I’m appearing before the House of Lords Economic Affairs Finance Bill sub-Committee this afternoon to respond to questions on the government’s new approach to taxation policy, anti-avoidance, disguised remuneration and corporation tax reform. I have only submitted written evidence on the latter, which will be published later, but I’ll certainly be offering comment on all these issues. In particular I expect to have a lot
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The FT reported today that the UK is to shortly sign a new tax deal with Switzerland. As it said: Britons with billions of pounds hidden in Switzerland will pay tax at 50 per cent under a groundbreaking deal that will legitimise their undeclared assets, according to a source familiar with negotiations between the Swiss and British governments.
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The US budget went though in the end. There was the inevitable horse trading. One important part – to get the deal through the Republicans demanded that it be agreed that the IRS could hire no new agents. So the US has a budget deficit and the easiest way to solve it is to collect
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There is much discussion going on about a possible merger of income tax and national insurance in the UK. This follows a report from the Office for Tax Simplification suggesting this and a belief that such a merger fits George Osborne’s simplification agenda (or “don’t make it complicated as George won’t understand it” agenda as
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The Treasury Committee of the House of Commons has published its report on the principles of tax policy. It;s horribly predictable. But that’s what happens when you have evidence from a wide range of organisations such as Christian Aid, the RSPB, Child Poverty Action Group and even the TUC, but choose to only call for
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I was rung by numerous organisations yesterday wanting to ask my opinion on non-domiciled and taxation. The story reappeared in the press at the weekend with the suggestion being made that George Osborne is considering reducing the seven year period which can elapse before a non-domiciled person has to pay a levy make use of
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As the first of a series of new videos on tax and related issues I offer the following, on the five reasons to tax. Feedback would be welcome. Financial support for this work from the Task Force on Financial Integrity and Economic Development and Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust is gratefully acknowledged.

I wrote the following last July, but it seems apposite to repost it now: The UK government has proposed increasing the standard rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) from 17.5% to 20% from 4 January 2011. They are not alone in proposing increases in VAT or equivalent taxes to address deficits in government budgets. The
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I’ve just been interviewed by The Times on the VAT increase to 20%, happening tonight. They seemed keen to know of my views. Let’s be clear, the number one problem with this change is it is regressive. I know the Institute for Fiscal Studies say VAT is not regressive – but they only get to
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