Not long ago they were one of the richest couples in the United Kingdom. Now Ozzy (real name John) and Sharon Osbourne are up to their eyeballs in tax trouble with Uncle Sam.  Recently the Internal Revenue Service slapped them with a lien on one of their two southern California mansions. The lien filed in the Los Angeles County Recorder's Office relates to two tax years, and totals more than $1.7 million.

Here are the details:

• On income earned in 2008, the Osbournes owe $718,948.
• On income earned in 2009, they owe $1,024,175.
• The lien encumbers their estate in Hidden Hills, CA. Also in possible jeopardy is their $10 million home at Malibu beach.

How did this happen?

The couple is very open about their free-spending ways.  Sharon, age 58 is a big fan of expensive plastic surgery. But also, the Osbournes are well known for their philanthropic involvement and charitable giving. 

Unlike many celebrities who deny any responsibility when they come up short with the IRS, Sharon Osbourne did a mea culpa on Twitter, even giving readers a little advice. Although they did not know about the tax debt, she said she was "mortified" when she found out.  "You can't rely on anyone but yourself," she tweeted. "But you have to be on top of your own business affairs.  My fault... lesson learned."  The Osbournes do blame their accountant for the fact they did not see the problem coming, but admit they should have paid closer attention.  She also warned fans not to let down their guard just because they are paying someone to get their taxes right.

Last week, the Osbournes said they would pay the debt within a week... and they did. On April 15th, Sharon Osbourne made a statement on NPR reporting the debt was cleared. 

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