Sport : Football

HMRC appeal over Rangers case

4th February 2013, 05:08pm

Bet with SkyBet  Scottish Division 3. Click here to bet.

Rangers: Won the 'big tax case' in November

Rangers: Won the 'big tax case' in November

An appeal has been lodged by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) over a tax tribunal which ruled in favour of oldco Rangers' use of Employee Benefit Trusts (EBTs).

Rangers effectively won its "big tax case" in November, following a First Tier Tax Tribunal which heard the club's appeal over a bill relating to the use of EBTs.

A majority verdict was delivered that allowed the appeal in principle and declared that the assessments of HMRC be "reduced substantially".

Two of the three judges decreed that only some of the payments made to players through EBTs were taxable but that many of them could be described as loans, as the club had argued.

In a statement, two tribunal judges agreed with the club's outline case.

They stated: "The majority view reflects the argument that the controversial monies received by the employees were not paid to them as their absolute entitlement.

"Thus the payments are loans, not earnings."

HMRC said at the time it was "disappointed" with the decision, and a spokesman said on Monday: "We have lodged our appeal on the Rangers EBT case."

Rangers was under the control of Sir David Murray when it began using EBTs. He sold the club for £1 to Craig Whyte in 2011, while the tax liability was in dispute. The old club went into administration in February last year, owing up to £134 million to unsecured creditors.

The decision came too late to save oldco Rangers from being wound up and does not directly affect the current Ibrox regime.

The club was relaunched as a new corporate entity in June when the original company was consigned to liquidation.


Click here for completely free £10 bet with Sky Bet & £5 free every week


Bet with SkyBet  Scottish Division 3. Click here to bet.

Football Videos

    Whelan won't make unrealistic promises

    Whelan won't make unrealistic promises

    23-May-2013

    Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has delayed making a decision on his future until Monday, but chairman Dave Whelan says he won't promise him anything he can't deliver.

    Gallacher - Bowyer capable of leading Rovers

    Gallacher - Bowyer capable of leading Rovers

    23-May-2013

    Caretaker manager Gary Bowyer is favourite to take full charge of Blackburn Rovers and former player Kevin Gallacher believes he is capable of leading the Lancashire club.

    Fighting fit Mario Balotelli

    Fighting fit Mario Balotelli

    23-May-2013

    See how Mario Balotelli used boxing training to ensure he was in top condition ahead of his transfer to AC Milan.

    Zola - Watford in good shape

    Zola - Watford in good shape

    23-May-2013

    Gianfranco Zola says his team are in good shape ahead of the Championship Play-off final.

    Sky Bet

      • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

    Facebook Favourites