ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — WFTV has discovered documents that show a major church in Maitland owes almost $250,000 in back taxes.
Faith World is the same church that faced controversy several years ago when its pastor was accused of spending big money from the church on himself.
In 2005, WFTV reported that Faith World spent hundreds of thousands of dollars for Pastor Clint Brown's lavish home, cars and shopping trips.
In an online video, Brown, who leads congregation at his church on Forest City Road, encourages people to give to the church.
“When you release this seed, it is not just going into our ministry, but it is going all around the world to make a difference in lives,” he says.
But federal tax lien documents indicate the church didn't pay nearly $250,000 in payroll taxes in 2010 and 2011.
Faith World's finances have come under fire before. Brown's divorce records in 2005 revealed the church paid for his $1.4 million Alaqua Lakes home and his wife's $95,000 Mercedes. And Brown earned a $500,000 yearly salary.
A widow sued Faith World and Brown, claiming he never repaid her $200,000 loan.
“She spent years trying to get her money back,” said attorney Howard Marks. “We spent years trying to get to the financial records of the church. It was very difficult to find out what monies came in, what monies went out, what monies were intermingled with other monies.”
Brown has still not responded to WFTV’s questions.
A tax expert said in addition to liens, the IRS can levy bank accounts to get back payroll taxes.
Experts said it’s not criminal to owe money to the IRS, but it is criminal to not file a tax return.
WFTV
