Some time ago - circa 1983 - the Government of the day introduced tax on interest at source. If tax was not due, you had to reclaim it. At that point I opened my first "offshore" account. I was legally paid gross interest and I declared it for tax.
Nowadays, and from foregoing comment, this is probably perceived as probably "illegal" but certainly immoral.
I don't get it.
I don't hear anyone criticising inheritance tax.
And how stupid has it all become.
I arranged a transfer from my account with a noted high street bank who I have banked with since 1963! I needed to pay 200 Euros speeding fine and the transfer was to a Spanish Solicitor. The bank called and, before they were prepared to transfer the funds, they wanted to know the full personal address and status of the person who the transfer was going to; The LAWYER! I think m rather colourful language encouraged them to complete the transfer - though they did not tell me they were doing so.
This is the result of the Margaret Hodge and Gordon Brown syndrome. "Let's block Offshore".
May I remind you of Geoffrey Robinson and Peter Mandelson - to name but two.
It is only Tax Evasion if you do not declare INCOME from funds held offshore.
The other side of the coin is the "money laundering" aspect which is designed to root out criminals. If that was really the case, why does the MLA contain legislation related to Tax and Tax Evasion. Do you think drug and gun runners really care about tax and, if the MLA tracked them down, would tax evasion be the primary concern.
Trusts and Foundations have been in existence for hundreds of years and are useful to those who need and can afford them.
As to Margaret Hodge! Since when was tax MORAL? Necessary -YES. Abused by government - YES. Morality does not come into it. The laws should cover that.
Seems to me like just another EU nonsense dreamed up by some of the many Lawmakers who have nothing better to do than to dream up laws, rules and barriers to business. The rest of the EU will ignore it and the UK will print a 300 page booklet on how to deal with it, including a list of fines and sanctions for non-compliance - monitored by a new HMRC control office to handle it.
Clearly - contrive suggest law-breaking or manipulation. That is not what the phrase was meant to convey, even though that is how Margaret Hodge would have us interpret it. It is she and the "morals" preachers who are attempting to set our minds in that direction instead of setting about firming up on the laws - and simplifying them at the same time.
Merge nic and income tax? Surely that opens the door to further abuse of the NHS. I personally prefer to clearly identify that we currently pay a very expensive health insurance based on a percentage of gross pay. Otherwise the FREE AT THE POINT OF DELIVERY brigade will have won the political arguement.
My answers
Bad News
The Gordon Brown dream is coming true.
Offshore account.
Some time ago - circa 1983 - the Government of the day introduced tax on interest at source. If tax was not due, you had to reclaim it. At that point I opened my first "offshore" account. I was legally paid gross interest and I declared it for tax.
Nowadays, and from foregoing comment, this is probably perceived as probably "illegal" but certainly immoral.
I don't get it.
I don't hear anyone criticising inheritance tax.
And how stupid has it all become.
I arranged a transfer from my account with a noted high street bank who I have banked with since 1963! I needed to pay 200 Euros speeding fine and the transfer was to a Spanish Solicitor. The bank called and, before they were prepared to transfer the funds, they wanted to know the full personal address and status of the person who the transfer was going to; The LAWYER! I think m rather colourful language encouraged them to complete the transfer - though they did not tell me they were doing so.
This is the result of the Margaret Hodge and Gordon Brown syndrome. "Let's block Offshore".
May I remind you of Geoffrey Robinson and Peter Mandelson - to name but two.
Offshore!
One person's Offshore is someone else's Onshore.
It is only Tax Evasion if you do not declare INCOME from funds held offshore.
The other side of the coin is the "money laundering" aspect which is designed to root out criminals. If that was really the case, why does the MLA contain legislation related to Tax and Tax Evasion. Do you think drug and gun runners really care about tax and, if the MLA tracked them down, would tax evasion be the primary concern.
Trusts and Foundations have been in existence for hundreds of years and are useful to those who need and can afford them.
As to Margaret Hodge! Since when was tax MORAL? Necessary -YES. Abused by government - YES. Morality does not come into it. The laws should cover that.
Johnjenkins
Couldn't agree more - but it will, no doubt, be classed as a moral issue!!.
Since when was taxation a moral issue? It's either the law or it's not, even if the laws are as rubbish as the one under discussion.
Self employment and tax deductions at source.
Further encouragement for "cash in hand payments".
MOSS
Seems to me like just another EU nonsense dreamed up by some of the many Lawmakers who have nothing better to do than to dream up laws, rules and barriers to business. The rest of the EU will ignore it and the UK will print a 300 page booklet on how to deal with it, including a list of fines and sanctions for non-compliance - monitored by a new HMRC control office to handle it.
DON'T GET IT
Why does simplicity require everyone to be "impeccable moral"?
Tax is moral if it is someone else's tax and immoral if it is mine!
Ask Margaret Hodge and she will confirm!!
"Order" contra "contrive"
Clearly - contrive suggest law-breaking or manipulation. That is not what the phrase was meant to convey, even though that is how Margaret Hodge would have us interpret it. It is she and the "morals" preachers who are attempting to set our minds in that direction instead of setting about firming up on the laws - and simplifying them at the same time.
Merge nic and income tax?
Surely that opens the door to further abuse of the NHS. I personally prefer to clearly identify that we currently pay a very expensive health insurance based on a percentage of gross pay. Otherwise the FREE AT THE POINT OF DELIVERY brigade will have won the political arguement.
Immoral or Moral.
Morality is an illusion - and so therefore must be immorality (and fair tax).
Who can stop the movements of the world?
Who can improve upon the sacred?
MARGARET HODGE it seems.
Above (mostly) from Aphorisms of a Thirsty Fish by Wu Hsin (period 403-221 BCE) before Confucious but circa Gordon Brown.