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Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter cheated New York out of millions in taxes by claiming he lived in Florida when he really was living it up in Manhattan, stateofficials say.
The tax man is going after the All-Star slugger for three years' worth of back taxes and interest - using his own words against him.
"He has made numerous public statements professing his love for New York," the state Division of Tax Appeals wrote in legal papers.
The tax case is the first blemish on Jeter's squeaky-clean reputation, though there's no suggestion of criminal wrongdoing.
Jeter - who makes more than $20 million a year with the Bombers and millions more in endorsements - claims he established residency in Tampa in 1994.
State officials are seeking taxes for three years starting in 2001 - the same year he bought a $13 million apartment at Trump World Tower.
They say the 88th-floor spread near the United Nations is the Jersey-born shortstop's real home-sweet-home.
"He keeps items near and dear in his New York apartment," the lawyers wrote. "He became immersed in the New York community."
The real estate taxes on the bachelor pad run to $70,000 a year - but the swank address could cost Jeter a lot more if the state wins its case.
The bean counters in Albany first went after Jeter in February - and he quickly hit back. The lawyers said the state's allegations were too vague anddemanded they provide more specifics to back up their claims.
The administrative law judge assigned to the case ordered the state to provide more details showing Jeter was "immersed in the community" - whichshouldn't be too hard if they have access to the gossip column archives.
Then there's the first sentence of this Associated Press story about Jeter from October 2006: "He's a New York icon, as much a part of the cityas the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty."
Random House, which published Jeter's book, "The Life You Imagine," says on its Web site that he "lives in New York City and Tampa,Florida."
A biography on the Yankees Web site says Jeter "resides" in Tampa and "works" in New York.
"As a Yankee, Derek has great affection for the people of New York and its amazing fans, but since the mid 1990s, he has made his home in Tampa,Fla.," said Casey Close, Jeter's agent.
A spokesman for the Division of Tax Appeals could not be reached for comment.
A state government source said to establish residency tax officials could check Jeter's utility bills, where he has a driver's license and hisemployment records, including the Yankees game schedule.
They could also send agents to his apartment building to question neighbors and staff, the source said.
One of Jeter's East Side neighbors, who identified herself only as Kate, said the ballplayer "definitely lives here. We see him coming and goingall the time. He has half a floor with 16-foot ceilings."
Yankee fans said Jeter should pay Uncle Sam.
"He's got enough money. Jeter can cover it. He should have taken care of it from the beginning," said Mike Gamble, 36, a passport expediterfrom the Bronx. "We've got to pay all that money for those damn tickets. He better pay his share."
[email protected]
The tax man is going after the All-Star slugger for three years' worth of back taxes and interest - using his own words against him.
"He has made numerous public statements professing his love for New York," the state Division of Tax Appeals wrote in legal papers.
The tax case is the first blemish on Jeter's squeaky-clean reputation, though there's no suggestion of criminal wrongdoing.
Jeter - who makes more than $20 million a year with the Bombers and millions more in endorsements - claims he established residency in Tampa in 1994.
State officials are seeking taxes for three years starting in 2001 - the same year he bought a $13 million apartment at Trump World Tower.
They say the 88th-floor spread near the United Nations is the Jersey-born shortstop's real home-sweet-home.
"He keeps items near and dear in his New York apartment," the lawyers wrote. "He became immersed in the New York community."
The real estate taxes on the bachelor pad run to $70,000 a year - but the swank address could cost Jeter a lot more if the state wins its case.
The bean counters in Albany first went after Jeter in February - and he quickly hit back. The lawyers said the state's allegations were too vague anddemanded they provide more specifics to back up their claims.
The administrative law judge assigned to the case ordered the state to provide more details showing Jeter was "immersed in the community" - whichshouldn't be too hard if they have access to the gossip column archives.
Then there's the first sentence of this Associated Press story about Jeter from October 2006: "He's a New York icon, as much a part of the cityas the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty."
Random House, which published Jeter's book, "The Life You Imagine," says on its Web site that he "lives in New York City and Tampa,Florida."
A biography on the Yankees Web site says Jeter "resides" in Tampa and "works" in New York.
"As a Yankee, Derek has great affection for the people of New York and its amazing fans, but since the mid 1990s, he has made his home in Tampa,Fla.," said Casey Close, Jeter's agent.
A spokesman for the Division of Tax Appeals could not be reached for comment.
A state government source said to establish residency tax officials could check Jeter's utility bills, where he has a driver's license and hisemployment records, including the Yankees game schedule.
They could also send agents to his apartment building to question neighbors and staff, the source said.
One of Jeter's East Side neighbors, who identified herself only as Kate, said the ballplayer "definitely lives here. We see him coming and goingall the time. He has half a floor with 16-foot ceilings."
Yankee fans said Jeter should pay Uncle Sam.
"He's got enough money. Jeter can cover it. He should have taken care of it from the beginning," said Mike Gamble, 36, a passport expediterfrom the Bronx. "We've got to pay all that money for those damn tickets. He better pay his share."
[email protected]
