Verne Troyer Died Owing the Government a Little Bit of Money

Verne Troyer's estate is yet to be settled but they can expect the State of California to be among the first creditors to come calling.

According to court documents obtained by The Blast, the Franchise Tax Board of the State of California filed a lien against the "Austin Powers" star earlier this year.

The docs claim Troyer owed $22,224.70 in back taxes stemming from the years 2004 and 2005. Troyer didn't work much those years — appearing in just a TV movie, a Ludacris music video and an episode of the UPN show "Half & Half."

Verne Troyer passed away on April 21 at the age of 49. An autopsy has been performed but the cause of death is still pending toxicology results.

His family released a statement when he passed, hinting the actor may have taken his own life. It read at one point, "Depression and Suicide are very serious issues. You never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside. Be kind to one another. And always know, it’s never too late to reach out to someone for help."

According to law enforcement sources, Verne Troyer called 911 on April 2 and told dispatchers he “wanted to die.” He was transported to the hospital shortly after on an involuntary psychiatric hold.

Officials also noted that Troyer had an “extremely high alcohol level” when he was admitted to Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys.

We’re told while in the emergency room, the “Austin Powers” star repeated to nurses and doctors that he “wanted to die,” and soon after being admitted, suffered respiratory distress and then failure.

Troyer was placed on life support, including a ventilator to assist in his breathing. Unfortunately, he never recovered and his body began shutting down before ultimately passing away.

He had a long history of alcohol problems and has done several stints in rehab.