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Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott's Divorce Unveils Significant Tax Liabilities

11/26/2025, 2:57:18 PM

Overview of Financial Obligations

The divorce of Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott has revealed substantial financial liabilities, including over $1.7 million in unpaid taxes. Court documents indicate that the couple owes approximately $1.2 million to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and more than $500,000 to the California Franchise Tax Board. Each party is responsible for at least $600,000 of the IRS debt, with the state tax obligation divided equally between them.

Breakdown of Additional Debts

In addition to their tax liabilities, Spelling and McDermott face various other debts. Spelling is reported to owe $288,000 to a private lender, $69,000 to another individual, and over $10,000 in uninsured medical expenses. McDermott's non-tax debts include a $22,000 student loan and $20,609 in medical bills. The couple also has a joint debt of $37,000 owed to American Express and a nearly $400,000 loan from City National Bank that has accumulated over the years.

Income Discrepancies and Financial Strain

Financial declarations submitted during the divorce proceedings illustrate fluctuating incomes for both parties. McDermott estimated Spelling’s monthly earnings range from $3,000 to $75,000, while he reported his own monthly income at approximately $3,800. He attributed his reduced cash flow to industry changes, including the SAG-AFTRA strikes, which have limited acting and producing opportunities.

Custody and Asset Division

The couple, who married in May 2006, finalized their divorce after 19 years together. They share five children: Liam (18), Stella (17), Hattie (14), Finn (13), and Beau (8). The divorce judgment outlines how tax responsibilities and other liabilities will be shared, but it does not specify how the debts will be repaid. Legal experts often recommend negotiating with creditors and exploring payment plans to manage such financial burdens.

Criticism and Public Perception

The financial revelations have shifted public perception of the former couple, highlighting a stark contrast between their Hollywood image and their actual financial struggles. Despite Spelling's background as the daughter of prolific producer Aaron Spelling, who was worth an estimated $500 million at his death, her inheritance was reportedly minimal. This disparity has led to ongoing financial challenges, including past issues with debt management.

Official Statements and Future Considerations

Requests for comment from representatives of both Spelling and McDermott were not immediately answered. As they navigate their financial obligations post-divorce, both parties will need to address their debts while co-parenting their children. The court's decision provides a framework for how they will manage these responsibilities moving forward.

Verbatim Quotes

  • “2 million to the IRS alone, with more than $500,000 racked up in unpaid California state taxes.” — Source
  • “Looking at the specific financial agreements published in the divorce filings, it was revealed that Spelling has been awarded all intellectual property rights to 90210, while revenue for Tori & Dean projects would be shared equally between the two of them.” — Source
  • “Spelling has openly acknowledged her financial strain over the years.” — Source
  • “Even apart, Tori and Dean will be tied together for years as they pay off the millions they owe and continue co-parenting their five children.” — Source