The actor and two co-defendants had been charged with six counts of failing to file tax returns, two of fraudulently claiming tax refunds and one count of conspiracy to defraud the government and could have faced up to 16 years in prison.

Snipes, 45, could still face up to three years in prison, according to prosecutors.

The trial, before an all-white jury in Ocala, 130km north-west of Orlando, took place in the rural township because it was near the celebrity enclave of Isleworth, where prosecutors say Snipes lived at the time of the suspected fraud.

Prosecutors had alleged that Snipes failed to file tax returns for the years 1999 to 2004 and sought refunds totalling more than US$11 million (S$16 million) for taxes paid in 1996 and 1997.

Snipes' lawyer, Mr Robert Bernhoft, said Snipes was waiting for the IRS to answer his inquiries about his need to file returns, and always stood 'ready to pay and file'. Mr Bernhoft said Snipes got no meaningful response from the IRS to his requests for interviews, conferences, appeals and audits. -- REUTERS