Jamie Carragher tax dispute to be resolved as HMRC petitions for former Liverpool defender to be declared bankrupt

Representatives of former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher say a tax dispute involving him will be resolved imminently.

The HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have filed a petition to have him declared bankrupt.

Court filings show that HMRC brought the case against Carragher at the High Court in London. The 48-year-old was listed as a litigant in person, with the case appearing in court listings on August 27.

However, Carragher’s representatives have quickly reassured the public that the matter will not develop into a bankruptcy order. 

“This is a private tax matter that should have been resolved sooner, and the appropriate steps are being taken today to settle it,” the spokesperson told the Liverpool Echo. 

“It is understood that the matter will not proceed any further, and will be resolved imminently.”

HMRC declined to comment specifically on Carragher’s case but stressed that it generally works with people who have outstanding tax debts before considering bankruptcy proceedings.

A spokesperson for the tax authority said it takes a supportive approach and can offer options such as instalment plans to people who engage with it to clear their debts. 

HMRC added that it only petitions for bankruptcy as a last resort.

According to Stratford Hamilton, a partner at PKF Littlejohn Advisory UK LLP, HMRC petitions have increased in recent years, and the department is one of the main creditors behind bankruptcy petitions in the United Kingdom.

“HMRC petitions have been on the increase for a while now, and they remain the main leading creditor behind petitions issued in the bankruptcy courts,” Hamilton said.

“A bankruptcy order can have serious consequences for an individual. 

“In addition to the loss of assets, a number of restrictions are imposed on a bankrupt individual, including limitations on acting as a company director, obtaining credit and managing business affairs.

“The issuing of the petition does not prevent the individual from paying the petition debt. 

“A number of celebrities have paid their outstanding tax liabilities following the issuing of petitions, with the result being the withdrawal of the petition by HMRC. 

“The withdrawal of the petition means that the individual avoids bankruptcy and any restrictions placed on that individual.”

Carragher has built a successful career in broadcasting since retiring from professional football. 

The former Premier League centre-back is a major part of Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage and regularly appears alongside Gary Neville on Monday Night Football.

He is also a regular on the Stick to Football podcast and has expanded his international profile through CBS Sports’ Champions League coverage.