Ex-BBC presenter Christa Ackroyd has embarked on a dramatic career change, swapping television for property after a long-running tax battle with HMRC. The 69-year-old, once a familiar face on BBC's Look North programme, is now creating online property tours as part of her new role at Hunters in Otley, West Yorkshire.
Ackroyd faced a protracted legal dispute over IR35 rules after she was incorrectly classified as self-employed for tax purposes during her time with the broadcaster. A tribunal ultimately ruled that she had been liable for up to £420,000 in unpaid tax and National Insurance contributions – although HMRC did not allege any dishonesty.
Ackroyd has already produced two property videos on a freelance basis for Hunters Otley and is open to collaborating with other estate agents. Lester Hurst of Hunters Otley hailed her involvement as 'phenomenal', citing her long-standing television presence and newfound passion for property as key factors in the partnership.
The case of Christa Ackroyd highlights the risks faced by freelancers and contractors when navigating IR35 rules, which aim to ensure accurate tax and National Insurance contributions. Those found non-compliant can face substantial financial penalties – a risk that underscores the importance of robust employment status assessments for UK businesses engaging freelance talent.
HMRC's ongoing scrutiny of IR35 enforcement continues to influence how companies engage contractors, with potential implications for operational costs and workforce flexibility. Businesses must ensure they have in place robust processes to assess contractor status, mitigating the risk of unexpected tax liabilities.