Former Glasgow Teacher Kirsty Buchan Banned and Named in HMRC Tax Defaulters List Over OnlyFans Earnings

Kirsty Buchan, a former physics teacher from Glasgow, has been banned from teaching. The General Teaching Council for Scotland imposed a two-year ban. This follows the discovery of her explicit content on OnlyFans by students.

Her professional downfall is now coupled with significant financial penalties. HM Revenue and Customs has named her a deliberate tax defaulter. She faces a total bill exceeding £60,000 in unpaid taxes and penalties.

From Classroom to Content Creation

Buchan taught at Bannerman High School in Glasgow. She created an OnlyFans account under the pseudonym Jessica Jackrabbit. Pupils eventually discovered her online activity, leading to parental complaints.

The teaching council conducted a hearing last year. They found she brought the profession into disrepute. Her failure to maintain professional boundaries was a key factor in the decision.

Substantial Earnings and Tax Dispute

Her venture into adult content was financially successful. Buchan reportedly earned up to £60,000 in a single month. She cited financial pressures and teacher pay disputes as her motivation.

This high income attracted the attention of tax authorities. HMRC investigated her finances for the 2022/23 tax year. They determined she deliberately defaulted on her tax obligations.

The total demand is for £64,091.65. This includes £38,902.37 in unpaid tax and £25,189.28 in penalties. Buchan is currently disputing the penalty charges.

She stated her intention to pay the final amount once resolved. According to BBC Scotland News, she is not avoiding the tax bill itself.

HMRC’s Public Naming Policy

Buchan was one of over 160 names published by HMRC. The list targets deliberate tax defaulters across various industries. This public naming aims to deter others from non-compliance.

Kevin Hubbard, HMRC’s compliance director, emphasized creating a level playing field. The policy is part of a broader strategy to ensure tax fairness. It highlights the consequences of evading tax responsibilities.

Broader Implications for Digital Work

The case highlights the clash between traditional professions and digital side hustles. It raises questions about privacy and professional conduct outside working hours. Many are debating the fairness of the teaching ban.

For content creators, it underscores the importance of tax compliance. High earnings from platforms like OnlyFans are fully taxable. Failure to declare this income can lead to severe penalties.

The case of Kirsty Buchan serves as a stark reminder of the convergence between digital entrepreneurship and professional accountability. Her situation underscores the critical importance of tax compliance for online creators. The fallout from her OnlyFans earnings has irrevocably altered her career and financial standing.

Thought you’d like to know

Why was Kirsty Buchan banned from teaching?

The General Teaching Council for Scotland banned her for two years. They ruled she brought the profession into disrepute by operating an OnlyFans account that was discovered by students. This breached the expected standards of professional conduct.

How much does Kirsty Buchan owe HMRC?

She owes a total of £64,091.65 for the 2022/23 tax year. This amount is split between £38,902.37 in unpaid tax and £25,189.28 in penalties. She is currently disputing the penalty portion of the bill.

Did Kirsty Buchan make a lot on OnlyFans?

Reports indicate she earned very substantial sums. At her peak, she reportedly made approximately £60,000 in a single month from the platform. This high income is what led to the significant tax liability.

What is HMRC’s list of deliberate defaulters?

It is a public list of individuals and businesses who have deliberately failed to pay their taxes. HMRC publishes these names to promote compliance and deter others. Being named can damage a person’s or business’s reputation.

Can Kirsty Buchan return to teaching?

She can apply to return after her two-year ban expires. However, she must satisfy the teaching council that she is fit to teach again. The reinstatement is not automatic and will be reviewed at that time.