Chris Tucker's IRS Debt Just Ballooned to $14 Million

Almost exactly three years ago, we posted an article here on Celebrity Net Worth titled "Chris Tucker Owes The IRS $11 Million."

Well, unfortunately for the comedian, Chris's financial situation hasn't improved over the last few years. In fact, it has actually gotten much worse. That's the bad news. The good news? If you're a fan of the Rush Hour movie franchise, the odds of getting a fourth installment just increased exponentially. Honestly, we're probably going to get a Rush Hour 5, 6, 7, and 8 because Chris desperately needs the paychecks.

Chris Tucker / Graham Denholm/Getty Images

The $14 Million Tax Bill

Chris Tucker's financial problems date back more than a decade, but the most recent development occurred this week when the IRS hit him with a brand new $2.5 million Federal tax lien.

According to IRS documents, Chris owes this new $2.5 million sum for back taxes spanning the years 2008 and 2010. This is piled on top of the roughly $12 million in back taxes and penalties that he already owed Uncle Sam. While Chris did manage to pay down roughly $950,000 worth of his debt in 2013, the new liens and compounding interest have officially pushed his total amount owed to an eye-watering $14,068,047.

Looking at the public filings, a disastrous pattern has emerged. Chris somehow failed to pay his full tax bill for the years 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2010.

From $15,000 to $50 Million

It might be hard for younger CNW readers to imagine, but there was a time when Chris Tucker was the single highest-paid actor in the history of Hollywood.

His salary trajectory was unprecedented. After earning a mere $15,000 for his iconic role in 1995's Friday, his quote exploded. He earned $25,000 for Dead Presidents, jumped to $2 million for 1997's Money Talks, and secured $3 million for the very first Rush Hour.

Then, the Rush Hour franchise became a global phenomenon. Tucker demanded—and received—$20 million to appear in the sequel. He then landed a record-breaking $40 million, two-movie contract with New Line Cinema. His deal for Rush Hour 3 included a $25 million base salary plus 20% of the film's gross receipts. When the movie went on to gross $258 million worldwide, Chris pocketed an additional $25 million on the back end, bringing his total take for the third movie to $50 million.

Unfortunately, it seems like Chris never hired a business manager. Or, if he did, he apparently didn't understand the words coming out of the business manager's mouth. (Sorry, couldn't resist).

Chris Tucker / CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images

The Comeback Trail

On the plus side, Chris is still a highly capable and beloved actor. He recently received widespread critical acclaim for his dramatic supporting role in 2012's Academy Award-winning Silver Linings Playbook.

His career could easily rebound with a couple more good roles under his belt in the coming years. A reboot of the Rush Hour franchise, or even returning to the Friday franchise, would be an easy financial win. Personally, we would be first in line to watch an entire spin-off movie dedicated to Ruby Rhod, his eccentric futuristic radio host from 1997's The Fifth Element.

Now that would be super green. Hollywood, make it happen.