Rupert Grint Ordered to Pay £1.8 Million Following Tax Dispute Loss

Rupert Grint, known for his role as a former Harry Potter star, has been directed to pay £1.8 million in taxes after his defeat in a legal dispute against HM Revenue & Customs. The actor, who portrayed Ron Weasley in the films, was initially instructed to remit this amount in 2019 following an inquiry by HMRC that challenged one of his tax filings. Representatives for the 36-year-old appealed the decision, contending that funds he acquired from a company were appropriately taxed as a capital asset. However, HMRC maintained that these funds should have been subject to taxation as income at a greater rate. Nevertheless, a tax tribunal judge rejected Grint’s argument. In the 2011-2012 tax period, Grint obtained £4.5 million from a firm responsible for managing his business, in which he held sole shareholder status. This particular payment was characterized as being for “likely residual income and bonuses” stemming from the Harry Potter movies. He asserted his eligibility to pay capital gains tax on this sum at a 10% rate, as opposed to income tax and national insurance at a maximum rate of 52%. In the judgment, tribunal judge Harriet Morgan dismissed Grint’s appeal, stating that the funds “derived substantially the whole of its value from the activities of Mr Grint”, and were “otherwise realised” as income. He had previously been unsuccessful in a distinct legal case in 2019 concerning a £1 million tax refund. Grint featured in every one of the eight Harry Potter films, spanning from 2001 to 2011. Subsequently, his appearances include the films Into the White and Knock at the Cabin, alongside roles on television and in theatrical productions. For the past four years, he has held a starring role in the Apple TV series Servant. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.