In 2000, Richard Hatch made history by winning the first season of Survivor. However, shortly after the season wrapped, he started disputing the taxes on his million-dollar prize, as well as the Pontiac Aztek SUV that he won.
In 2006, Hatch was indicted on felony tax evasion charges and fraud, but a jury found him guilty only of filing false personal income tax returns. He was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison, then an additional nine months for failing to amend his 2000 and 2001 tax returns.
According to Page Six, “In legal filings, he told the court he believed the taxes on the winnings should be paid by either CBS or the show’s production company. But years of litigation in the district court has resulted in several rulings against him.”
In 2022, the government tried to collect the tax by placing tax liens on two properties in Rhode Island under his sister’s name, arguing that he transferred the properties to her. A judge ultimately denied the request because the government couldn’t prove Hatch had remaining interest in the houses.
However, another judge recently determined that Hatch must pay taxes on his winnings. With interest, he now owes $3.3 million on the one million that he originally won.
When discussing his ongoing legal battles, Hatch said, “I have spent 25 years trying to do the right thing in a complicated situation, and I remain committed to resolving this matter fairly.”
Since winning the original season of Survivor, Hatch has appeared on other reality shows, including House of Villains, Celebrity Apprentice, and The Biggest Loser. He also returned for Survivor: All-Stars in season eight, where he was voted out fourth.
Survivor is currently airing another returnee season to celebrate season 50, but Hatch is not a contestant. The show airs on Wednesdays on CBS.
