Rupert Grint Loses $2.3 Million Tax Case Over Harry Potter Earnings

Rupert Grint, ‘Harry Potter’ Star, Loses Legal Battle Over $2.3 Million Tax Bill

Rupert Grint, best known for his role as Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter films, has been ordered to pay a hefty £1.8 million ($2.3 million) tax bill after losing a legal dispute with the U.K.’s tax authorities.

The case dates back to a 2019 investigation by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), which challenged how Grint reported his earnings. The dispute centered on £4.5 million in residual payments from the Harry Potter franchise—earnings from DVD sales, TV syndication, streaming rights, and more. Grint had classified the funds as a capital asset, subject to a lower tax rate, instead of regular income, which is taxed at a higher rate.

After years of legal proceedings, Tribunal Judge Harriet Morgan ruled against Grint this week. The judge concluded that the payments “derived substantially the whole of its value from the activities of Mr. Grint” and therefore qualified as taxable income.

Grint, now 36, starred in all eight Harry Potter films between 2001 and 2011, reportedly earning approximately £24 million during his time in the franchise. This isn’t the first time the actor has faced challenges with HMRC; in 2019, he also lost a separate legal battle over a £1 million tax refund.

Despite the magical success of his acting career, it seems Grint isn’t immune to financial disputes in the real world.