Todd Chrisley's $1.5M tax lien shocks fans after $36M fraud scandal over 3 years of imprisonment

# Todd and Julie Chrisley Hit With $1.5 Million Tax Lien After Presidential Pardon The reality‑TV duo that once entertained viewers on “Chrisley Knows Best” now faces a fresh financial storm.

A federal tax lien of $1,571,452 has been filed against Todd and Julie Chrisley in Davidson County, Tennessee, more than a year after they were granted a presidential pardon for their bank‑fraud and tax‑evasion convictions.

The new lien lists unpaid assessments totaling $142,410.72 for the year ending December 31, 2021, and $1,429,041.89 for the year ending December 31, 2022.

It appears that while the pardon erased the criminal penalties and prison sentences, it did not absolve the couple from the fiscal responsibilities they accrued before their release. The couple’s legal saga began in 2022 when they were found guilty of conspiring to defraud banks and evade federal taxes.

They allegedly secured over $36 million in fraudulent loans by falsifying financial documents and spent the money on luxury cars, designer apparel, real estate, and extravagant travel. Todd, 57, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, while Julie, 53, received a seven‑year term.

After serving more than two years—Todd at a federal prison camp in Pensacola, Florida, and Julie at a federal correctional institution in Tallahassee—they were released in May 2025 following President Donald Trump’s pardon, which cleared them of the criminal convictions and any remaining supervised release requirements. ## Background & Context The tax lien filed on August 19, 2026, reflects assessments that were issued after the couple’s conviction, indicating that they had failed to pay federal taxes for at least two consecutive years.

The first assessment of $142,410.72 was dated December 5, 2022, covering the tax year ending December 31, 2021, while the second of $1,429,041.89 was dated December 11, 2023, covering the year ending December 31, 2022. Both assessments were subsequently included in the lien.

During their incarceration, Todd reportedly taught a financial class, while Julie taught a real estate course, who mentioned these facts during an episode of her “Unlocked” podcast in October 2023. She described the irony of a father who had been convicted of financial fraud also teaching others about money management.

Those moments have become part of the public narrative surrounding the Chrisleys, adding complexity to how their financial misdeeds are perceived. The new lien does not erase the original convictions or the pardon’s effect on criminal liability.

Instead, it serves as a notice to the IRS that the couple has not fulfilled its tax obligations, allowing the government to seize assets or collect through other enforcement mechanisms if the debt remains unpaid.

The lien’s placement in Davidson County—where the Chrisleys have long maintained a residence—means that any property or income streams in the area may now be subject to federal claims. ## What People Are Saying The revelation has reignited discussions among fans and critics alike.

Supporters of the couple note that the Chrisleys have re‑entered the public eye with a new podcast, “Chrisley Confessions 2.0,” where they candidly discuss their past, personal growth, and attempts at redemption.

They point to their openness as a sign of genuine contrition and an effort to move beyond the scandal that once defined their careers. Critics, however, emphasize that the tax lien underscores a failure to comply with financial responsibilities despite being legally absolved from prison terms.

They highlight that the IRS’s action signals that the pardon did not extend to the financial damages the couple allegedly caused.

Some commentators argue that the public’s continued fascination with the Chrisleys’ lifestyle—luxury cars, high‑end fashion, and extravagant vacations—creates a moral paradox when juxtaposed against the unpaid debt that now hangs over their assets. Social media reactions have been polarized.

On one side, followers praise Savannah’s candidness about her parents’ prison experiences, viewing it as an honest look at the complexities of familial bonds. On the other, many express frustration that the Chrisleys appear to enjoy a lavish lifestyle while a significant tax debt remains unresolved.

The conversation has moved beyond mere gossip; it has tapped into broader debates about accountability for public figures who have used their platforms for financial gain at the expense of the law. ## What Happens Next With the lien in place, the IRS now has a legal mechanism to enforce collection.

The Chrisleys can either negotiate a payment plan, settle the debt outright, or risk having assets seized or garnished.

If they choose to negotiate, they would need to work with a tax attorney or a financial advisor familiar with federal tax liens, given the complexity of the amounts and the potential implications for their ongoing business ventures, including their podcast and any other media projects.

The couple’s financial situation is already strained by the aftermath of their convictions. Beyond the tax debt, the Chrisleys had to navigate the loss of public income streams, contractual obligations, and the need to rebuild credibility with sponsors and partners.

Their decision to launch “Chrisley Confessions 2.0” indicates a desire to regain public trust, but it also introduces new revenue streams that could be impacted by the lien if the IRS decides to seize profits or assets. Legally, the IRS’s lien does not automatically trigger immediate seizure.

The tax lien is a priority claim that supersedes most other claims against property, but the government typically pursues collection after a period of attempts to resolve the debt voluntarily.

Should the Chrisleys fail to comply, the IRS could file a lawsuit to enforce the lien, potentially leading to asset seizure, wage garnishment, or even a forced sale of property. In the broader context of celebrity finance, this case serves as a cautionary tale.

High‑profile individuals may enjoy the of rapid wealth, but they remain subject to the same fiscal laws as any citizen. A presidential pardon, while powerful, does not absolve one from civil obligations such as tax payments.

The Chrisleys’ story underscores the long‑lasting impact of legal disputes, the importance of transparency, and the public’s appetite for accountability. The public will watch closely to see how Todd and Julie Chrisley address the tax lien.

Will they negotiate a settlement, or will they let the IRS pursue the debt? Their next moves will not only shape their financial futures but also influence how society perceives celebrity rehabilitation after legal transgressions.