Shakira Pays Spanish Tax Agency 14.5 Million Euros Tax Evasion Settlement
Colombian pop singer Shakira has had to pay the Spanish Tax Agency 14.5 million Euros after she was accused of tax evasion between the years 2012 and 2014.
The Spanish Tax Agency recently confirmed Shakira, who is also the long-time partner of Barcelona FC superstar Gerard Pique, evaded the large tax sum which was reported earlier this week (21 April).
The tax authorities claim Shakira owed the government EUR 14.5 million for failing to pay her personal income tax between the years 2012 and 2014.
International broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) said the authorities assure the singer “channelled the movements of her capital earned from her professional activities” through companies based in the Caiman Islands, Malta, Panama, Luxembourg or in the British Virgin Islands.
However, the singer defended herself saying that she was not actually living in Spain at the time but had sporadic visits to the Iberian country to visit her long-time and current boyfriend Pique.
Shakira said she did not officially move to Spain until the birth of her second son, Sasha Pique Mebarak, 6, in January 2015 and did not spend the mandatory minimum number of days in Spain between 2012 to 2014 which would have obligated her to pay taxes in the country.
If a person lives in Spain for more than 183 natural days out of the year, they are obligated to pay taxes in the country.
Shakira explained she was travelling a lot at the time as she was participating in the hit US singing contest show ‘The Voice’ and was performing around the world.
However, local media said the tax authorities assure Shakira did stay the number of days necessary in Spain to warrant her to pay the taxes.
The pop singer has reportedly paid the Tax Agency the large sum, plus interest, for her alleged tax evasion but still maintains her innocence.
A judge has set another hearing on 8th July when the tax investigators and Shakira’s defence will present their evidence to see if the pop star did in fact spend more than 183 days in Spain.