Rapper Twista Admits Guilt in $440K Tax Evasion Case, Risks Prison

WHO:

ABC News - The Chicago rapper known as Twista, whose legal name is Carl Mitchell.

ABC News - Adam Jobes, with IRS Criminal Investigation's Chicago field office.

WHAT:

ABC News - Twista pleaded guilty to five counts of willfully failing to pay income taxes.

ABC News - Twista owes more than $440,000 in back taxes.

Billboard - Twista faces up to five years in prison.

ABC News - Twista is scheduled for sentencing on Oct. 22.

WHERE:

ABC News - Chicago, Illinois.

WHEN:

ABC News - Twista failed to pay income tax from 2019 to 2023.

ABC News - Twista has unpaid tax liabilities dating back to 2011.

WHY:

ABC News - Twista entered into agreements with a third-party company to pay him advances on future royalties, knowing that the IRS would not be able to levy these funds.

ABC News - Despite warnings from the IRS and his own accountants about his tax debts, Twista did not pay.

HOW:

ABC News - The IRS Criminal Investigations division stated that they will follow the money and bring individuals to justice if they willfully refuse to pay taxes.

(UPDATED June 29, 2026 23:21 UTC)

Chicago rapper Twista, whose legal name is Carl Mitchell, has pleaded guilty to five counts of willfully failing to pay income taxes, owing more than $440,000 in back taxes. He faces up to five years in prison and is scheduled for sentencing on October 22. The IRS Criminal Investigations division has stated they will pursue individuals who refuse to pay taxes, despite warnings from the IRS and his own accountants about his tax debts dating back to 2011.