LONDON: The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in its fight with Rangers over the club’s use of Employee Benefit Trusts (EBTs). More than £47m was paid to players, managers and directors between 2001 and 2010 in tax-free loans.
However, HMRC argued the payments were earnings and should be taxable. The court’s decision is not expected to have any material or financial impact on Rangers now as the club is owned by a different company. Rangers’ use of EBTs and the subsequent appeals by HMRC became known as the “big tax case”.
Two tribunals in 2012 and 2014 had previously found in Rangers’ favour, but the Court of Session found in favour of HMRC after an appeal in 2015. Liquidators BDO were then allowed to appeal to the Supreme Court in London as the ruling has implications for future cases. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court unanimously dismissed RFC’s appeal and ruled in favour of HMRC.
