NAMES IN THE NEWS : Nelson Tarries on Texas Taxes

AUSTIN, Tex. — Willie Nelson still hasn’t paid his 1989 property taxes in Travis County, but the tax collector isn’t too worried. The country singer’s $63,000 tax bill was due Jan. 31. “Willie eventually pays it so it’s not a problem,” said Bob Hart, director of business and finance for the Lake Travis Independent School District.

“If we had several accounts like Willie’s, it would be a problem.” Nelson is a major landowner in the Austin area with $3.5-million worth of property, including a residence, a recording studio, 102 residential lots and eight condominiums. Nelson also still has a 5-year-old federal tax matter to deal with. The Internal Revenue Service says he owes $2.7 million for personal and business taxes and a court in Washington will rule on the case next month.