HMRC continues £1.7m tax battle with broadcaster Adrian Chiles

Evening Standard

Broadcaster Adrian Chiles remains locked in a legal battle with tax officials as they continue their years-long pursuit of £1.7 million allegedly owed over his BBC and ITV presenting work.HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is appealing a 2022 tribunal decision that the presenter’s services provided through his personal company should not be treated as work performed under employment contracts for tax purposes.

Transcript

00:00 In a prolonged legal battle, broadcaster Adrian Charles is facing a £1.7m tax pursuit by

00:08 HMRC for money allegedly owed for his BBC and ITV presenting work.

00:14 HMRC is appealing a 2022 tribunal decision that rejected the idea of treating Charles'

00:22 services through his personal company as employment contracts for tax purposes.

00:28 Broadcasters for Charles say a near-decade-long tax fight hit by COVID-19 legal delays have

00:34 had a significant toll on his mental health.

00:37 The presenter had previously contested HMRC's claim of income tax and national insurance

00:43 owed by his personal service company, Basic Broadcasting Ltd.

00:49 Charles asserted BBL owed over £1.7m for contracts spanning between 2012 and 2017.

00:59 A 2022 first-tier tribunal ruled in Charles' favour, highlighting the absence of tax evasion

01:06 intent.

01:07 However, at the recent upper tribunal appeal, HMRC argued that the lower tribunal made a

01:14 legal error.

01:16 They contend Charles should be treated as an employee due to the broadcaster's control

01:21 over his work.

01:22 Charles' legal team defend the initial ruling, emphasising that he operated as a self-employed

01:28 contractor, providing services through his company to various parties.

01:33 The hearing, which concludes on Tuesday, awaits a ruling.

01:37 If reheard, the decade-long litigation could be extended.

01:41 [MUSIC PLAYING]

01:45 (upbeat music)

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