Becerra’s tax bills draw scrutiny from media

Democratic county judge candidate Ruben Becerra’s personal and business finances have come under scrutiny as Election Day draws near.

Austin media have reported that Becerra and his businesses face more than $89,000 in tax liens. County records show that there are several state and federal tax liens against property listed in Becerra’s name, or his wife’s name, or under Becerra Corp, including a federal lien against Gil’s Broiler for $17,387.39. Most of the liens were filed between 2007 and 2013, though two state tax liens were filed against Becerra Corp. and two liens filed against Manske Roll LLC, another of Becerra’s businesses, earlier this year, county records show. 

According to Hays County court records, the Becerras were defendants in a tax case in which Hays County was the plaintiff in 2012 and that the federal government held a lien on the property in question, but the Becerras paid what was owed —less than $600 — and the case was dismissed. 

Austin media also reported that the Becerras owe personal income taxes from 2014 and 2015 totaling almost $44,700.

The Becerras told the Daily Record that they are current on their taxes and sent a copy of a check from the Manske Roll Bakery and Gil’s Broiler for $28,000, which Ruben Becerra said brought the taxes current.

“All taxes have been paid,” he said in an email. “Yes, in the past there have been tax liens on my businesses. Business owners experience good and bad years, and I have always been very open about my struggles. Thankfully, we were able to rally back and pay all of our taxes. 

“Hays County is quick to put liens on properties but slow to take them off even when given proof that they have been paid,” Becerra continued. “In fact, the county recommends that business owners spend additional dollars to hire an attorney to get a lien released. This needs to be addressed and I pledge to help all business owners get paid liens released in a timely manner without additional expenses.”