Shakira Fails to Pay $7.1 Million in Taxes, Faces Second Spain Tax Evasion Case

Shakira, the renowned Latin pop star, has been charged with tax fraud in Spain, accused of failing to pay $7.1 million in taxes for the year 2018, Rolling Stone reports.

Shakira second tax evasion case follows an investigation initiated near Barcelona in July, focusing on the suspected tax fraud during the year.

She is already set to stand trial in a separate tax evasion case involving an alleged failure to pay income taxes for the years 2012 to 2014, amounting to $13.9 million.

The tax fraud charges revolve around the claim that Shakira spent more than half the year in Spain every year during the specified period, despite listing her residence as the Bahamas during her alleged presence in Spain.

According to Spanish tax law, individuals residing in the country for more than six months are considered residents and are obligated to pay taxes.

Shakira Allegedly Hires Offshore Company to Evade Tax

The accusation against Shakira pertains to her alleged use of an offshore company situated in a tax haven to circumvent tax obligations, Just Jared noted.

She was notified of these charges in Miami, where she currently resides.

Shakira, whose full name is Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, has had ties to Spain since her relationship with retired soccer player Gerard Pique began.

The couple, who have two children, resided in Barcelona until they concluded their 11-year relationship last year, per ABC 7.

Spain's tax authorities have previously pursued legal action against prominent figures such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for their alleged failure to pay full taxes.

Although both were found guilty of tax evasion, they managed to avoid prison sentences due to a provision that allows judges to waive sentences under two years for first-time offenders.

Shakira Says She Did Not Owe Spanish Government Those Taxes

Shakira maintains that her official residence was in the Bahamas, which, in her view, absolves her of the Spanish tax liability.

Her representatives assert her commitment to compliance with the law, highlighting her cooperation and adherence to the guidance of PriceWaterhouse Coopers, a globally recognized tax firm, Fox News said.

Shakira's team expressed disappointment with the Spanish Tax Office's actions, characterizing them as baseless and a violation of her rights.

They assert her innocence and express confidence in her exoneration through the judicial process.

Facing a possible sentence of up to eight years in prison if convicted in the first trial, Shakira has vehemently denied the allegations.

Shakira referred to the charges as "false accusations" in a 2022 interview with Elle and emphasized her commitment to fulfilling her professional obligations around the world.

Shakira maintains that she has paid the taxes claimed by the authorities and asserts her confidence in her ability to provide sufficient evidence to support her case, anticipating a favorable resolution in her favor.

This article is owned by Latin Post

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Shakira Denies SECOND Notice of Charges for Tax Evasion - From Access Hollywood