E
ven Hollywood royalty like Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck can't escape the taxman. While their split is making headlines, there's a jaw-dropping tax bill attached to their soon-to-be former Beverly Hills mansion. The sprawling 38,000-square-foot estate, now listed on Zillow for a staggering $68 million, costs its new owner more than $1,000 a day just to keep the lights on — and to keep the government at bay. Last year alone, the tax bill on the couple's luxurious home was more than $400,000, Zillow estimated. And here's the kicker — California, often criticized for its high taxes, actually has a lower property tax rate than many other states. According to Bankrate, if the mansion were located in an exclusive East Coast enclave like Greenwich, Conn., the tax bill would be closer to a mind-boggling $800,000 annually.

    Ponying up huge amounts to the public fund won't be the only thing likely to make even the wealthiest homeowners wince — the property's utility bills could be almost as onerous. According to calculations by HomeAdvisor and the U.S. Energy and Information Administration, total estimated monthly utility costs based on the size of the home are between $5,000 and $20,000 — potentially more depending on the specific amenities and usage patterns of the mansion. The breakdown is as follows: The house occupies 40,000 square feet and comes with a 5,000 square feet guest home.

    The 5-acre estate, tucked away in one of Beverly Hills' most exclusive enclaves, is the epitome of luxury living, complete with a zero-edge pool, indoor pickleball and basketball courts, a state-of-the-art gym, and even a boxing ring. "Recently renovated with the highest level of quality within the last 4 months," the listing boasts, the estate is "nestled in one of Beverly Hills's most exclusive and secure enclaves." The 38,000-square-foot estate, which the couple is parting with amid their recent split, comes with a staggering annual property tax bill of over $400,000. On top of that, the mansion's utility costs could range from $5,000 to $20,000 per month.

    The privileged pad, listed by Santiago Arana of The Agency, has already attracted more than 75,000 views on Zillow since going live. But what the listing doesn't mention is the rocky relationship that led to its sale. Affleck and Lopez, who married in 2022 after rekindling their early 2000s romance, had been living apart for some time. Their marital issues began bubbling to the surface almost immediately after their honeymoon in Lake Como, Italy.

    Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck seen picking up some items for what was their new family home at a luxury furniture and home decor store in Italy on August 24, 2022. Decio Immagine Casa via Mopho /London Entertainment / SplashNews.com

    While the couple's public displays of affection were captured by paparazzi, behind closed doors, things weren't as picture-perfect. "He was unhappy with paparazzi following them. She is an international superstar, and he acted like it came as a surprise that they would be followed around," a source told Page Six. Their honeymoon, which should have been the happiest time of their lives, was marred by tension, with the couple barely speaking to each other when the cameras weren't rolling.

    Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck photographed on their honeymoon during a stroll round Lake Como in Menaggio, northern Italy on August 24, 2022. SWNS

    "He sold her on him being a changed man, and that lasted a very short time," the insider revealed. As the honeymoon glow faded, so did Affleck's enthusiasm for the Hollywood spotlight. Another insider claimed that Affleck's sobriety played a significant role in the couple's unraveling.

    "He was just getting sober ... He was in a vulnerable state, and whatever their chemistry played into that ... He was in this frenzied, excitable state," the source said, suggesting that as Affleck's sobriety solidified, he began to crave a quieter, more private life — something that was impossible while married to an international superstar like Lopez. Affleck's struggles with alcohol have been well-documented, with his last stint in rehab occurring in 2018. But as he adjusted to the sober life, the omnipresent paparazzi and various demands of Lopez's career reportedly began to weigh heavily on him.

    "He doesn't want [the entourage] and all the drama that comes with that in his home," the insider said, pointing out that Affleck's need for privacy had become a source of tension.