Following my exchange with Mark Lee on UK Uncut I notice that Dennis Howlett, another accountant I respect, has aso joined the debate.
I don’t believe UK Uncut could care less how complex the system is. Their argument is about what they see as the consequences of inequality.
As he also adds:
It is only by exposing the perceived causes and effects arising from a set of regulations that the ‘man in the street’ can discern the inequalities created by defective laws. In that regard, UK Uncut has picked the perfect way to amplify its concerns which ultimately are about inequality. I know that’s an issue for many professionals who complain at the uneven burden that UK government has placed upon both they and and their small business clients. Is UK Uncut any different? Not really — it’s just a darned sight more effective.
And as he also notes regarding recent demonstrations:
I was in Trafalgar Square the day protesters were crawling all over Nelson’s Column. I cannot speak to later events but I can say with absolute certainty that I didn’t see anyone being impeded, terrorized, made to feel frightened or otherwise attacked. Those of us who were bystanders merely went on about our business looking on in sometimes mild amusement at a crowd protesting about a cause. As was their right.
It's good to see another accountant "gets it".
And I suspect that Dennis has hot something else bang on the nail - UK Uncut have found better ways to make their point than the tax profession have over decades.
Odd that they managed that with a budget of next to nothing.
Now it is time for the tax profession to engage - with real argument. No ad hominems. No blanket justification that anything legal is acceptable (because we'll all remind them of apartheid if they do) but real engagement on how better accountability for tax for the tiny minority of corporations who pay very large amounts of it should be created so that they can provide the appropriate ethical lead to society and prove that the trust placed in them is justified.
I don't think that's too much to expect. I wonder when the CBI or ICAEW will host the event where such issues can be discussed?
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@Richard Murphy yesterday … “business does not have a right to avoid tax through offshore – not available to the vast majority.”
The UK is reducing its budget deficit through spending cuts and tax increases — and endeavouring to collect unpaid taxes. On the 4th January 2011 (tomorrow) the UK’s “New Disclosure Opportunity” ends. Approximately 10,000 “tax offenders” have so far come forward.
In June (2011) the Isle of Man will fully endorse automatic exchange of information under the Savings Tax Directive — thereby withdrawing the withholding tax option and effectively ending banking secrecy to EU residents.
The governments of tax shelters like the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey revel in the publicity generated by the prospect of window cleaners being forced to disclose their “private retail accounts”… whilst the “real money” remains concealed as £billions wash through these islands in the form of accounts/trusts/funds and other corporate tax avoidance vehicles.
It’s the rich wot gets the gravy… It’s the poor wot gets the blame…
The PSG New Year’s message remains the same as last year.
Never invest or deposit a single cent on the Isle of Man, Jersey or Guernsey.
Good post, very good post.
Though ‘ethical lead to society’ Not sure I want big corporations leading anyone, Richard.