Richard Hatch $25 IRS Deal Denied to 'Survivor' Reality Show Winner
Robert Hatch, winner of the first season of the reality show "Survivor," requested that the IRS reduce his penalty for tax evasion to $25. Reports Tuesday stated that Hatch's request has been denied.
Hatch received $1 million from CBS when he became the first winner of "Survivor." After winning "Survivor" Hatch spent a 51-month sentence in Federal prison for tax evasion followed by a 9-month prison sentence for allegedly not amending his 2000 and 2001 tax returns.
SEE VIDEO OF RICHARD HATCH IN IRS TAX RELIEF COMMERCIAL
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As part of his recent sentence, Hatch was ordered to pay 25 percent of income to the IRS, for violating the terms of his release. Hatch then requested to pay only $25 to the IRS stating that he had only earned $500 since his December 11 release from prison.
"Public defender Mary McElroy says Hatch's accountant and agent take 20 percent of his income and he's saving for an apartment. She says he's relying on others for housing and basic necessities," the Associated Press reported.
During the Hatch's first trial, prosecutor Eileen O'Connor gave harsh criticism of the reality show winner. "Our nation's federal tax system is not a reality show to be outwitted, it is a reality, period," O'Connor said. Prior to winning "Survivor" Hatch was a corporate trainer from Newport, Rhode Island. Hatch is also a United States Army veteran who dedicated five years to the military.
"Survivor" is a reality television series that isolates contestants in the wilderness leaving them to compete for cash and other prizes. Cast members are voted off one at a time by other cast members until only one member is left, the remaining "Sole Survivor."
