Sen. Jim Justice has agreed to pay $5 million to resolve outstanding back taxes, his office and tax officials announced, ending a dispute over assessments from prior years. Officials said the payment covers principal, interest and penalties and settles claims by tax authorities that had been reviewing his filings.
Justice, a well-known West Virginia politician and businessman, cooperated with the review, his representatives said. Tax officials confirmed the agreement will conclude the matter through administrative channels, and no criminal charges were announced in connection with the assessment.
The settlement follows months of scrutiny and calls from political opponents for greater transparency about Justice’s finances. Supporters described the payment as resolving an accounting issue and urged that attention return 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. Specific tax years covered and the payment schedule were not immediately released.