Robert Gaines-Cooper, the Seychelles-based British multi-millionaire at the centre at a long-running battle with HM Customs and Revenue – that could see thousands of UK tax exiles chased for backdated tax – has won the right to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Robert Gaines-Cooper, the Seychelles-based British multi-millionaire at the centre at a long-running battle with HM Customs and Revenue – that could see thousands of UK tax exiles chased for backdated tax – has won the right to appeal to the Supreme Court.
The entrepreneur left Britain in 1976 but is being pursued for tax backdated to 1982 under an interpretation of UK tax law that could also be applied to some other prominent tax exiles.
He lost his case in the Appeal Court in February but says he wants to fight on because it raises important issues of clarity, consistency and fairness that are relevant to all taxpayers.
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Mr Gaines-Cooper, 72, said he is not attempting to evade tax and that his companies pay tax in 16 countries, including the UK and US, Canada, Italy, Australia, Singapore, Germany, Spain, South Africa and Japan.
The law has got to be made clear,” he said. “This case is not just for myself. It’s about fighting for clarity in the UK tax system.
“The lack of transparency in the UK tax system means that no taxpayer can rely on guidance from the UK tax authorities.”
To read the full story, visit telegraph.co.uk
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