Film investment scheme loses latest battle in HMRC tax dispute

Backed by Beckham, Rooney and others

Victoria McKeever
clock • 3 min read

Film partnership Ingenious lost the latest decision in an ongoing court dispute with HMRC over an approximated £700m tax bill, after a tribunal ruled losses eligible for tax relief were to be cut to a mere 4%.

Ingenious sought to challenge the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) charge of tax avoidance on investments in three of its subsidiaries.   HMRC calculated the tax bill for the case was worth around £700m, made up of £420m in tax plus added interest. The schemes were investing in blockbuster films including Avatar and attracted investments from the likes of Gary Lineker, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney.  HMRC deemed investors were claiming tax relief on artificial losses and demanded immediate payment of the avoided tax.  In August 2016 the first-tier tax tribunal ruled ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Tax planning

MPs call out 'perversity' of infected blood scandal inheritance tax charge

MPs call out 'perversity' of infected blood scandal inheritance tax charge

Comes as 12-week consultation launches

Jen Frost
clock 31 October 2025 • 3 min read
The 'stark' impact of tax and pensions changes on special needs families

The 'stark' impact of tax and pensions changes on special needs families

Among hardest hit by ‘poorly consulted’ reforms

Jen Frost
clock 27 October 2025 • 8 min read
Former BoE governor Lord King slams potential 'mansion tax' proposal – report

Former BoE governor Lord King slams potential 'mansion tax' proposal – report

The potential property tax ‘not a coherent tax strategy’

Isabel Baxter
clock 27 October 2025 • 2 min read