BBC TV STARS ‘OWE TAXMAN MILLIONS’
HUNDREDS of BBC stars are facing huge tax bills after bosses encouraged them to funnel wages through private companies.
They were employed off payroll so the Beeb could apparently save millions in national insurance contributions.
Presenters have claimed the corporation forced them to set up “personal service companies” between 2007 and 2012.
Some said they had suffered “life-altering” levels of stress and worry. The National Audit Office has warned 800 presenters may have to pay back tax.
Regional presenter Christa Ackroyd, 61, who worked on BBC Look North in Yorkshire for 12 years, is already facing a demand for £420,000 in unpaid tax.
A report by auditors said that the BBC “estimated that some 800 presenters... warranted further review as they were at risk of being challenged by HMRC”.
It said the BBC paid £8.3million in advance to the taxman last year to avoid any penalties potentially due. The Beeb was blasted by MPs recently for failing to clear up the “mess” and leaving freelancers in “desperate circumstances”.
The BBC said: “We recognise there are still issues to address and remain committed to resolving them.”
HMRC said: “Where presenters have not paid the right amount of tax it is right that we enforce the law so people are treated equally and fairly.”