John Griffin, the 84-year-old founder of the private hire firm Addison Lee, has been ordered to pay £20.5 million in unpaid taxes following a ruling by a UK tax tribunal. The dispute centered on Griffin’s tax returns between 2013 and 2020, during which he claimed non-domiciled status. This classification would have allowed him to avoid paying UK tax rates on foreign income held outside the country.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) challenged this status, arguing that despite Griffin's claims of a deep personal connection to Ireland, he did not meet the legal requirements for non-dom status. Griffin, who has lived in the UK since childhood, testified to his strong emotional attachment to Ireland, stating, “I was and am besotted with Ireland, infatuated with Ireland. I believe that I have always been and am Irish.”

The tribunal ultimately dismissed Griffin’s argument, siding with HMRC’s assessment that his domicile remained in the UK. The ruling confirms that Griffin is liable for the £20.5 million in tax that he had previously sought to exempt. The case highlights the ongoing scrutiny by tax authorities regarding the 'non-dom' status, a tax regime that has faced increasing political and public debate in the UK regarding its fairness and application to long-term residents.