I swear, almost every week, a new legal issue presents itself to Teresa Giudice and Luis Ruelas. The Real Housewives of New Jersey star is no stranger to having to answer to the federal government. But you think the mother of four would have learned by now. In 2015, Teresa did 11 months behind bars after she was found guilty of fraud charges related to her ex-husband Joe Giudice’s bankruptcy fraud. Now, ten years later, she is looking down the barrel of the IRS once again. And this time, they are really going to make her pay.
What is RHONJ’s Teresa Giudice in tax trouble for?
As Reality Tea previously reported, both Luis and Tre were hit with a tax lien that was over $3 million. The paperwork showed that Skinny Italian owed $303,889.20. The lien was filed on March 20 by the State of New Jersey. The state website has her listed as the “Debtor.” The court hearings will take place in Mercer County. Tre has yet to publicly comment about her financial issues. But her most recent social media posts show her not worrying. She posted a selfie that seemed to taunt followers with her love of designer goods. She recently advertised her upcoming Party with a Housewife stage show that is coming to Washington, D.C., Cincinnati, and Chicago.
Luis and Tre have been together since 2020 and walked down the aisle in 2022. Fans were skeptical of their union to begin with. But when Teresa revealed she wouldn’t be signing a prenup, fans knew there was trouble ahead. While on Watch What Happens Live, she told Andy Cohen, “I mean, I would [sign a prenup], you know, if he said so. I’m so very easy about that. He definitely has more than me. I would never take anything from him. I’m so not like that.” But Andy and others worried it would be the other way around, that Luis would take from the RHONJ star.
Why is Luis Ruelas also in tax trouble?
Luis is in the red, owing nearly $2.6 million. The revelation comes just three months after Luis was issued another lien in the amount of $163,523.94 back in December 2024. The New Jersey Courts website still shows that this is an open case. According to People, on March 6, Luis “requested an extension on the maturity date for the $1 million loan” on the Pond View, Montville, New Jersey home he and Teresa purchased in 2021 for $3,350,000. The outlet also learned that Luis took out a $250,000 loan for his mortgage. Coincidentally, just two weeks later, the Bravolebs were hit with their liens.
In June, a party planner sued Luis and his company, Vinivia, for supposedly failing to pay more than $300,000 last year after she planned the company’s launch party. In a Q&A, the party planner asked, “How will you pay us the $300,000 plus you’ve owed us along with all the other vendors that are waiting? It’s been 60 days and a lot of excuses.” The case is still pending.
Teresa Giudice’s Bravo check can be garnished, but will she even return for RHONJ?
Tre should be worried about the recent lien against her and her husband. Legal professionals have even started to weigh in on the matter. Tax Controversy Attorney Adam Brewer told The Sun, “Mainly we worry about late payment penalties. IRS is generally going to top out at 25 percent.” According to the lawyer who is not involved with the case, Teresa is “looking at paying past due taxes plus current taxes at the same time. It really can put a crutch on you.” According to the expert, the IRS could even garnish Tre’s Bravo paycheck.
“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 explained. “The bank accounts and wages, that’s easy. They send out one letter to a bank or employer and seize the funds.” Until they establish a formal payment plan, the couple is at risk. Adam added, “If the lien is filed, they give you the opportunity to resolve it. If she isn’t already in a repayment plan, that’s the first thing you can do to protect yourself.”
The Real Housewives of New Jersey is available to stream on Peacock.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK TERESA AND LUIS WILL LOSE OUT ON THEIR BRAVO CHECK?
