Prem Sikka would like to see the tax returns of people who earn above-average incomes:

First, the impulse of wealthy elites and large corporations to opt out of the tax-paying obligation needs to be checked by public scrutiny. As part of this, the tax returns of individuals with above-average annual income should be made publicly available. The tax returns of all UK registered corporations, together with details of tax avoidance schemes, should also be public.

Tax is the price that we pay for democracy, social rights and a civilised society. Our contribution towards that should be a matter of public record. The public availability of tax returns would enable citizens to alert, analyse and inform regulators of dubious practices and demand action.

A professor in accounting who also writes for a national newspaper must surely be earning an above-average income.

So, Prem, if this is such a great idea, why don't you start the ball rolling by publishing your own tax return? 

While you're at it, why not convince your fellow tax campaigner and high earner Richard Murphy to join you on your quest? And see if you can't convince Polly "We are the 1%" Toynbee to take part too?

There's no need to wait for regulation to force you to do it. Show the rest of us how easy it is, and how you have no qualms about making the personal information on your tax return public. Or stop making unreasonable demands of others that you're clearly unwilling to undertake yourself.

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Filed under: Taxation with tags idiots, polly toynbee, prem sikka, richard murphy, tax avoidance, tax returns