The controversial England footballer and tv presenter Gary Lineker is being pursued by HM Revenue and Customs for a tax bill in excess of £4.9 million, that the Government agency claims it is owed.
According to tax tribunal documents, this dispute has been ongoing for a year. UNN’s Oliver Down understands that HMRC is claiming it is owed £3,621,735.90 worth of income tax as well as £1,313,755.38 in national insurance contributions from Mr Lineker.
This claim relates to his work as a pundit for the BBC and BT Sport. Jon Holmes is Mr Lineker’s agent. He has said: “It is a question of whether he is employed by the BBC or not. Most people, once they understand employment law, would say of course he isn’t. He works for many other people. It is a question of whether he is employed by the BBC or not”.
HMRC’s action covers work the presenter did for the BBC between the 2013-14 and 2016-17 tax years, and BT Sport for the 2015-16 and 2017-18 tax years. Mr Lineker’s company, Gary Lineker Media, argues the work he did for them was not effective employment. The company was founded by Mr Lineker along with his former wife.
HMRC has been involved in tax disputes with a number of celebrities. These include Eamonn Holmes, Loraine Kelly and Kaye Adams. Ms Kelly, Ms Adams and Mr Holmes all challenged the cases against them at tribunal. UNN’s Oliver Down will bring you more on this as we get it.
Current Affairs Correspondent | My name is Oliver Down I am 22, and a staunch brexiteer. I am a Bristolian lad who studied politics in Leicester. I believe in free speech and accurate journalism and I won’t be afraid to give you “the other side” of the story!
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