Gary Lineker has been accused of "gross hypocrisy" after signing an open letter with over 100 millionaires calling for increased taxes on the wealthiest, while simultaneously engaging in a protracted five-year legal dispute with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) over a £4.9 million tax bill.
The signatories of the letter, who describe themselves as "patriotic millionaires," publicly declared their willingness to be taxed more, stating, "We want you to tax us. We can afford it." However, Lineker's own tax affairs have drawn criticism, particularly his resistance to paying a £3.62 million income tax and £1.31 million National Insurance bill related to his television presenting work between 2013 and 2018.
Tax Tribunal and Previous Schemes
Court documents indicate that the former England footballer fought these demands for years, with a tax tribunal ultimately ruling in his favor in 2023. The case involved Lineker being paid as a contractor through his company, Gary Lineker Media, which allowed for income to be partially paid as dividends, subject to a lower corporation tax rate. HMRC had argued he should have been classified as an employee under IR35 legislation, designed to combat disguised employment.
This dispute emerged approximately 20 years after Lineker reportedly invested at least £100,000 in tax avoidance schemes run by Ingenious Media. These schemes offered significant tax breaks to film investors, including those involved in producing films like "Avatar" and "Life of Pi." In 2016, a tax tribunal determined that participants were entitled to only a portion of the tax relief they had claimed, with HMRC noting in 2021 that while the partnerships were found to be trading for profit, the court also "noted that the LLPs were tax avoidance schemes."
Further scrutiny arose from leaked documents in 2017, suggesting Lineker may have avoided stamp duty when selling a property in Barbados by conducting the sale through an offshore firm registered in the British Virgin Islands. His representatives have stated that all taxes due were paid. Under Barbados law, stamp duty and transfer taxes are applicable unless the property is sold by a company in the BVI.
Criticism from Political Figures
Political figures have voiced strong criticism regarding the apparent contradiction in Lineker's actions. Andrew Griffith, the Conservative shadow business secretary, stated, "It beggars belief that he would spend his time on elaborate tax avoidance schemes whilst lecturing others on why they should pay more tax." Robert Jenrick MP, Reform Treasury spokesman, commented, "Gary Lineker's hypocrisy is breathtaking. If he wants to pay more tax he could sign a cheque to the Treasury tomorrow."
Lineker's spokesman did not respond to requests for comment on the accusations.