In brief
Shakira has been awarded a £50 million tax refund by a Spanish court, which ruled that the country's tax authority improperly collected these funds. The singer was acquitted of tax fraud after the court concluded that tax authorities could not prove she met the residency requirement. Despite this victory, Spain's tax agency plans to appeal the ruling. Shakira expressed relief over the court's decision, which she feels has vindicated her after years of public scrutiny. This case follows a history of tax disputes involving the singer.
By Paul Glynn, Culture Reporter
8 hours agoA Spanish court has ordered the country's tax authority to refund €55m (£48m, $64m) to singer Shakira after ruling that the money was improperly collected in a tax dispute. The national high court acquitted the Colombian singer of tax fraud, mandating the Treasury to repay the sum along with interest.
The court concluded that the tax authorities failed to demonstrate Shakira spent 183 days in Spain during 2011, the minimum required for residents to pay personal income tax in the country. Shakira expressed relief over the ruling, stating that it had 'finally set the record straight' following years of public scrutiny that affected her health and well-being.
The repayment includes approximately €24m (£21m) in income tax and nearly €25m (£22m) in fines for alleged severe infringements. Although the court ruled in her favor, the tax agency has announced plans to appeal to the Supreme Court, delaying any potential payment.
The 49-year-old singer, famous for hits like 'Hips Don't Lie' and 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)', lived in Spain with former footballer Gerard Piqué for over a decade, but the court determined she only stayed in the country for 163 days during the fiscal year in question, 20 days short of residency requirements.
This recent ruling marks a significant chapter in Shakira’s ongoing legal battles with Spanish tax authorities, including previous settlements and ongoing investigations into her tax payments. As she prepares to wrap up her Women Don't Cry Anymore world tour with a residency in Madrid, Shakira's legal victories provide a notable backdrop to her upcoming performances, including a high-profile show at the FIFA Men's World Cup final.
