Is paying less tax a crime?

[SteveJ68 10]

Not individually, but many small business owners have risked their house in order to make a success of it and if they didn't work hard everything could go down the chute. So, don't begrudge them for taking advantage of all the tax breaks on offer.

 

I've got a lot of time for the people you mention, we benefit greatly from their endevours and no doubt they give something back to the society which hopefully makes them prosperous via paying a bit of tax.

[carosio 186]

What about if the person concerned had worked hard so that their business and home were secure? Would you begrudge them the tax breaks?

 

Not at all, tax breaks are there for whoever wishes to use them or not. The security of businesses are dependent on the skills of the person(s)running them, and if they've succeeded in establishing a high level of success then they deserve all the fruits of such.

 

---------- Post added 21-02-2015 at 20:43 ----------

 

I've got a lot of time for the people you mention, we benefit greatly from their endevours and no doubt they give something back to the society which hopefully makes them prosperous via paying a bit of tax.

 

And paying some tax they most likely do.

[charmer 10]

Not at all, tax breaks are there for whoever wishes to use them or not. The security of businesses are dependent on the skills of the person(s)running them, and if they've succeeded in establishing a high level of success then they deserve all the fruits of such.

 

What if your company is called Amazon or Starbucks?

[SteveJ68 10]

What if your company is called Amazon or Starbucks?

 

Checkmate.

[puisseguin 10]

Not at all, tax breaks are there for whoever wishes to use them or not. The security of businesses are dependent on the skills of the person(s)running them, and if they've succeeded in establishing a high level of success then they deserve all the fruits of such.

 

---------- Post added 21-02-2015 at 20:43 ----------

 

 

And paying some tax they most likely do.

 

There are thousands of people who do not claim the full amount of benefits that they are due because they are unaware of them. Similarly there are many running small businesses who don't claim their full tax breaks because they are unaware of them. I see no problem with proper advisors giving help to folk so that they can maximise their entitlements. That is hardly the same as multi-nationals using tax havens to massage the books.

[carosio 186]

What if your company is called Amazon or Starbucks?

 

Just the same. As far as I know, these companies operate according to international rules on taxation, they've paid their dues according to demands, what more do you want?

[charmer 10]

You could demand proof! And while you're at it, ask them what else they might be doing or not doing with your cash - perhaps spending it on drugs, prostitutes, gambling, investing it in the arms and tobacco industry, not giving the wife enough housekeeping, doesn't bear thinking about!

 

As you say, people at both ends of the spectrum seek to maximise their income by actively exploiting the rules, but there is a difference; one set of people want to keep as much as possible of their own hard-earned money, the others want to get as much as possible of someone else's money.

 

And all the shades in-between, of course.

 

Just the same. As far as I know, these companies operate according to international rules on taxation, they've paid their dues according to demands, what more do you want?

 

The first two quotes (especially the 2nd one),indicate that you are against big companies minimising their tax bill. As you have now clarified your position that you feel it acceptable for all companies to pay the minimum of tax, we are signing from the same page.

[carosio 186]

The first two quotes (especially the 2nd one),indicate that you are against big companies minimising their tax bill. As you have now clarified your position that you feel it acceptable for all companies to pay the minimum of tax, we are signing from the same page.

 

The first post was a little sarcastic. I can't see why I should object to companies excercising their lawful right to reduce their tax bill, on the contrary, wouldn't it be illogical to attempt to maximise it?

[facom1 10]

Indeed. Every shop, pub etc managed it perfectly well for the last 1000 years. Basic honesty is the key. Anyone can fiddle the till regardless of the payment system.

 

Any evidence that this was going on in 1015?

 

---------- Post added 21-02-2015 at 22:44 ----------

 

One rule for one and one rule for another? Is this what you're proposing?

 

---------- Post added 19-02-2015 at 21:25 ----------

 

 

It's perfectly easy to account for cash taken. You just write it in your accounts book. Where's the problem?

 

I aint proposing anything other than people pay tax what they owe. A normal tax paying person on PAYE can do a bit on side for cash. Totally different to Jimmy Carr or Barlow saying "I'll do you a favour for £500k.

 

Normal people get by on the bits on the side. It's pennies and not pounds and these people can't rely on a massive bonus for doing sod all, nor have the intelligence to claim their second home at the coast is a work in progress. or that their internet porn bill is for research purposes.

 

So yes one rule for toffs and their inability to tell truth and another for reality.

[puisseguin 10]

Any evidence that this was going on in 1015?

 

Yes. I'm pretty sure every trader used cash in 1015 as internet banking hadn't been invented.

[SteveJ68 10]

Yes. I'm pretty sure every trader used cash in 1015 as internet banking hadn't been invented.

 

I don't think your telling the truth? You sound well dodgy.

[puisseguin 10]

I don't think your telling the truth? You sound well dodgy.

 

So you think they used internet banking 1000 years ago?