Sen. Jim Justice has agreed to pay $5 million to resolve outstanding back taxes, his office and tax officials said, bringing an end to a dispute over assessments from prior years. The payment, which officials said includes principal, interest and penalties, settles claims by tax authorities who had been reviewing the filings.
Justice, a prominent West Virginia politician and businessman, cooperated with the review, according to statements from his representatives. Tax authorities confirmed that the agreement will conclude the matter administratively; no criminal charges were announced in connection with the assessment.
The settlement comes after months of scrutiny and questions from political opponents who had sought greater transparency about Justice’s finances. Supporters and allies framed the payment as a resolution of an accounting issue and urged attention to other state priorities.
Both Justice’s office and the taxing agency said the agreement allows him to move forward without further tax-related disputes. Details about the specific tax years covered and the schedule for payment were not immediately disclosed.
