OnlyFans Controversy: Former Teacher Faces Tax Evasion Allegations
Kirsty Buchan, previously a teacher at Bannerman High School in Glasgow, has come under scrutiny after her OnlyFans account was discovered. Operating under the pseudonym Jessica Jackrabbit, Buchan's transition from teaching to explicit content creation has caught the attention of tax authorities, with allegations of significant unpaid taxes for the fiscal year 2022-23.
Tax Evasion Details
The tax officials claim that Buchan owes a total of £64,091.65, comprising £38,902.37 in due taxes and an extra £25,189.28 in penalties. Residing in Carnbroe, Lanarkshire, and a mother to one, Buchan disputes these figures. She has voiced her intentions to settle any verified dues once the amounts are firmly established and the dispute resolved. Buchan insists on her willingness to comply, denying any tax evasion but challenging the precision of the figures cited by the authorities.
Legal and Professional Repercussions
The former educator's case has not just been a matter of public and fiscal inquiry but also of professional integrity. Following the revelation of her OnlyFans activity, Buchan faced a professional conduct hearing by the General Teaching Council for Scotland in July. The council resolved to remove her from the teaching registry to uphold public confidence in the profession. They cited the inadequacy of her efforts to conceal her identity and questioned her integrity, leading to her exclusion from teaching. Buchan chose not to participate in the council's proceedings and later criticized the methods and conclusions of the hearing.
Broad Implications in Tax Compliance Efforts
Buchan's ordeal reflects a broader compliance initiative by HMRC, which listed her among over 160 individuals and businesses facing penalties under civil procedures for tax default. This initiative includes various parties from a vape importer to online retailers. Kevin Hubbard, HMRC's Director of Individuals and Small Business Compliance, emphasized the commitment to enforcing tax laws fairly and uniformly, ensuring a level playing field among all economic actors. The public disclosure of names and penalties serves as a deterrent and a clear statement about HMRC's stern stance on tax evasion.
