James Van Der Beek faced a massive tax debt years prior to his death.
The Dawson’s Creek actor and his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek, 44, were grappling with a six-figure bill after they were issued a federal tax lien in November 2021 for unpaid taxes for the years 2018 and 2019, according to TMZ.
According to IRS they owed $95,438.31 for 2017 and $173,890.31 for 2019, for a grand total of $269,328.62.
The couple — who purchased a $4 million home weeks before Van Der Beek’s passing — paid off the debt and the lien was released in April 2022.
The actor died last week on February 11, at the age of 48, after his two year battle with colorectal cancer.
Following his death, a GoFundMe was launched to help Kimberly and their six kids with expenses, as the cost of his medical care ‘left the family out of funds.’ The page has raised more than $2.6 million for the family as of Monday.
Daily Mail has reached out to Van Der Beek’s representative for comment regarding the tax debt.
James Van Der Beek faced a massive six-figure tax debt years prior to his death on February 11th at the age of 48; Pictured in 2024
A description on the GoFundMe site stated: ‘In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future.
‘The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time.’
The message continued: ‘The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.
‘Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education. Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives. Thank you for considering a gift to support them.’
Van Der Beek bought a 36-acre Texas ranch he had previously been renting for $4.76 million one month before he died, with assistance from his friends.
‘James secured down payment for the Texas ranch for the family with the help of friends through a trust so they could shift from rent to mortgage,’ the rep told People magazine.
Van Der Beek and Kimberly relocated their family to Spicewood, Texas from Los Angeles in 2020.
The couple, who wed in 2010, opted to lease the residence in order to try out the new area before committing to it.
Property records reviewed by Realtor.com show they purchased the sprawling home for $4.76 million in an off-market deal on January 9.
The actor and his wife Kimberly, 44, were issued a federal tax lien in November 2021 for unpaid taxes for the years 2018 and 2019, with a grand total of $269,328.62, according to TMZ
The couple — who share six children — paid off the debt and the lien was released in April 2022; Pictured with their kids
Following his death from colorectal cancer, a GoFundMe was launched to help Kimberly and their kids with expenses, as the cost of his medical care ‘left the family out of funds’
Van Der Beek bought a 36-acre Texas ranch he had previously been renting for $4.76 million one month before he died, with friends helping him with the down payment
The Van Der Beeks used an LLC managed by a California attorney, per the outlet.
In addition to the main house, the property boats multiple cabins, a pool, and a backyard with river views.
The decision to move was influenced by their children, with the late father of six sharing in a 2021 interview with Austin Life that he wanted them to be closer to nature.
‘We wanted to give the children space and we wanted them to live in nature,’ he said at the time.
Van Der Beek and his wife share daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, and Gwendolyn, seven, as well as sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, four.
The move also followed an emotionally taxing time for the Van Der Beek family.
The actor lost his mother Melinda Weber in July 2020, and Kimberly had suffered five miscarriages.
‘It’s a magical place. There’s an energy that transcends any one religion or ideology,’ he said of his new home base.
He added that Texas appealed to him because it is ‘different’ and a ‘hands-on way of life,’ which he had been craving.
Van Der Beek shot to fame in the 90s as Dawson’s Creek teen heartthrob Dawson Leery when he was 20 years old.
Last year Van Der Beek put a number of his cherished Dawson’s Creek keepsakes on auction to help pay for his ‘expensive’ cancer treatments; Pictured in a 1998 Dawson’s Creek press shot
In 2024, the actor also sold Varsity Blues merchandise to help pay for his cancer treatments, and those of other patients
The drama ran for six seasons on the WB Network between 1998 and 2003 and also launched the careers of Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson.
Last year Van Der Beek, who was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2024, put a number of his cherished Dawson’s Creek keepsakes on auction to help pay for his ‘expensive’ cancer treatments.
Van Der Beek admitted he’s feeling nostalgic about parting with the items, but added that with the recent ‘unexpected twists and turns’ in his life it’s the right time to do so.
In 2024, the actor also sold Varsity Blues merchandise to help pay for his cancer treatments, and those of other patients.
