Dem Candidate’s Film Studio Failed to Pay Taxes While Taking Subsidies to Make a Movie Criticizing Farm Subsidies

The Democratic House candidate for New York’s 21st congressional district received three separate tax warrants on his documentary-film company for failing to pay state taxes — the second time one of the candidate’s much-touted business enterprises has earned the attention of New York law enforcement for tax delinquency.

The delinquency occurred as Woolf was directing and producing a documentary entitled “King Corn,” a critique of federal subsidies for American corn farmers. The sweetest part: Woolf’s company was itself receiving subsidies from the congressionally funded Corporation for Public Broadcasting, while failing to pay the required state taxes.

Between 2006 and 2008, Woolf’s Mosaic Films received multiple tax liens from New York State – one for $380, another for $250 and a final warrant for $550. According to the documents, each missed payment took months for the film company to satisfy.

“About half our film production budget was funded by Independent Television Service, a San Francisco-based organization that receives about $12 million a year from Congress through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting,” Ellis told environmental website the Edge in 2007. It’s a very generous government subsidy.”

“In the spirit of full disclosure, we made a film that was critical of the way that we subsidize corn while gladly accepting . . . ” Woolf began. “A government subsidy to finish our film!” his business partner continued. ”I think filmmaking is the only business that’s lousier than farming, so I don’t feel too bad about it,” Woolf’s partner said.

Mosaic Film’s minor tax lapse occurred at the same time that another of Woolf’s business, Brooklyn-based “craft foods” store Urban Rustic, racked up over $130,000 in back taxes, penalties, and interest. According to the Washington Free Beacon, they took over a year to pay off that balance.

Woolf has touted his private-sector experience at Urban Rustic as proof that he understands the challenges facing small businesses. His candidacy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.