Former South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh, who faces a second murder trial, also confronts a significant tax liability. According to recent state revenue filings, he owes more than $1.6 million in unpaid taxes, penalties, and interest.
The South Carolina Department of Revenue listed Murdaugh as owing $1,630,201.02 in its July 16 quarterly report of top delinquent taxpayers. His debt ranks as the fourth-largest individual liability on the state’s current list.
The department publicly releases delinquent taxpayer names and balances to promote transparency, fairness, and compliance. Prior to publication, officials attempt to resolve debts through letters, phone calls, or personal contact. A tax lien has been filed against each listed individual, making the debt a matter of public record.
Murdaugh’s legal team is preparing for the upcoming trial, having secured a substantial flat fee in the past. The attorneys have committed to representing him through the conclusion of the proceedings.
The firm acknowledges that long‑term cases can become costly, but it is standard practice to accept flat fees.
Murdaugh was convicted in March 2023 of killing his wife and son, an act prosecutors argued was intended to elicit sympathy and divert attention from a broader web of financial misconduct.
Allegations emerged that a court clerk made improper comments to jurors during the trial, prompting claims from the defense that the clerk tampered with the jury to secure a guilty verdict and boost publicity.
