Republican Sen. Jim Justice faces a $5 million lawsuit for unpaid taxes, further complicating his political and financial troubles.
Story Highlights
- The U.S. government sues Sen. Jim Justice for over $5 million in unpaid taxes dating back to 2009.
- This lawsuit follows tax liens totaling more than $8 million against the former West Virginia governor.
- A joint motion suggests that the Justices agreed to pay the requested amount, pending judicial approval.
The Lawsuit Details
On November 24, 2025, the U.S. government filed a lawsuit against Sen. Jim Justice and his wife, Cathy, in U.S. District Court, Beckley, West Virginia. The suit seeks over $5 million in unpaid federal taxes, penalties, and interest dating back to 2009.
Despite repeated notices, the Justices have failed to address these assessments, prompting legal action. The Department of Justice’s Tax Division is seeking a judgment to enforce payment from the couple.
It's not every day that a U.S. Senator and his wife get sued by the IRS. The feds claim that Sen. Jim Justice R-WV and his wife owe the IRS over $5 million. pic.twitter.com/BPd9lY6dpq
— Jamie Dupree (@jamiedupree) November 25, 2025
Background on the Tax Liens
This legal move comes nearly two months after the IRS filed tax lien notices against Justice totaling over $8 million in Greenbrier County.
These liens reference several tax assessments, including over $3 million for 2009, nearly $5 million for 2017, and smaller amounts for 2024. The IRS typically has a 10-year window to collect assessed taxes, and this suit was filed just before the deadline for the 2009 assessment.
The timing of the lawsuit aligns with Justice’s recent election to the Senate in November 2024, where he succeeded Sen. Joe Manchin. His tenure as governor of West Virginia spanned from 2017 to 2025.
Legal and Political Implications
The Justices’ legal troubles extend beyond unpaid taxes. Recently, a federal judge in Tennessee found Justice liable for over $29 million in damages to Lexon Insurance Company.
This was due to a breach of a surety bond linked to his coal mining operations. These mounting legal issues could impact Justice’s political career and financial stability.
The joint motion filed by the Justices and DOJ indicates a willingness to resolve the case by agreeing to pay the requested amount, although specific payment timelines remain unclear. The resolution of this case will be crucial for Justice as he navigates his new role in the Senate amidst these challenges.
