Travis County has initiated legal action against Austin investor Nate Paul, seeking over $2.3 million in unpaid property taxes and additional legal fees, as reported by KUT News. Paul, whose dealings have previously included allegations of bank fraud and involvement in a bribery scheme with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, now faces a lawsuit from the county attorney for delinquent payments on eight businesses he owns.
According to CBS Austin, Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector Celia Israel has stated that Paul has not responded to requests to settle his debts, nor has he arranged any payment plans. Israel commented on the gravity of the situation, "When I see taxpayers interacting with our office, I see those who are doing their very best to follow the law and play by the rules." She added, "I do not take this approach of a lawsuit lightly and hope that Mr. Paul, or one of his business representatives, will respond by paying the delinquent taxes."
The businesses linked to Paul that are cited for owing taxes include WC 1ST & TRINITY LP, proprietor of a prime parcel near Austin's Four Seasons Hotel, and various other properties such as an office complex near the airport and a fast-food establishment on West Ben White Boulevard, per KUT News. With these companies owing substantial amounts in back taxes, Paul topped the list of the county's tax delinquents last year. Reports indicate that he has been liquidating numerous properties and has filed for bankruptcy for several of them.
Further adding to Paul's legal troubles, he served four months of home confinement just earlier this year after a conviction related to bank and wire fraud, where most charges were eventually dismissed. Nevertheless, his most notorious claim to fame is likely his connection to the FBI investigation and subsequent impeachment trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton in 2023, although Paxton managed to avoid impeachment and criminal charges. KUT News made efforts to contact Paul by calling a publicly listed phone number, as well as sending out emails, however they did not receive an immediate response.
