There is an allegation of fraud over the failure to declare overseas assets.
A not guilty plea was indicated by the former Formula 1 boss at the court.
He is accused of failing to declare a trust in Singapore with a bank account that could have been worth more than 400 million dollars.
The police warned the photographers not to mob him.
The business magnate was escorted through the exit of the court building by his legal team and court security after he arrived for his first hearing.
After Ms Montgomery said her client was having a little bit of trouble hearing, Paul Goldspring allowed him to stand outside.
He stood to confirm his name and address before indicating a not guilty plea.
The charge against him was brought after an investigation by the Revenue and Customs, which said the probe had been "complex and worldwide".
He was asked about any trusts he was involved with during the course of the investigation.
The charge was based on the fact that he failed to declare a trust in Singapore with a large amount of money.
According to the charge read in court, a single trust was disclosed to tax authorities in favor of his daughters.
He said he was not the beneficiary of any other trust and the prosecution said he acted with the intention of making a gain for himself.
During the hearing, which lasted about five minutes, Mr Ecclestone was granted bail in advance of his next appearance at the crown court.
He was removed from his position as Formula 1's chief executive in January of last year.
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