A way to get big companies to pay Fair Tax ?

@Auntylou (4264)
Oxford, England
January 20, 2016 7:02pm CST
A group of small business people from Crickhowell in Wales responded to a BBC presenter's idea of seeing whether small businesses could use the same tax avoidance schemes and structures as big businesses such as Starbucks, Amazon etc . They were taken to meet specialist tax lawyers and accountants and set up a scheme involving setting up new companies in the Isle of Man and Holland . Other places in the UK are taking up the idea too and since small businesses currently pay vast amounts of tax if they are successful in implementing the legal avoidance, government coffers will empty. Most of the small business people believe that they should pay tax,for how else would schools,roads,medical services and the like be paid for? The idea is to challenge the favourable tax treatment of the big firms and ensure that there is a level playing field for all companies. What do you think, might it mean that the megaprofitable will pay a fair share?
A small Welsh community tries to take their businesses offshore and save money on tax.
13 people like this
11 responses
@BelleStarr (61102)
• United States
23 Jan 16
W have the same issues here but they are the ones who provide employment so it is a double edged sword isn't it.
5 people like this
@Auntylou (4264)
• Oxford, England
24 Jan 16
In the UK far more people are employed in small businesses than in the large, but the mega businesses have more clout
2 people like this
@JudyEv (341743)
• Rockingham, Australia
21 Jan 16
It would be nice if everyone that should pay tax did, without the need for watchdogs and lawyers trying to get them TO pay tax or AVOID paying tax.
3 people like this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
21 Jan 16
The whole concept is totally absurd and I find it hard to believe that the practice is tolerated. Places such as the Isle of man make vast sums of money from such companies, which allows the government there to keep tax on products on the island to an absolute minimum. The companies also make huge profits from this, while the British government loses vast revenue that is subsidised by the average worker.
1 person likes this
@Auntylou (4264)
• Oxford, England
24 Jan 16
@Asylum I have heard that a Starbucks waitress will pay more tax that the whole company does in a year
1 person likes this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
24 Jan 16
@Auntylou I do know that the company does not pay tax in England, but I cannot understand why our government is so spineless as to accept this situation.
1 person likes this
@Auntylou (4264)
• Oxford, England
24 Jan 16
@Asylum Nor can I , unless key people have shares!
1 person likes this
@alchemistrx (2547)
• Philippines
21 Jan 16
It's only fair that big companies pay the right taxes.The taxman could get challenge anyone to report anyone not paying taxes and be rewarded.
1 person likes this
@Auntylou (4264)
• Oxford, England
21 Jan 16
@alchemistrx Sadly our government allows all these big companies to pay tiny amounts of tax, quitelegally
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
4 Feb 16
I like what Jesus said to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar that is pay the tax instead of everyone trying to avoid it. Just make it fair!
1 person likes this
@Auntylou (4264)
• Oxford, England
4 Feb 16
Absolutely. @1hopefulman. The odds are stacked in favour of the big boys with their smart lawyers and accountants trying to wriggle out of what they should contribute
1 person likes this
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
4 Feb 16
@Auntylou One day they will have to answer for their crimes as they will all die and can do nothing to bring themselves back to life, no matter how much money they have amassed.
1 person likes this
@gr8nana6 (6614)
• Conyers, Georgia
21 Jan 16
I believe that everybody should pay their fare share, it isn't fair that big companies are only paying a small amount.
2 people like this
@jstory07 (139782)
• Roseburg, Oregon
31 Jan 16
Everyone should be paying fair taxes no matter what.
@mom210 (9115)
• United States
29 Jan 16
Doesn't really matter what they call it, the consumer pays it in the end.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
21 Jan 16
I had this discussion last night, and many times before. It should be fair across the board!
1 person likes this
@just4him (317250)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
29 Jan 16
It would be nice if there was a level playing field for all businesses and regular tax payers as well.
@paigea (36316)
• Canada
30 Jan 16
I can't guess how that will work but I am in favour of large corporations paying their share of taxes.
1 person likes this