Toxic tax schemes used by celebrities
ROBBIE Williams was a major investor in a controversial fund accused of tax avoidance.
The former Take That singer had a £2million stake in the film investment scheme Inside Track Productions in 2002-03, meaning he could have reduced his tax bill by the same amount by offsetting his other income against Inside Track losses. Investors were also entitled to a percentage of the films’ profits.
Williams, who is reportedly worth £14 million, has not responded to previous requests for a comment on his investments.
David and Victoria Beckham also sank money into the Inside Track scheme, and could have jointly secured a tax break of £1million.
The couple, who are reported to be worth £280m, say they have always paid their taxes in full and have never been involved in aggressive tax avoidance schemes.
TV presenters Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly invested in the Inside Track scheme and could have saved £100,000 each. The pair, who were this year reported to have a fortune of £4 million between them, have not responded to previous requests for comments.
Last month, Wayne Rooney was accused in Parliament of taking part in a multi-million-pound tax ‘dodge’. The England and Manchester United footballer was one of dozens of wealthy players suspected of using lucrative image rights to cut their tax bills.
Tory MP Charlie Elphicke told Parliament: ‘Would you agree fans are right to be angry that big clubs, including players like England captain Wayne Rooney, stand accused of dirtying the beautiful game with a culture of excessive greed and tax dodging?’
Rooney’s spokesman said the player’s tax affairs were ‘conducted in full compliance with the law’.