Twista Pleads Guilty In Federal Tax Case, Faces Possible Prison Time Over $440K IRS Debt

Chicago rap legend Twista is facing serious legal consequences after pleading guilty in federal court to multiple tax-related charges.

According to newly filed court documents, the 52-year-old rapper, born Carl Mitchell, admitted guilt to five counts of willfully failing to pay federal income taxes. Prosecutors say the charges stem from tax years 2019 through 2023, during which Twista allegedly earned substantial income from live performances, streaming royalties, album sales, and music licensing but failed to pay what he owed the IRS.

Federal authorities claim both the IRS and Twista’s accountants repeatedly warned him about his growing tax debt and his legal obligation to pay. Despite those warnings, prosecutors allege he failed to resolve the outstanding balance.

Instead, officials say Twista entered into agreements with a third-party company to receive advances on future royalty payments in a manner that allegedly prevented the IRS from collecting the funds.

Court records also allege that during the same period, Twista continued making luxury purchases, including at least four high-end vehicles, rather than paying down his tax obligations.

According to prosecutors, Twista’s unpaid federal tax debt dates back to 2011 and has grown to more than $440,000.

Each of the five misdemeanor counts carries a maximum sentence of up to one year in federal prison, although the final sentence will be determined by a judge.

Twista is currently scheduled to be sentenced on October 22.