FANS have slammed HMRC over its "brutal" Luke Littler tweet - as it's revealed that the 16-year-old ace will lose £83,000 of his prize money to the tax man.
Teen sensation Littler snatched second place in the World Darts Championship after an astonishing run.
He came away with a £200,000 runner-up prize - but will now lose at least 45% of in taxes.
HMRC's press office appeared to confirm reports about the huge tax take on Twitter.
It posted: "Big congrats to Luke on his fantastic run to the final.
"We can confirm the existence of income tax."
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Littler's fans blasted the "brutal" Tweet from HMRC's official press office account.
One said: "Sarcasm isn’t needed from the HMRC, thanks. It’s a terrible look for you."
Another said: "Nothing funny about this Tweet. Inappropriate."
A third said: "Quite an unpleasant, condescending response from HMRC, I feel - even though it may be technically accurate."
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Investment platform said Littler will have to forfeit £76,203 of his winnings to the tax man - as well as £7,330 in national insurance.
Expert Andrew Mangion told : "Everybody needs to pay tax, no matter their age.
"Under 18s have the same personal allowance as adults.
"Normally children don't work - or if they do, their pay is generally under the tax free allowance.
"In this case, it's rare for a teenager to come into so much money in one lump sum.
"We would advise him to take professional financial advice on how to best act on this."