The outstanding amount reportedly dates back to 2007, when the Bonnie and Clyde star was accused of failing to pay $5,600 (£3,500) in personal income tax.

The figure has since escalated due to penalties and interest, and now state tax officials are seeking permission from an Albany County Supreme Court judge to claim the unpaid funds from a Wells Fargo bank account Dunaway shares with her son, Liam O'Neill, according to Entlawdigest.com.

The 74 year old has yet to comment on the petition.

Liam O'Neill, 35, is the Oscar winner's son with her second husband, photographer Terry O'Neill.