‘Survivor’ winner won $1 million in 2000; now owes $3.29 million in taxes

Image credit: Monty Brinton/CBS Richard Hatch, the winner of the first season of Survivor in 2000, has been ordered to pay $3,293,471.56 to the US federal government over unpaid tax liabilities, with interest continuing to accrue. The ruling, issued on March 17, 2026, comes more than 25 years after Hatch won $1,010,000 on the reality competition show. The tax dispute involves liabilities from 2000, 2001 and 2012, and follows a lengthy history of legal battles over his finances. Hatch is challenging the latest judgment and has filed an appeal before the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. He is representing himself in the case and has said he believes a review of the full record will lead to a fair outcome.Richard Hatch is challenging the $3.29 million judgmentTwo days after the March 17 ruling, Hatch filed a notice of appeal, signalling his intention to challenge the decision before the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. He has chosen to represent himself in the proceedings.In a statement to People, Hatch said the appeal would provide an objective review of the facts. He expressed confidence that the appellate court would examine the complete record, including eviden...