Addison Lee Founder John Griffin Owes £20.5 Million in Taxes

A London tribunal ruled that Sir John Griffin, the founder of Addison Lee, owes £20.5 million in unpaid taxes. The decision follows a challenge by HM Revenue and Customs regarding Griffin's tax returns between 2013 and 2020.

Griffin sought non-domiciled status, which would have exempted his foreign earnings from UK tax. He argued that his Irish heritage and emotional ties to Ireland justified this classification. However, the tribunal dismissed the claim, finding that Griffin had settled in England in every meaningful sense by raising his family in Hertfordshire and establishing his business in London.

Griffin did not testify in person during the proceedings due to medical evidence of cognitive decline. The tribunal concluded that his domicile had shifted to England long before he reached adulthood, rendering his claims of non-domicile invalid.