In a recent turn of events, James Corden has taken a cheeky shot at Prince Harry, following the Duke of Sussex’s surprising appearance in a UK court.
The late-night host couldn’t resist mocking Harry, hinting that the prince might be playing a risky game with the taxman.
It seems that Harry’s return to the UK has raised eyebrows, especially considering the implications of his stay in the United States.
The speculation surrounding Prince Harry’s motives for flying back to the UK is rife.
With nearly 183 days having passed since he attended Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, some are questioning whether his trip was purely for legal reasons.
The Duke’s timing is crucial because of the U.S. tax laws that could affect him significantly.
Under the Substantial Presence Test, if Harry spends more than 183 days in the U.S., he may be required to file a tax return there.
This test operates similarly to the UK’s Statutory Residence Test, but with its own quirks.
Essentially, if a person spends over 31 days in the current tax year and 183 days over a three-year span in the U.S., they could be deemed a resident for tax purposes.
For Harry, this means that if he’s considered a U.S. resident, his global income would be subject to American taxes.
California, where Harry and Meghan reside, has one of the highest tax rates in the country.
While it’s not uncommon for celebrities to seek ways to minimize their tax burdens, the stakes are high for Harry.
If he wants to avoid U.S. income taxes by adhering to the 183-day rule, he’d need to limit his time in the U.S. to around 121 days each year.
That’s a tight squeeze for someone with a busy schedule.
However, even if Harry manages to navigate around federal income taxes, he still faces hefty property taxes in California.
It’s a complex web of tax obligations that could leave him paying through the nose, regardless of his efforts to be “tax efficient.” The reality is, even without income tax, the state’s tax structure could hit him hard.
Moreover, Harry’s business ventures, including Archwell Productions, add another layer to his financial situation.
He’ll still be liable for payroll taxes on his earnings, further complicating his tax strategy.
It’s a balancing act that many high-profile individuals face, but Prince Harry’s circumstances are particularly scrutinized due to his royal background.
Adding to the intrigue, an immigration expert has weighed in on Harry’s residency status in light of his past drug use, which he openly discusses in his upcoming memoir.
Professor Albert Benitez from George Washington University suggests that Harry might have faced tough questions about his drug history during his visa application process.
In his memoir, set to release on January 10, Harry admits to experimenting with cannabis, cocaine, and psychedelics.
This revelation raises concerns about his immigration status, as honesty about such matters is critical when applying for residency in the U.S.
According to Benitez, if Harry was truthful, he could have been denied entry based on his admissions.
If Harry failed to disclose his substance use, he could face serious repercussions, including the potential revocation of his visa.
Related Stories
