Actors are being unfairly pursued in a 'coordinated attack' by the taxman, warns Equity

Actors are being unfairly targeted by the taxman for National Insurance contributions, according to a showbusiness union.

Bosses at Equity say they fear HMRC is conducting a 'co-ordinated attack' against stars of the stage and screen.

The concerns were raised after actor Robert Glenister ended up on the losing side of a recent tax tribunal fight.

Equity general secretary Christine Payne said that she was 'gravely concerned' about the targeting of members of the union.

'Instead of being celebrated for their contribution to the local culture and global reputation of the UK, these self-employed professionals are being pursued for National Insurance contributions, including paying for employers' secondary contributions,' she added.

'Whilst HMRC has accepted that this is not an issue of income tax avoidance, they nonetheless now stand ready to unleash their tax officials on our members.'

Glenister’s case centred around Big Bad Wolff Ltd. a private services company (PSC) he operated to offer 'services to clients' in 2004.

PSCs can be attractive as workers can be classed as 'off-payroll', meaning paying fewer tax contributions than those who are employees.

HMRC are now cracking down on schemes, labelling them as 'disguised remuneration'.





MailOnline