Gene Hackman’s $80 Million Estate Stalled by Unresolved IRS Tax Matters

The probate process for Gene Hackman’s estimated $80 million estate remains suspended due to unresolved federal tax issues, according to recently filed court documents in Santa Fe County.

Santa Fe County probate records show the court issued a notice of inactivity after no filings were submitted for an extended period. In response, personal representative Julia L. Peters requested that the estate stay open while pending matters with the Internal Revenue Service are resolved.

Peters stated in her filing: “The Estate has filed an Estate Tax Return with the IRS, and there are pending tax matters relating to the estate which need to be completed prior to closing the estate.”

Peters assumed the role of personal representative in March 2025 following the deaths of Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, and his longtime attorney, Michael G. Sutin—both named as successors in the probate process. Court records confirm Hackman’s will, dated June 7, 2005, was “validly executed.”

Hackman’s three children from his marriage to Faye Maltese—Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie—were not appointed to oversee the estate. An attorney entered an appearance for the children in March 2025, but the court docket reflects no additional filings from them.

Earlier filings revealed Peters had completed an inventory of Hackman’s assets after reporting to the court she was “working diligently on the preparation of the inventory and the valuation of the property of the Decedent.” Page Six previously reported the estate carried a $98,345.29 Citibank credit card balance.

Attorneys involved in the probate case did not respond to Page Six’s requests for comment.

Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner best known for “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven,” and Arakawa were discovered dead at their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26, 2025. Investigators determined Arakawa, aged 65, died February 11 from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, while Hackman, 95, passed away February 18 due to heart disease complicated by advanced Alzheimer’s. Their bodies were found days later by a maintenance worker.

Authorities noted signs of advanced decomposition on Arakawa’s body and described portions of the property as being in a hoarder-like condition. The couple’s 53-acre Santa Fe estate was listed for $6.25 million earlier this year and sold within 11 days to a buyer.

Following Hackman’s death, his daughters and granddaughter released a statement to Page Six: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy. He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”