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The "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin Dies at Age 76
The "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin Dies at Age 76
Source: YouTube

IRS Audits Aretha Franklin's Estate, Digs Up Millions in Unpaid Back Taxes

Lenny Kravitz, Grace Jones, Lauryn Hill, Lion Babe, Thundercat, SZA & More Rock The Afropunk Festival 2015 in Brooklyn, NY. Source: Youtube

The Franklin Estate is disputing the claim.

At the time of her death, Aretha Franklin left behind an unpaid bill only The Queen of Soul could rack up.

READ: Tyler Perry to Host All-Star Tribute to Aretha Franklin with Janelle Monáe, SZA, H.E.R., and More

According to The Detroit News, a recent audit of the late singer's estate revealed a whopping $6.3 million in unpaid back taxes, dating between 2012 and 2018. And though an attorney for the estate, David Bennett, told The Associated Press that half of the bill had already been squared away, the Feds claim "no part of this debt has been paid and it is now due and payable to the United States Treasury at the Office of the Internal Revenue Service."

WATCH:A Trailer for The Long-Delayed Aretha Franklin Concert Film Amazing Grace

Bennett goes on to state "The vast majority of Ms. Franklin’s personal 1040 tax obligations were paid prior to her death – something she wished to occur. The estate is diligently working to resolve any remaining issues.” Franklin died on August 12th of pancreatic cancer. A stacked Grammys salute is planned for next year in Los Angeles, while the recently-unearthed Amazing Grace concert film from 1972 remains without a nationwide premiere date.