Sen. Jim Justice of West Virginia to Pay Millions in Unsettled Taxes

Republican Senator Jim Justice, representing West Virginia, has consented to settle nearly $5.2 million in overdue personal taxes, marking yet another episode in the financial chronicles of the one-time billionaire.

This agreement was finalized when Justice and his spouse, Cathy, participated in a joint motion with the federal government. This occurred on the same day that authorities initiated legal proceedings, accusing the couple of neglecting or refusing to fully address tax dues from the year 2009 onward. A lawyer from the Justice Department's tax division approved the settlement.

Previously, Forbes magazine assessed Justice's wealth at $1.9 billion. However, in 2021, this status was retracted as his fortune diminished to roughly $513 million. More recently, Forbes has indicated that Justice's liabilities possibly exceed his assets, leaving his net worth effectively less than zero.

Justice’s office did not provide an immediate response to a request for comments made via email on Tuesday.

In a local media session in October, Justice addressed concerns by describing his business ventures as intricate, commending his children for their management. He reiterated claims that the collection initiatives against him might have underlying political motives, suggesting, "In the end, we should just see how everything unfolds."

Justice, who has served two terms as a Republican governor and presides over numerous businesses including coal and agricultural sectors, was elected to the Senate. The vacancy he filled was left by Joe Manchin, a Democrat who transitioned to an independent role near the conclusion of his second Senate term in 2024.

Currently, Justice faces additional financial burdens that require resolution.

The IRS recently imposed liens surpassing $8 million on Justice and his spouse for back taxes. Additionally, state tax authorities filed liens in the amount of $1.4 million against Greenbrier Hotel and Greenbrier Sporting Club, over unsettled sales taxes.

A planned auction of multiple lots owned by the Justice family, part of a resort community near Beckley, was delayed. This matter involves a financial disagreement between Glade Springs Village Property Owners Association and Justice Holdings regarding unpaid dues. The state Supreme Court is slated to further evaluate the situation.

In 2021, liens were filed by the IRS against the Greenbrier Hotel for over $1.1 million in unpaid taxes and an additional amount for $80,000 related to a medical clinic at the resort. These debts were subsequently cleared that year.

To avoid foreclosure of the historic Greenbrier Hotel, Justice's family arranged settlement of obligations last year. The 710-room establishment, known for hosting high-profile events and figures, faced the threat of an auction after a loan sold by JPMorgan Chase was called in by Beltway Capital.

The Democratic Party of the state criticized Justice, framing efforts to repossess the hotel as a result of his financial mismanagement.

It was claimed by a union representative at the Greenbrier that the family was significantly behind on payments to an employee health fund by at least $2.4 million, potentially risking staff healthcare coverage. Additionally, in 2023, several of the family's properties across three counties were auctioned to settle overdue real estate taxes. They also faced demands for millions relating to environmental fines and unsafe conditions at coal mines owned by their businesses.

Jim Justice acquired the Greenbrier resort's assets during bankruptcy for $20.1 million back in 2009, with the subsequent establishment of a private club being added on the property.

The ancient resort, positioned in White Sulphur Springs, traces its origins to 1778 and boasts extensive amenities such as a casino and spa, employing roughly 2,000 people. Known for having been a PGA Tour venue and hosting NFL training camps, the resort also includes a formerly top-secret Cold War bunker, now open for public tours.