Pennsylvania says Bankrupt Refiner Owes $3.8 bln in Taxes

The state's Department of Revenue said the refiner must make several changes to the proposed restructuring plan to ensure the taxes are paid before it can support the plan.

The $3.8 billion figure is significant for a refiner that had just $43 million in cash on hand when it filed for bankruptcy protection in January. The tax liability stems from a pending audit of the company's books, the state says, and could be adjusted pending the outcome.

"The Commonwealth believes, however, the final audit may produce a substantial liability which could impact the feasibility of the Debtors’ Plan," state attorneys wrote.

The state and PES did not immediately return phone calls and emails seeking comment.

PES filed for bankruptcy protection in late January, blaming the costs of complying with the nation's biofuels laws . The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the company struck a settlement last week, granting PES temporary financial relief.

Reuters reported that other factors may also have played a role in the bankruptcy, including the withdrawal of more than $590 million in dividend-style payments from the company by its investor owners.

The bankruptcy plan was prepackaged and has near unanimous support from creditors. The company hopes to have the plan confirmed by a judge on March 26.