Reform UK Calls Tice’s £91,000 Tax Dispute a ‘Minor Administrative Error’
Richard Tice, a prominent figure in Reform UK, has stated that a recent tax controversy tied to his property company constitutes “a minor administrative error.” The company, which he established and controlled, reportedly missed paying £91,000 in taxes prior to distributing dividends to him and his Jersey-based trust, as detailed by the Sunday Times.
Party Concedes Oversight in Tax Handling
Zia Yusuf, Reform UK’s home affairs spokesperson, acknowledged the situation as “a minor administrative error” but emphasized it was “a non-story.” He argued that any shortfall in the company’s tax payments would have been compensated by Tice personally through income tax, ensuring the total tax due was fully covered.
“We neither confirm nor deny investigations, and we cannot comment on identifiable individuals,” said a spokesperson for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Tice Defends Tax Strategy on Social Media
In a post on X, Tice contended that the Sunday Times’s report highlighted how “overall HMRC received the correct amount of tax due.” He criticized the paper for implying he overpaid, suggesting the company’s failure to meet the 20% levy on dividends was a technicality rather than a significant issue.
“This is a major scandal which goes to the heart of Richard Tice’s integrity and credibility. Reform cannot ignore it,” stated a Labour spokesperson.
Labour Demands Explanation and Investigation
Last month, Labour requested HMRC to probe Tice’s tax affairs after the Sunday Times alleged he had “avoided nearly £600,000 in corporation tax” via his property firm. Anna Turley, chair of Labour, wrote to the tax authority following the report, urging clarity on whether the company adhered to legal obligations.
At a press conference in Westminster, Tice asserted that Quidnet REIT Limited “was a UK company paying UK tax in accordance with UK laws.” He questioned the necessity of paying the maximum tax, asking journalists: “How many of your friends would voluntarily choose to pay more tax than they are legally obliged to do?”
“How many of your friends would voluntarily choose to pay more tax than they are legally obliged to do?” Tice posed to reporters, arguing that the idea of paying the maximum tax “lies at the heart of the road to ruin for the UK as an economy.”
