Addison Lee founder defeated in £20m non-dom tax dispute
The founder of premium minicab firm Addison Lee has failed to overturn a £20.5m tax bill from HMRC after arguing that he should be treated as a non-dom in spite of having lived in England for most of his life. Sir John Griffin, aged 84, who was born in England in 1942 to Irish parents [...]
Sir John Griffin, the 84-year-old founder of premium minicab firm Addison Lee, has lost a £20.5m tax dispute with HMRC. Despite arguing for non-dom status due to his strong Irish ties and investments, the London tribunal ruled in HMRC's favor. The court found that Griffin "settled in England" in every meaningful way by 2013, establishing his home, family, business, wealth, and professional life there.
While Griffin retained emotional attachment to Ireland and hoped to spend more time there, it was not enough to qualify him as a non-dom. HMRC had challenged Griffin's domicile status on his self-assessment tax returns from 2013 to 2020, aiming to prevent him from avoiding UK taxes on foreign income. Griffin's shares in Addison Lee were sold to The Carlyle Group in 2013, after which he invested heavily in offshore ventures, including a £10m Brazilian iron ore project.
The tribunal emphasized that England was where Griffin built his life, making it his permanent home. HMRC expressed satisfaction with the decision, confirming Griffin's domicile status in England during the relevant years.
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