up the cash, and now The Blast claims that the powerhouse singer has a $5.2 million outstanding tax debt. The publication claims they've obtained documents that say Franklin's estate is asking the court for permission to sell off some of her lands to pay off the bill. There's a vacant lot in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, a plot that's a little over an acre, that is being offered for $1.4 million. 

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The estate also wants to liquidate assets and sell off Franklin's property to make good with the government. Documents also reveal that the estate originally owed $6.3 million to the IRS, so they've gotten rid of a chunk of the debt. They're hoping that a judge will sign off of it as soon a possible. Meanwhile, back in March, it was reported that Jennifer Hudson was slated to portray Franklin in a forthcoming biopic.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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