James Van Der Beek and his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek were previously hit with a federal tax lien before his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2024.
According to TMZ, the claim, filed in November 2021, stated that the couple owed $269,328.62 in unpaid taxes for 2018 and 2019. The lien was officially lifted in April 2022 after they settled the full amount.
Before his passing last week, Van Der Beek also secured a down payment on the $4.76 million Texas ranch he shared with Kimberly and their six children after relocating to Austin in 2020. The family had initially been renting the property, but were able to purchase it “with the help of friends through a trust so they could shift from rent to mortgage.”
Support from loved ones also poured in following his cancer diagnosis, when his family launched a GoFundMe campaign. The fundraiser quickly surpassed its original $500,000 target, prompting the goal to be raised to $1.5 million — which was also exceeded.
Among the contributors was Zoe Saldaña, who donated $2,500 per month, totaling $60,000 annually.
Kimberly confirmed the actor’s passing last Wednesday (February 11), sharing the news in an emotional Instagram post.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” she wrote. “There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
As outlined by the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum — both parts of the large intestine within the digestive system — and may be classified as either colon cancer or rectal cancer depending on where it begins.
