The Belgian tax authority is looking into the Red Devil’s tax schemes in Luxemburg, De Morgen revealed on Tuesday. It is especially looking into set ups regarding companies belonging to Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois, Divock Origi and Kevin Mirallas.
In November last year, the LuxLeaks financial scandal brought to light tax schemes that allowed numerous international clients, including large international companies, to strike very advantageous deals with the Luxemburg tax authority. The Red Devils listed above all have companies in Luxemburg, which they apparently use to transfer advertising income, which they only pay 20% tax on in Luxemburg. It would be taxed at 100% in Belgium.
The tax schemes are perfectly legal, but could cost Hazard and co dearly, a financial expert explains. “Before, only the administration councils of companies had to meet in Luxemburg. Now, the footballer in question has to prove that the company is managed from Luxemburg, which is obviously much more difficult”.
The inquiry by the Special Tax Investigation unit will also be looking at the footballer’s agents, and football clubs.
(Source: Belga)
