US Senator Jim Justice agrees to pay over $5m in long-overdue taxes

November 26, 2025

Senator Jim Justice, a Republican from West Virginia and former governor, has settled with US tax authorities to pay more than $5 million in overdue taxes and interest dating back to 2009, just hours after the IRS filed a lawsuit against him and his wife. The first-term senator, who previously ran an extensive family coal mining business, had previously dismissed the decade-old tax assessment as politically motivated and compared his situation to former President Trump's tax controversies. Justice's estimated net worth has plummeted from approximately $1.

Who is affected

Senator Jim Justice and his wife
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
US taxpayers (who are owed the back taxes)
The Greenbrier resort and its sporting club (facing liens)
Justice's dozens of businesses, including coal and agricultural operations

What action is being taken

The Justices are repaying $5.16 million in back taxes and interest under a settlement agreement
US tax authorities filed a lawsuit on Monday against the couple
The IRS has filed liens totaling more than $8 million against the couple for other unpaid personal taxes
Tax authorities have placed $1.4 million in liens over unpaid sales taxes tied to The Greenbrier resort and sporting club

Why it matters

This case highlights accountability for high-ranking government officials regarding their tax obligations, particularly when a sitting US Senator owes millions in long-overdue taxes from years prior to taking office. The situation raises questions about financial vetting of elected officials and demonstrates that even wealthy political figures face consequences for unpaid taxes. Additionally, Justice's dramatic financial decline from billionaire status to negative net worth while serving in public office represents a significant story about business management and personal finances of those in power.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC