Judge Says ‘Survivor’ Star Richard Hatch Owes Millions On Wins

Over the years, fans have seen a number of castaways become the winner of each season of Survivor. The first of these winners, for the American version of the show, was Richard Hatch. However, his original winnings have since become the subject of a recent judge’s ruling.

Richard Hatch’s Tax Debt Reportedly Ballooned Thanks To Taxes & Interest

Hatch, who is originally from Rhode Island, became the first winner of Survivor during its debut season. He later competed in the “All-Stars” eighth season of the show.

Since then, Hatch has been part of a number of different reality shows. This includes Celebrity Apprentice, The Biggest Loser, and House of Villains.

According to recent reports, Hatch will have to pay taxes on his winnings from the show that started his reality television career. A Rhode Island judge issued that final judgement that Hatch must pay these taxes, with him having won $1 million on the show.

Thanks to taxes and interest, the tax debt has increased to $3.3 million, as Hatch has continued to fight the debt in court. This recent decision came after a judge said that the IRS couldn’t try to collect the money by levying two houses under Hatch’s sister’s name. The government reportedly argued that he had transferred these houses to her. However, the outlet claimed that she won’t have to give up these houses since the recent ruling.

The Inaugural Survivor‘s Legal Issues Have Been Going On Since The End Of His Debut Season

Hatch’s IRS dispute started shortly after Survivor wrapped up its first season in 2000. He reportedly did not report taxes on the prize money, a car he won on the show, and other work, such as compensation for co-hosting a radio show.

Hatch was previously indicted on felony tax evasion charges and fraud. However, a jury only found him guilty of filing false personal income tax returns in 2006. For his part, Hatch allegedly believed that it was CBS’ responsibility to pay for the taxes over the prize money.

The government renewed attempts to collect the tax in 2022 and tried to place liens on the properties under Hatch’s sister’s name, which were in Newport. However, this was denied by a judge as the government didn’t prove the Survivor winner himself had any remaining interest in the houses. It was also argued that the transfers were time-barred.

In a statement to Realtor.com®, as shared by Page Six, Hatch shared that he intended to appeal the ruling. His statement read, “I am confident that the appellate court’s review of the full record, including evidence that was not adequately addressed below, will result in a just outcome. I have spent 25 years trying to do the right thing in a complicated situation, and I remain committed to resolving this matter fairly.”

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John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.

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