The former "Harry Potter" film star, Rupert Grint, who famously portrayed Ron Weasley in the magical movie saga, has been dealt a financial blow, facing an impressive tax bill of 1.8 million pounds ($2.3 million) following an unsuccessful legal skirmish with the U.K.'s tax authorities.
In 2019, the Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (H.M.R.C.), the nation's tax agency, conducted an investigation into Grint's tax returns spanning seven years prior. This probe led to a court order requiring Grint to fork over a substantial amount of money. The agency contended that Grint had incorrectly categorized 4.5 million pounds worth of residuals from the Harry Potter films—revenue stemming from DVD sales, television syndication, streaming rights, and various other avenues—as a capital asset, rather than income, which attracts a significantly higher tax rate.
Grint's legal team launched an appeal, but after years of contentious debates, a tribunal judge dismissed the actor's claims this week. Judge Harriet Morgan delivered a ruling that was clear and concise, stating that the funds "largely derived their entire value from Grint's endeavors" and should therefore "be taxable as income."
Now 36, Grint played the beloved role of Harry Potter's loyal best friend across all eight films between 2001 and 2011, reportedly earning an impressive 24 million pounds for his portrayal. Prior to this latest setback, Grint had already suffered a defeat in a separate court battle over a 1 million pound tax refund in 2019.
