Salsa star Marc Anthony owes millions in taxes

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Salsa singer-songwriter Marc Anthony failed to pay taxes for four years in a row and owes $2.5 million in back taxes and fines, the Manhattan District Attorney said on Wednesday.

Anthony has not been charged, but his manager, accountant and his three companies all pleaded guilty to tax crimes in a plea deal reached with Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau. Anthony must pay the $2.5 million by June 1.

The New York-born singer, who is married to singer/actress Jennifer Lopez was not charged because he relied on his accountant to file his tax returns, Morgenthau said.

But between 2001 and 2004, years when Anthony -- the biggest-selling salsa artist of all time -- released the albums "Libre," "Mended" and "Amar Sin Mentiras," he failed to pay taxes on $15.5 million in income, according to the DA's office.

Lopez, who married Anthony in 2004, was not a subject of the investigation, Morgenthau said.

"He thought that he could rely on his manager and his accountant," Morgenthau said of Anthony.

Anthony's lawyer was not immediately available for comment.

Anthony's manager, Bigram Zayes -- who is also Anthony's brother -- and Philip Sarna, the business manager and accountant for Anthony and his three companies, also failed to pay their personal city, state and federal income taxes.

Those companies, which handle Anthony's tours, the publication of his music and lyrics and his management, collect income which is then turned over to Anthony.

Both men will be sentenced in June.