A Texas physician and his wife face the loss of their family home after a federal judge ruled they owe more than $2 million in unpaid taxes spanning nearly a decade, greenlighting the U.S. government’s bid to foreclose on the property.
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Cardone entered default judgment against Dr. Manuel Aranda Jr. and his wife, Melissa Marie Aranda, after the couple failed to respond to a federal complaint accusing them of neglecting to file tax returns since 2013.
Millions in Debt and Interest
According to the ruling, the Arandas’ tax bill amounts to $2.1 million, including taxes, penalties, and interest for the years 2016 through 2022. Judge Cardone also awarded the government prejudgment interest at 7% dating back to January, as well as post-judgment interest until the debt is satisfied.
The government argued that beyond foreclosure, the court should force the couple to file taxes and submit estimated payments for the next five years. But Judge Cardone rejected the request, saying the law did not authorize such sweeping injunctions in this case.
