West Virginia’s Jim Justice to Pay $5.2 Million in Overdue Taxes

Senator Jim Justice of West Virginia is poised to pay approximately $5.2 million in overdue personal taxes. This payment follows a long history of financial difficulties that have plagued the former billionaire.

Details of the Tax Agreement

On Monday, an attorney representing Justice and his wife, Cathy, filed a joint motion for a consent judgment with the federal government. This action coincided with a lawsuit from the federal government stating that the Justices “have neglected or refused to make full payment” of their personal income taxes owed since 2009.

Background on Jim Justice’s Financial Status

• Once valued at $1.9 billion, Justice’s net worth fell to approximately $513 million by 2021.
• In 2023, Forbes estimated his net worth to be “less than zero” due to liabilities surpassing his assets.

Recent Tax Liens and Financial Challenges

The Internal Revenue Service recently filed liens totaling over $8 million against Justice and his wife for unpaid taxes. Additionally, state tax officials filed liens of $1.4 million against the couple’s historic Greenbrier Hotel and its associated Greenbrier Sporting Club for unpaid sales taxes.

Complications with Property Ownership

A foreclosure auction for several hundred lots owned by the Justice family near Beckley was recently paused. This auction stemmed from a dispute with the Glade Springs Village Property Owners Association regarding unpaid fees.

Past Financial Issues

In 2021, the IRS filed liens for more than $1.1 million due to unpaid taxes on the Greenbrier Hotel and an additional $80,000 on a medical clinic associated with the resort. Although these debts were settled later that year, Justice’s family faced other financial challenges, including a previous bail-out from a potential hotel foreclosure.

Legal and Political Implications

The state Democratic Party has argued that the efforts to seize the hotel are a result of Justice’s financial mismanagement. In 2023, various properties owned by Justice in three counties were auctioned off due to unpaid real estate taxes.

About The Greenbrier Resort

• The Greenbrier has operated since 1778 and includes a casino and spa.
• The resort employs around 2,000 people and has hosted significant events, including PGA Tour tournaments.
• A once-secret underground bunker at the resort is now a popular tourist attraction.

As the legal situation unfolds, Jim Justice continues to navigate a complex web of financial and political challenges. He asserts that his business operations are intricate and claims that the scrutiny he faces is politically motivated.