Yet another proposal to make tax returns public
Posted by Christie Malry on January 3, 2012 at 8:49 pm
I propose that all income tax returns of anyone living in the UK should be in the public domain. These should also include a nil return for those not paying any income tax at all.
The benefit would be to highlight those who are evading tax or pinpoint those who are earning large sums and paying little. The present levels of tax evasion and tax avoidance are large and they penalise ordinary people who pay their money usually through PAYE and don’t cheat the system.
Says Lord Dubs.
Well, I've said it before and I'll say it again. If Lord Dubs or any other person genuinely thinks it's a good idea, why not volunteer the information yourself? Show us how you've got nothing to hide and how there's really nothing to fear from having this information in the public domain. Demonstrate how we're all wrong when we say it's an appalling invasion of privacy and a bonanza for identity thieves.
Otherwise, you know, you can just fuck right off, matey.
Why should the self-employed, who are obliged to submit tax returns even if they don't earn much, have their personal financial affairs disclosed to the world when the finances of people on PAYE below the higher-rate threshold are private? It's discriminatory and a huge invasion of personal privacy - after all, for the self-employed there is no distinction between the person and the business, so it is their PRIVATE finances that will be on display for all the world to see. Alf Dubs can sod off.
Did I miss the section on my return where I was supposed to fill in the amount of tax I have evaded? Because I assume that there must be one.. which everyone fills in.. but HMRC never look at.. because, otherwise, it would be hillariously stupid to suggest that publication of tax returns would have any impact on tacklling tax evasion.
I think the big idea is that tireless campaigners such as Murphy and Sikka will be able to trawl through the tax returns of the rich and famous looking for anomalies. When they find them, they'll trumpet their discoveries to the world so that the crusty #ukuncut brigade can pitch their tents on their lawns. Oh joy.
The potential for abuse would be staggering. Nigerian scammers targeting wealthy people. Corrupt State officials seeking ill-gotten gains or pursuing some other malign agenda. What about those individuals who may not earn much who may be caused embarassment by their low earnings? A very daft idea which will never happen because it is so daft.
Do you think he even realises that most people don't do a tax return?