Rupert Grint, best known for his role as Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter films, is making headlines again, but not for his acting.
RUPERT GRINT’S TAX BATTLE
The 36-year-old star has been ordered to pay an eye-watering R42 million to the British tax authority, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). This is after losing a prolonged legal battle over his earnings.
The dispute began in 2019 when HMRC challenged one of Grint’s tax returns, according to BBC.
At the centre of the case was a payment of R105 million he received during the 2011-2012 tax year. This amount came from a company managing his finances, where Grint was the sole shareholder.
RUPERT GRINT’S LEGAL WRANGLING
The payment included income and bonuses tied to his work on the Harry Potter series.
Grint argued that the money qualified as a capital gain, which is taxed at a lower rate of 10%. However, HMRC insisted it should be classified as income and taxed at the much higher rate of 52%.
After years of legal wrangling, a tax tribunal judge ruled in HMRC’s favour. Judge Harriet Morgan dismissed Grint’s appeal.
She explained that the funds “derived substantially the whole of its value from the activities of Mr Grint.” It is then therefore counted as income.
RUPERT GRINT’S LARGE BILL
The ruling leaves Grint with a massive R42 million bill to settle, according to Sky News.
This isn’t Grint’s first tangle with the tax authorities. Back in 2019, he lost a separate case involving a R23 million tax refund.
These financial battles are proving to be an expensive lesson for the actor, who found fame at a young age.
TAX LAWS IN SOUTH AFRICA
South Africans may find his situation familiar.
Tax disputes with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) have tripped up several local celebrities. As Grint’s case shows, the tax authorities usually come out on top.
Grint shot to fame as the lovable Ron Weasley, starring in all eight Harry Potter films between 2001 and 2011.
The franchise turned him into one of the wealthiest young actors of his generation.
FINANCIAL DECISIONS UNDER SCRUTINY
Since then, he has taken on smaller projects, including the Apple TV series Servant. He has featured in the series for the past four years.
Despite his success, Grint’s financial decisions are now under scrutiny, according to the New York Post.
Tax expert Thandi Ndlovu says cases like this highlight a crucial point. “Even with professional advice, celebrities need to understand the basics of tax law.
Mistakes can cost millions, as Rupert Grint is discovering.”
Grint, known for his laid-back demeanour, has not commented publicly on the ruling.
Fans, however, have taken to social media to rally behind him. One quipped, “Ron Weasley defeated Death Eaters, but even he can’t escape the taxman!”
The story serves as a cautionary tale for everyone, not just celebrities.
South Africans should take heed. Whether you’re earning millions or just getting by, ignoring tax obligations can lead to big problems.
DO YOU BELIEVE THAT TAX LAWS ARE FAIR, OR DO THEY FAVOUR THE RICH?
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