**Tax Lien Placed on ‘Teen Mom’ Maci Bookout: What Amount Does She Owe?**
Maci Bookout, a prominent figure from the reality TV series “Teen Mom,” is facing significant financial troubles with the IRS. According to exclusive information obtained by In Touch, the 32-year-old star owes more than $150,000 in federal taxes for the year 2024. This debt is split into two separate tax liens: one for $49,383 and another for $105,346. The larger lien is shared with her husband, Taylor McKinney, who is listed as “Debtor 2” in the filing, while Maci is solely responsible for the smaller amount.
This isn’t the first time Maci has faced tax issues. In May 2023, she was reported to owe a $14,227 tax lien. Additionally, she has an outstanding debt of $12,569 to the state of California from 2017. These recent financial woes add to a history of tax problems for Maci, who previously owed $78,308 to the IRS from 2011, a debt she has since cleared.
Maci Bookout first gained public attention in 2009 when she appeared on the premiere episode of “16 and Pregnant.” At the time, she and her then-boyfriend, Ryan Edwards, welcomed their son, Bentley. Although Maci and Ryan split in 2013, they have continued to appear on the “Teen Mom” franchise, documenting their lives as co-parents.
Despite her long tenure on reality TV, Maci has recently expressed doubts about continuing her participation in the show. In an interview with In Touch published on April 4, she revealed that the constant public scrutiny has become overwhelming. “Every move we make is just so public and then everything with our kids is just so public. You can’t really go out in public and be left alone, which isn’t a bad thing,” she said.
Maci acknowledged that even if she and her husband decided to leave the show, their lives would still be under public scrutiny. “They’re not just going to forget that we exist and not care. So if we expect to leave and then just be left alone, that’s never going to happen,” she explained. Despite these challenges, Maci remains committed to using her platform to help others. “If it can help one person or one family, then [it] sounds good to me,” she added.
Taylor McKinney, Maci’s husband since 2016, also shared his thoughts on the pressures of filming. He admitted that the process can be “overwhelming,” but noted that they try to make the best of it. “When somebody comes up in public and just says, ‘Hey, your guys’ story helps me a lot. I appreciate what you’re doing,’ it makes it all worth it,” he said.
Maci’s financial troubles are not unique among “Teen Mom” stars. Leah Messer, another cast member, is currently dealing with over $500,000 in tax debt. The nature of their work as independent contractors for Viacom, which owns MTV, means that no taxes are withheld from their paychecks. It is their responsibility to make quarterly estimated tax payments, a task that many have struggled with over the years.
Other “Teen Mom” stars, including Tyler Baltierra, Catelynn Lowell, Kail Lowry, and Amber Portwood, have also faced tax liens. The recurring issue highlights the financial challenges that come with their unique employment status.
Currently, Maci and Taylor are still earning from their appearances on “Teen Mom Family Reunion” Season 3 and the upcoming season of “Teen Mom: The Next Chapter.” However, the mounting tax debts suggest that their financial management needs significant improvement.
The situation has sparked various reactions from fans and observers. Some are baffled by the recurring tax issues, questioning why the stars haven’t learned to manage their finances better. Others suggest that MTV should create a spinoff show focused on teaching basic life skills, including financial management and tax responsibilities.
Despite the criticism, Maci’s situation serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of financial literacy, especially for those in the public eye. As she navigates these challenges, it remains to be seen how she will address her tax debts and whether she will continue her journey on reality TV.
In conclusion, Maci Bookout’s tax issues are a significant concern, adding to a history of financial troubles. While she and her husband Taylor McKinney continue to navigate the pressures of public life and reality TV, their financial management will undoubtedly be under scrutiny. The situation underscores the importance of financial literacy and responsible tax management, lessons that are crucial for anyone, especially those in the public eye.
Source: In Touch, The Ashley
