HMRC on the attack against actors with companies
HMRC’s recent victory against actor Robert Glenister is likely to see an increase in cases brought against other actors using limited companies. Glenister faces a tax bill of £150,000 after a test case ruling decided the IR35 rules apply. Glenister wasn’t doing anything out of the ordinary here – simply billing for his services through a limited company.
We have warned our actor clients for a long time against using limited company structures for this reason. Unfortunately some other accountants have played down these risks and could now leave their clients facing life changing tax bills.
HMRC seem to have little sympathy with Glenister’s predicament.
“The rules on employment status are the same for everyone,” said an HMRC spokesman.
‘It is never a matter of choice. It is always dictated by the facts and when the wrong tax is being paid we put things right.”
