Russell Peters Stuck With $2 Million California Income Tax Bill

Comedian Russell Peters was found liable for more than $2 million in income taxes and interest because he failed to convince a California tribunal that he wasn’t a resident of the state.

Peters argued that he was instead domiciled in Nevada where he had a driver’s license and registered businesses. But the California Office of Tax Appeals found that significantly more evidence—such as family ties, properties, and physical presence—showed his true domicile was California.

The Canadian standup comedian owned three properties in California during the disputed time period. His former wife lived in a Woodland Hills residence, and Peters also ...