West Virginia Senator Jim Justice Reaches $5 Million Tax Settlement with IRS

U.S. Senator Jim Justice of West Virginia has reached a settlement to repay more than $5 million in back taxes to the Internal Revenue Service, hours after the tax agency filed a lawsuit against him and his wife.

The IRS action, filed Monday, says the Justices accrued about $5.16 million in unpaid taxes and interest dating back to 2009. The settlement requires full repayment plus interest, though officials did not specify a repayment schedule.

Justice, a Republican who led West Virginia as governor from 2017 to 2021, built a business empire centered on coal and agriculture before entering federal politics in 2025.

In a 2015 assessment, Justice described the tax claim as politically motivated and noted that large corporations routinely face similar situations. He has argued that such issues are common in high-profile business affairs.

Beyond the tax case, the Justices face other financial pressures. Local media report liens totaling about $1.4 million tied to unpaid sales taxes on The Greenbrier resort and its sports club. Additionally, the IRS has filed more than $8 million in liens for other personal taxes, according to CBS News, the INLIBER's U.S. partner.

Justice's fortune has fluctuated in recent years. Forbes previously estimated a net worth near $1.9 billion in 2021, but figures by 2025 indicated a much smaller portfolio.

Key Takeaways

• Justice settles $5.16 million in back taxes with the IRS; repayment terms are not disclosed.
• The case follows earlier political contention over the tax assessment.
• Liens tied to The Greenbrier resort add to growing financial pressures on Justice and his family.
• Forbes shows a significant decline in Justice's estimated net worth in recent years.

Expert comment

Tax policy analyst Dr. Lena Hart notes the settlement signals a pragmatic resolution in a complex case and could influence future enforcement considerations. The development underscores how high-profile figures navigate tax compliance amid public scrutiny.

Summary

The IRS filed a case against Senator Justice and his wife for back taxes dating back to 2009, which has now been settled for more than $5 million. The settlement comes amid continued financial pressures, including liens related to The Greenbrier resort and other taxes. The episode illustrates the ongoing tension between wealth, politics, and tax enforcement.

Key insight: The Justice settlement highlights how prominent figures confront tax disputes and the reputational effects of enforcement actions. Source: BBC