Teresa Giudice and her husband, Luis Ruelas, have more than one tax trouble to sort out these days. As they await word on their futures with Real Housewives of New Jersey, multiple liens have arisen amongst the pair. Now, they owe a significant amount of funds, complete with an older debt that formed years ago, resulting in a federal tax lien in 2023.
Teresa makes a pretty penny on Bravo. Therefore, she has been able to work hard at paying down her debts over the years. But, as new liens have since formed, fans cannot help but worry about Tre. For the sake of her family (and future ability to retire), Teresa needs a Real Housewives contract secured, STAT.
So, how much does Teresa owe? Likewise, what amount is Luis on the line for? We will break down their tax troubles for you now.
Luis Ruelas owes over $2.5 million in taxes
Luis is no stranger to bad press. He is also familiar with lawsuits and businesses that go belly up, resulting in financial losses for everyone attached. You have to make millions to owe millions, but even still, his lesser beloved costars on RHONJ hinted at his financial issues during Season 14. Nevertheless, Teresa assured everyone that Luis was not bleeding her dry and that all was well.
But now, Luis and his bank records are back in the headlines, courtesy of a massive tax lien, which is now attached to his name. Sadly, Luis owes more in taxes than his reported net worth, which, yikes.
In January 2021, Luis and Teresa bought their residence for $3,350,000. Then, in 2024, Luis took out a loan against their marital mansion for $1 million. Luis never shared why he borrowed these funds, as was his right. However, in 2025, something happened that upped his total debt ratio.
According to court documents that are now making the rounds online, as of March 6, 2025, Luis owes over $2.5 million in taxes to the state of New Jersey.
RHONJ star Teresa Giudice also owes big money in tax
Only a handful of days after the world learned about this tax lien handed to Luis, Teresa made headlines for similar reasons. Like Luis, Teresa tends to live in the hot seat.
On March 20, the Mercer County, New Jersey, courts filed a judgment against Teresa via a case deemed “Division of Taxation vs Teresa Giudice.” According to their findings and documentation, Teresa owes their state another $303,889.20. Luis and Teresa now owe shy of $3 million as a duo.
When Teresa and Luis wed, they did so without a prenup. Their love was enough, and they would outlive their vows. While endearing, Teresa has already served time for tax-related fraud brought on by her first husband. So, fans hoping that she had learned her lessons on self-preservation.
Nevertheless, these court documents state that Luis is the “sole member” of the LLC that purchased their home. As Tre still owes $303,889.20 to the state of New Jersey.
Teresa Giudice had tax problems stemming from October 2023
Now for the positives on this sticky subject matter. Teresa has already proven that she understands how serious tax liens are. She has paid these things down before.
Before serving time in federal prison, Teresa and her ex, Joe Giudice, collected tax debts totaling $1,096,012.14. By October 2023, this amount was only $615,720.94, payable to the state of New Jersey via a tax lien. A statement released by her attorney read, “Ms. Giudice has been aware of her tax obligations for years and makes significant, timely monthly payments towards her outstanding tax liabilities and will continue to do so until those liabilities do not exist.”
Indeed, thanks to her hustling and Bravo paychecks, Teresa quickly paid off $480,291.20. Hopefully she can duplicate this feat as she faces her new tax lien of $303,889.20 (alongside the $2.5 million tax lien owned by her husband). Thankfully, Teresa is already plugging away at this task.
Recently, Teresa launched a new lipstick line. She also has her podcast to help bring in a few spare coins while awaiting a hopeful call from the powers above (Bravo).
