Epstein Island's New Owner in Court Battle for $5.7 Million Tax Refund
Summary
Stephen Deckoff, who bought two islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands formerly owned by Jeffrey Epstein, is suing the U.S. Virgin Islands government. He wants to get back $5.7 million he says he overpaid in income taxes for the year 2021.Key Facts
- Stephen Deckoff bought Great St. James and Little St. James islands in 2023 for $60 million.
- The lawsuit claims Deckoff paid income tax to the U.S. Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue (VIBIR) in 2021 but was not a "bona fide resident" there.
- Being a "bona fide resident" affects whether someone owes income tax to the Virgin Islands on earnings from outside the islands.
- He filed a refund claim in November 2025 demanding $5,757,038 for taxes he says he should not have paid.
- The Virgin Islands government has not responded to Deckoff’s refund claim yet; their response is due by October 19.
- Deckoff plans to build a luxury resort on the islands to boost tourism and create jobs, with an expected opening in 2025.
- Jeffrey Epstein, the late owner, was a convicted sex offender who owned Little St. James since 1998 and Great St. James since 2016.
- Epstein died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
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