Richard Hatch, the winner of the first season of Survivor in 2000, has been ordered to pay $3,293,471.56 to the US federal government over unpaid tax liabilities, with interest continuing to accrue. The ruling, issued on March 17, 2026, comes more than 25 years after Hatch won $1,010,000 on the reality competition show. The tax dispute involves liabilities from 2000, 2001 and 2012, and follows a lengthy history of legal battles over his finances. Hatch is challenging the latest judgment and has filed an appeal before the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. He is representing himself in the case and has said he believes a review of the full record will lead to a fair outcome.
Richard Hatch is challenging the $3.29 million judgment
Two days after the March 17 ruling, Hatch filed a notice of appeal, signalling his intention to challenge the decision before the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. He has chosen to represent himself in the proceedings.In a statement to People, Hatch said the appeal would provide an objective review of the facts. He expressed confidence that the appellate court would examine the complete record, including evidence he believes was not adequately addressed by the lower court.Hatch also said he had spent 25 years trying to resolve the complicated situation and remained committed to reaching a fair outcome. He declined to comment further while the appeal was pending.
Previous tax evasion conviction led to prison sentence
The latest judgment follows Hatch’s earlier criminal conviction over unpaid taxes. In 2006, a jury found him guilty of two counts of tax evasion involving the 2000 and 2001 tax years.He was sentenced to 51 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. As part of the sentence, he was required to file amended tax returns for both years and pay the outstanding amounts in full.Hatch failed to comply with those conditions and returned to prison in 2011. His earlier conviction and failure to fulfil the court’s requirements form part of the lengthy legal history behind his current tax dispute.
Government alleged he transferred properties to avoid creditors
A separate part of the federal government’s complaint, filed in 2022, concerned two properties Hatch allegedly transferred to his sister, Kristin Hatch, in 2003 and 2005.According to the complaint, the government alleged that the transfers were intended to hinder, delay or defraud creditors, including the US government, amid efforts to recover outstanding tax liabilities. The properties were among the assets the government said were relevant to its attempts to enforce tax liens against Hatch.The allegations formed part of the civil proceedings seeking to recover the unpaid taxes.
IRS rejected Hatch’s settlement offers
The complaint also outlined the Internal Revenue Service’s efforts to recover the outstanding amounts. In 2010, the agency sent Hatch a Notice of Deficiency concerning tax liabilities that had not previously been assessed.Hatch contested the proposed deficiencies and penalties and submitted multiple offers in compromise, which would have allowed him to settle the debt for less than the full amount owed. The government rejected those proposals.In 2012, a stipulated decision was entered in the tax dispute. According to the government’s complaint, the decision barred Hatch from contesting those liabilities further. The latest judgment subsequently established the amount he owes, while his appeal seeks to challenge the court’s decision.