Former England striker Gary Lineker has denied reports that he owes HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) £1.3 million in taxes, following a report in The Sun.
The Sun, which has since taken down the story, alleged that Lineker was amongst a number of former professional footballers that invested in film investment schemes set up by Ingenious Media Partners, which HMRC believes are designed for the purpose of avoiding tax.
In response to the allegations, Lineker tweeted that he always paid his taxes in full and that he had nothing hidden from the taxman.
he continued:
The Sun has done another truth avoidance piece on its front page. I look forward to the tiny apology on page 47 in a few weeks time.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 31, 2015
The government designed the tax break to promote investment in British film, but the loophole has become notorious for exploitation by financial firms creating schemes to help companies and individuals avoid paying tax.
HMRC has recently stepped up is crackdown on these tax avoidance schemes, and issued 600 accelerated payment demands to their investors, giving them 90 days to pay the disputed tax before the scheme is challenged in court.
