Teresa Giudice and her husband, Luis “Louie” Ruelas, might be facing more drama off-screen than on The Real Housewives of New Jersey these days. While fans are anxiously waiting to see if they’ll return for Season 15, the couple is tangled up in a different kind of storyline: tax trouble. And it’s not just a little overdue bill—they’re looking at close to $3 million in liens and debts.
Let’s break it all down, from how they got here to what they’re doing about it.
Luis Ruelas Owes Over $2.5 Million — And That’s Just the State Tax
Luis, who is now 50 years old, has had his fair share of headlines since marrying Teresa in 2022. Some good, some not so much. While he has a history of successful ventures in the digital marketing world, his business past has also seen lawsuits, controversies, and financial losses. And now, he’s got the tax bill to match.
According to court documents filed in March 2025, Luis owes the state of New Jersey more than $2.5 million in taxes. That amount alone is more than what many reports estimate as his current net worth, which hovers around $2 million as of early 2025. Yikes.
So, where did things go sideways? Luis and Teresa purchased their $3.35 million mansion in Montville, NJ, back in 2021. Then, in 2024, Luis took out a $1 million loan against the house. What the funds were used for is unclear—and totally his business—but by early 2025, it was obvious that things weren’t adding up. That massive tax lien is now attached to his name, putting even more pressure on the couple’s finances.
Teresa Giudice’s New Tax Lien: $303,889.20 Owed to New Jersey
As if Luis’s lien wasn’t enough, Teresa, 52, is dealing with her own tax woes. On March 20, 2025, Mercer County courts slapped her with a judgment in the case of “Division of Taxation vs. Teresa Giudice.” The amount? $303,889.20 owed to the state of New Jersey.
This isn’t her first dance with tax issues either. Fans will remember that Teresa previously served 11 months in federal prison back in 2015 for fraud-related charges tied to her ex-husband, Joe Giudice. At the time, the couple had racked up over $1 million in tax debt.
But to Teresa’s credit, she’s been working hard to clear those old debts. As of October 2023, her past tax liabilities were down to $615,720.94—and she’d already paid off $480,291.20. Her attorney even stated that she’s making consistent monthly payments and is committed to clearing the rest.
Still, this new lien doesn’t help matters.
The Combined Tax Debt: Nearly $3 Million and Counting
Add it all up, and Teresa and Luis are staring down a combined tax debt of just under $2.9 million. That’s a major financial burden, especially for a couple in the public eye. And considering they didn’t sign a prenup before tying the knot, it’s a shared responsibility.
Legally, Luis is listed as the sole member of the LLC that bought their home. But the financial stress doesn’t fall on him alone. With Teresa’s name now attached to a new lien, fans are understandably concerned. Not just for her money, but for her future.
Teresa’s Hustle Is Real — But Is It Enough?
Despite the tax troubles, Teresa isn’t exactly broke. Her estimated net worth in 2025 is around $500,000, thanks to her long-standing spot on RHONJ, brand partnerships, podcast, and now her brand-new lipstick line. She’s been a Bravo staple for over a decade, and the paychecks reflect that.
She’s also a mom of four daughters—Gia, Gabriella, Milania, and Audriana—and she’s always been vocal about doing whatever it takes to support them. Teresa’s fans know she’s a fighter, and this time is no different. With mounting pressure to secure her place in the next season of Real Housewives, she’s clearly hoping the show (and its salary) will help her stay financially afloat.
Will Bravo Keep Teresa and Luis?
Right now, both Teresa and Luis are waiting to hear whether they’ll be returning for Season 15 of The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Given all the off-screen drama, their storyline is practically writing itself—and that might be exactly what producers want.
But whether or not Bravo brings them back, Teresa knows she has to keep the income rolling. Between her beauty brand, her podcast, appearances, and endorsements, she’s got irons in the fire. Still, that nearly $3 million tax hole is going to take more than just a few side gigs to fill.
Tre’s Still Got Fight Left in Her
Sure, it’s a lot. Nearly $3 million in tax liens would be a knockout blow for most people. But Teresa Giudice isn’t most people. She’s been through prison, a divorce, a public comeback, and she’s still standing. While the tax liens are serious, they’re not insurmountable—especially if Bravo keeps her on payroll and she continues to diversify her income.
As for Luis? He’s got some major explaining (and paying) to do. Whether or not Teresa’s fans believe he’s dragging her down financially, the receipts don’t lie. Let’s just hope the next season of RHONJ gives them both the boost they need—on screen and in their bank accounts.
In the meantime, you can catch up on The Real Housewives of New Jersey streaming now on Peacock.