Supreme Court blocks Bolt's appeal, leaving £190 million VAT bill in place
The Supreme Court refused Bolt's request to appeal a VAT dispute, confirming an estimated £190 million tax liability.
HMRC contested Bolt's application of the tour operators' margin scheme (TOMS), which would limit VAT to the commission rather than the full fare. After the Court of Appeal sided with the tax authority in June, Bolt sought permission to take the case to the Supreme Court. The highest court declined, stating the matter did not raise a point of law of general public importance, leaving the Court of Appeal's decision in place and an estimated £190 million VAT liability for Bolt.
Kimberly Hurd, Bolt's senior manager for the UK and Ireland, expressed disappointment and warned the outcome could affect driver earnings and passenger fares. Legal experts noted the judgment could bring an end to the broader litigation, including Uber's pending £1 billion VAT case. Black-cab drivers have previously urged the government to close the perceived loophole used by ride-hailing firms. HMRC was not available for comment.
Why it matters
The ruling fixes a major tax liability for Bolt and could set precedent for other ride-hailing firms like Uber.
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