Duggar Debt Drama: Josh And Anna Owe Back Taxes, Lied About Paying Them

Looks like Josh and Anna Duggar are in the hole for over $14,000, which they owe in back taxes to the State of Arkansas.

The story first appeared in In Touch magazine, which reported that “19 Kids and Counting star Josh Duggar and his wife, Anna, were hit with a tax lien in January because they failed to pay $3,746.20 in taxes to the state of Arkansas.” Josh Duggar, who is expecting his fourth child this summer with wife Anna, claimed that all debts had been paid

However, Radar Online now reports that Josh Duggar was fibbing when he told In Touch that all his debts to the State of Arkansas had been paid. By contacting the Washington County Circuit Court, it’s been found that Josh and Anna Duggar haven’t paid off a single cent, meaning not only have they evaded paying their taxes owed for several years, Josh also lied about it.

And the Duggar debt is even bigger than what was first reported. It was originally reported that Josh and Anna Duggar owed $3,746.20 in back taxes for 2012. But it appears as though they owe an additional $9,908.64 in unpaid taxes to the State of Arkansas for 2009, 2010 and 2011, as well.

Missing one year in taxes may be a legitimate mistake — not paying state taxes for at least four consecutive years, with monies owed totaling over $14,000, may be more of an actual decision. And lying about it, as Josh Duggar did, is certainly a surprise for a young man known for his Christian principles.

The official document from the Department of Finance and Administration, called a certificate of indebtedness, makes it quite clear that Josh and Anna Duggar are expected to pay up — or else, pay more.

“JOSHUA & ANNA DUGGAR is justly indebted to the State of Arkansas for Individual Income Tax in the amount of $9,908.64 for the periods of 12/31/2009, 12/31/2010, 12/31/2011.

“Therefore, you are requested to immediately enter upon the Circuit Court judgment docket the name of the above taxpayer and the amount shown to be due and the date of entry. The entry shall have the same force and effect of a judgment at law and shall constitute a lien upon a real and personal property of the taxpayer paramount to all other liens from the date of entry for the collection of tax, interest at the rate of ten percent (10 percent) per annum, and all costs (clerk’s and sheriff’s costs).”

The document for the additional $3,746.20 the Duggars owed for the year of 2012 reads much the same.

As most Duggar fans know, the Duggar family is known for being extremely thrifty with their money and living debt-free. Duggar family patriarch Jim Bob credits his frugal life-style and debt-free accomplishments to the “Financial Freedom Seminar” given by businessman Jim Sammons, and once said, “After just seeing the first session, the truths from God’s word being taught through Mr. Sammons began to convince me of my need to ‘owe no man anything but love.'”

Seems like Josh and Anna Duggar owe a bit more than that.

Josh Duggar has made no secret about having political ambitions, but it sounds like it might be a good idea if he pays off his back taxes before running for office. To read more about the oldest Duggar son’s political aspirations, click here.

[Image by Kris Connor / Getty Images]