John Barnes Media Hit with Director Ban for Tax Evasion

John Barnes Faces Director Ban Over Tax Evasion

In a significant development concerning corporate responsibility, the former England and Liverpool football star, John Barnes, has been handed a director ban following a serious breach of tax duties. An investigation by the HM Revenue’s Insolvency Service has uncovered that John Barnes Media, a company offering media representation services, neglected to pay upwards of £190,000 in corporation tax and VAT over a two-year span.

The probe into the company’s financial activities between 2018 and 2020 revealed a stark failure to meet tax obligations. Despite a turnover of £441,798 during this period, not a single pound was remitted to HM Revenue and Customs in tax. This lack of payment occurred even though returns were filed indicating the due VAT amounts.

Barnes, who established John Barnes Media in September 2012 and served as its sole director, has accepted a disqualification undertaking. This measure effectively prohibits him from participating in the promotion, formation, or management of any company for three and a half years without court approval. The ban commenced this Wednesday, marking a significant turn in the ex-footballer’s post-athletic career.

Mike Smith, the chief investigator at the Insolvency Service, underscored the gravity of the situation. “John Barnes had a legal duty to ensure his company paid the correct amount of corporation tax and VAT,” Smith stated. He highlighted the consequences of such tax evasion, noting that directing funds elsewhere while neglecting tax payments could lead to a director ban.

The investigation detailed that John Barnes Media failed to pay £78,839 in corporation tax from August 2018 to January 2020 and an additional £115,272 in VAT between February 2019 and 2020. The Insolvency Service began its inquiries into Barnes’ conduct as a director in September 2023, culminating in the recent disqualification.

Barnes, renowned for his football prowess and earning 79 England caps in his career, now faces repercussions that extend beyond the pitch and into the realm of corporate governance and fiscal responsibility.