Rupert Grint, best known for playing Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter series, has lost a legal battle with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and been ordered to pay £1.8m in taxes. The dispute centered on a £4.5m payment Grint received during the 2011-2012 tax year from a company managing his business, where he was the sole shareholder.
Grint argued that the earnings should be classified as a capital gain, taxed at 10%, rather than as income, which is taxed at a higher rate of 52% and includes national insurance contributions. However, tax tribunal judge Harriet Morgan dismissed his appeal, stating that the payment “substantially derived its value” from Grint's work, qualifying it as income.
This is not the first tax-related setback for Grint, who previously lost a separate court case in 2019 involving a £1m tax refund.
The actor appeared in all eight Harry Potter films from 2001 to 2011. Post-Potter, he has starred in films like Into the White and Knock at the Cabin, as well as the Apple TV series Servant, which he has led for four years.
HMRC’s Stand on Tax Compliance
The ruling reinforces HMRC's stance on ensuring that income is taxed appropriately, even for high-profile individuals. Grint’s case highlights the challenges celebrities face when navigating complex tax laws and underscores the scrutiny such earnings attract.
As the legal battle concludes, Grint remains active in acting, but the ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of clear tax reporting, especially in cases involving substantial sums.
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