Jorge Lorenzo won the battle with the Spanish tax authorities who pursued him for several years, demanding several millions from him on the basis of alleged fraud. The administrative justice of his country vindicated him and freed him from what he admits today was a difficult weight to bear. The court's ruling was therefore not to be taken as the final result since here is the version of the story experienced by Por Fuera through a letter sent to the media. And here is the full content…
Jorge Lorenzo believes here to have been the victim of a form of harassment on the part of Tax Administration of his country who lost the game against the five-time World Champion in court. The epilogue of a long series which has visibly marked the illustrious taxpayer who thus expresses his feelings… “ As you all know, many years ago I decided to move to Lugano, a small modern city less than an hour from Milan “, begins the Majorcan.
« I moved there, like many other athletes, because I needed the peace and quiet the place offered when I wasn't traveling halfway around the world and the opportunity to use the Yamaha team facilities to train (60 km from home). And of course I also appreciated the tax system, much more reasonable and less aggressive and confiscatory than that of other countries », he adds in complete transparency.
Jorge Lorenzo continues: “ In June 2017, the Spanish tax authorities opened a tax audit which called into question my status as a Swiss tax resident. The audit covers the years 2013 to 2016. Although the Swiss authorities insisted that my situation was perfectly legal, the Spanish authorities always questioned everything. So they sent hundreds of requests to my sponsors and my teams, not only trying to get information, but to publicly discredit me and portray me as a tax evader in the media. They even went so far as to send police officers in the paddock to have me sign a document. These people blocked my path minutes before I got on the bike for a race. I also had to advance the money they asked me to avoid embargoes and humiliating situations (for example appearing on the list of scammers). A real farce ».
Jorge Lorenzo: “ I suffered a lot during these five and a half years de this hunt of this unfair hunt of the Spanish tax authorities«
« I suffered a lot during these five and a half years », declared the now retired 35 years, particularly on Trademarks. " As a pro, I have always tried to stay focused on the races by isolating myself from the noise about this matter. However, I have to admit that the pressure and heartache caused by this unfair chase by the Spanish tax authorities ended up affecting my professional life as well. They defeated me emotionally (something other opponents have never done) ».
« A year and a half ago, at the end of June 2021, when I had already retired from racing, I finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel. The court upheld the valid arguments put forward by my lawyers regarding the years 2013, 2014 and 2015. And of course, I was returned the money I had advanced. However, I have never received any form of compensation for the harm caused to me. No apology, private or public, no letters and no phone calls. Nothing », lamented the 68-time Grand Prix winner.
« In December there was another verdict related to 2016. I am convinced that this nightmare will now end », summarized Lorenzo. " Taxes are necessary and when the money is well managed (which is not always the case) it is an honor to contribute. However, taxes must be paid where you live. Spanish tax authorities went on a witch hunt and thought they had found a scapegoat. You were wrong. But of course, no one will give me back the sleepless nights or the peace I needed to concentrate on the track ". End of quote.
