Rupert Grint seeking $1.3 million tax refund

Rupert Grint has taken legal action against the British government to pursue a tax refund estimated to be worth a reported $1.34 million (£1 million).
The Harry Potter star, 27, appeared in a London court on Monday (27Jun16) for a hearing aimed at resolving his dispute with U.K. tax authorities Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Although no figure was given in court for how much Rupert would recoup if his case, which is over his tax returns from 2008-2010, is successful, his accountant confirmed to reporters the amount at stake could be as much as $1.34 million (£1 million).
According to Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper, when appearing at the hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice’s tax chamber, the British actor said he did not look after his tax affairs himself.
“I didn’t really have a reason to question them (the accounts),” he told the court. “I am not too great. My knowledge of this is quite limited so I put a lot of faith and trust in Dan’s knowledge.”
Rupert’s lawyer Patrick Soares told the tribunal, ““There is no tax avoidance involved here. He has paid all his tax up front,” he said. If he wins the case he gets a refund. He just wants to make that point in open court.”
HMRC officials are yet to comment on the hearing, which is due to last until Wednesday (29Jun16).
The star, who played Ron Weasley in the wizarding films, is not the only Harry Potter actor whose financial affairs have hit the headlines in recent months.
Last month (May16) Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, was named as one of several celebrities who set up an offshore company for the purpose of purchasing a home in London in leaked documents from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca.
A spokesperson for the actress insisted the purchase of the property was made through the offshore company for privacy reasons rather than to gain a tax advantage.
“Emma (like many high profile individuals) set up an offshore company for the sole purpose of protecting her anonymity and safety,” the representative told Britain’s Spectator magazine.