Real Housewives’ Couple Kim Zolciak And Kroy Biermann Divorcing, Owe $1 Million In Unpaid Taxes
Former Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kim Zolciak-Biermann has denied reports of financial difficulties for some time—but it appears that the bills are finally catching up to her. The IRS has filed federal liens against Zolciak-Biermann and her husband, former NFL outside linebacker Kroy Biermann, in excess of $1.1 million.
Real Estate
Last fall, the Bravo star and Biermann reportedly defaulted on a $1.65 million loan on their Fulton County, Georgia, home. People reported that Truist Bank would auction off the property in March of 2023, but Zolciak-Biermann remained defiant, saying on an Instagram post, "Ok you guys, my house has not sold for $257,000… If you guys think I would let my home that we've put millions and millions of dollars into go for $257,000, you're an idiot, okay? For real."
The Alpharetta, Georgia, house is estimated to be worth $2.4 million by RedFin, which also indicates that it sold for $880,000 on October 23, 2012.
‘Real Housewives’ Couple Kim Zolciak And Kroy Biermann Divorcing, Owe $1 Million In Unpaid Taxes https://t.co/ofxhlLqZ0E pic.twitter.com/QqWP6FAkBh
— George Lora (@G_LoraTax) May 9, 2023
Divorce
If social media is to be believed, Zolciak-Biermann and Biermann have remained in the house since that time. However, the financial issues may have taken a toll. Today, it was reported that the couple has filed for divorce. They've been married for 11 years and share four children, Kaia Rose, Kane Ren, Kash Kade, and Kroy Jagger. Biermann also adopted Kim's daughters, Brielle and Ariana.
The date of separation is noted as April 30, with the marriage being described as "irretrievably broken with no hope of reconciliation." Zolciak-Biermann is seeking primary physical custody of their children, joint legal custody, and spousal support. She also plans to retake her maiden name, Zolciak.
Background
Zolciak-Biermann appeared as one of the original housewives on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” in 2008. She left in 2012 for her own spin-off, “Don't Be Tardy for the Wedding,” which focused on her marriage to Biermann. The series was re-upped as “Don't Be Tardy” and ran for eight seasons.
Tax Liens
The federal tax liens on file are for the tax years 2013, 2017, and 2018, and were assessed in 2019, 2020, and 2023. As of March 30, 2023, they totaled $1,147,834.67. A state tax lien for 2018 worth over $15,000 was also filed by the state of Georgia.
The purpose of a tax lien is to protect the government's interest in your property, including your real estate and personal property. To file a lien, the IRS must assess your tax liability and send a bill. If you don't pay in full, the IRS can file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien, which puts creditors on notice that the government has a legal right to your property. This is important because the government often has a priority claim—the lien lets creditors know they may not be first in line if you don't pay other debts. If and when you sell any of your assets, you may be forced to turn over the proceeds to the IRS to satisfy your debt.
If you pay your tax liability in full, the IRS will release the lien. The IRS may also work with you to remove the lien under other circumstances. But even if Zolciak starts paying her bill, the lien could stick around—you can be liened even if you're on a payment plan. A federal tax lien may also continue even after you've filed for bankruptcy.
It’s not clear what the next steps might be for Zolciak-Biermann. She did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Other Housewives And Taxes
Zolciak-Biermann is not the first one of the "Real Housewives" to make news for taxes. "Real Housewives of Atlanta" original cast member NeNe Leakes was hit with a tax lien in 2016
The year before, "Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Kim Fields (Tootie from the "Facts of Life" to you and me) was issued a federal lien after accruing $212,000 in federal taxes for the tax years 2011, 2012, and 2013. Her co-star, Sheree Whitfield, was also on the receiving end of a tax lien for more than $100,000 in December 2013.
And, of course, "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Teresa Giudice spent time in federal prison after she and her husband, Joe, pleaded guilty to charges in a bankruptcy fraud and tax evasion case. Giudice was released from prison in December 2015, just before Joe began his 41-month sentence.