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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. 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 was sentenced to 51 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Hatch failed to comply with those conditions and returned to prison in 2011. In 2012, a stipulated decision was entered in the tax dispute.
He is representing himself in the case and has said he believes a review of the full record will lead to a fair outcome. In a statement to People, Hatch said the appeal would provide an objective review of the facts. The decision barred Hatch from contesting those liabilities further, according to the government’s complaint.
He has chosen to represent himself in the proceedings. He expressed confidence that the appellate court would examine the complete record, including evidence he believes was not adequately addressed by the lower court. As part of the sentence, he was required to file amended tax returns for both years and pay the outstanding amounts in full. The latest judgment subsequently established the amount he owes, while his appeal seeks to challenge the court’s decision.
Hatch is challenging the latest judgment and has filed an appeal before the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. His earlier conviction and failure to fulfil the court’s requirements form part of the lengthy legal history behind his current tax dispute.