Teresa Giudice‘s loved ones have reportedly grown concerned about her marriage to Luis Ruelas.
Following the news of the Real Housewives of New Jersey couple owing a total of $303,889.20 in back taxes, with a $2.5 million tax lien filed against Luis, 50, last month, friends of Teresa, 52, are said to be anxious, despite her reported lack of concern.
“A lot of Teresa’s friends don’t like Louie. They don’t trust him or his creative financing,” a source told In Touch Weekly on April 3. “They fear that Teresa has dug another hole for herself, and with no prenup to protect her.”
“Teresa doesn’t seem to be too worried, but her friends are,” the insider added. “They’re wondering how she could have let this happen.”
As fans well know, Teresa served 11 months in prison a decade ago after she and Joe Giudice, 52, were found guilty of bank fraud. And while she and Luis may not be facing prison currently, they will likely be hit with penalties for failing to pay their taxes on time, and Teresa could have her wages garnished, including her RHONJ salary.
“Mainly we worry about late payment penalties,” Tax Controversy Attorney Adam Brewer, who is not involved in Teresa and Luis’ case, explained to The U.S. Sun in March. “IRS is generally going to top out at 25 percent.”
“If you’re not in a payment plan, if you don’t have some sort of formal agreement to pay it, then they can seize assets,” the attorney continued. “The bank accounts and wages, that’s easy. They send out one letter to a bank or employer and seize the funds.”
In addition to Teresa reportedly being unbothered, Gia Giudice, 24, appeared to downplay the couple’s financial discourse on her podcast, Casual Chaos.
“My mom has everything under control, and there’s nothing to worry about,” she insisted. “My stepdad, Luis, is the most amazing stepfather. He treats my sisters and I like we are his own. He is also working on getting everything resolved as well.”
“There’s nothing to worry about. Everything’s going to be fine,” Gia added.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey is on pause ahead of its potential 15th season.