Tax and Morals

[webberg]

The below is not mine but an extract from a speech by Jolyon Maugham.

I offer it at a view from a rising star in the tax world and one who is starting to represent HMRC in more cases as it may be that he has political ambition in due course.

A couple of asides: first, I do understand that some (possibly many) of you won’t accept there’s any morality in tax. In other words that there’s a perfect alignment between tax law and morality: the fact that something is legal makes it moral. You will appreciate I don’t agree. But perhaps more importantly, I don’t think it’s not a winnable argument with the public. It’s the equivalent of shouting at the telly – it may make you feel better but you should proceed from the premise you will accomplish no more than short term relief.

[BrilloPad]

The below is not mine but an extract from a speech by Jolyon Maugham.

I offer it at a view from a rising star in the tax world and one who is starting to represent HMRC in more cases as it may be that he has political ambition in due course.

A couple of asides: first, I do understand that some (possibly many) of you won’t accept there’s any morality in tax. In other words that there’s a perfect alignment between tax law and morality: the fact that something is legal makes it moral. You will appreciate I don’t agree. But perhaps more importantly, I don’t think it’s not a winnable argument with the public. It’s the equivalent of shouting at the telly – it may make you feel better but you should proceed from the premise you will accomplish no more than short term relief.

Sounds like he would make a good politician. I have no idea what he said at all.

Maybe he should comments on the morality of retrospective tax legislation? Actually maybe not - I would get more sense asking in general....

[webberg]

I did make a comment on his blog that morality in taxation is very hard to pin down.

I suggested in particular that it varies by time and the need for the nation to fill the coffers.

Given his political shade, I'm anticipating a debate.

[regron]

He is the chap who suggested now the election is out of the way and won. Maybe it is time to discuss more realistic settlements. Something which the BG is hoping to do. Would it have any harm pointing the BG and its aims out to him ?

[DotasScandal]

Sounds like he would make a good politician. I have no idea what he said at all.
Maybe he should comments on the morality of retrospective tax legislation? Actually maybe not - I would get more sense asking in general....

This.
It would be nice to ask about the morality of retrospective legislation.
And the morality of crushing the smallest and weakest while pretending to hit the fat cats.
Etc etc etc

Politicians (actual and wannabees) never address the REAL topics.

[BrilloPad]

This.
It would be nice to ask about the morality of retrospective legislation.
And the morality of crushing the smallest and weakest while pretending to hit the fat cats.
Etc etc etc

Politicians (actual and wannabees) never address the REAL topics.

I just found the blog of posted a question. I bet my post will not eve get up there. Let alone a response.

I could post up what I think would get a response - but I don't want a permaban. Again....

[webberg]

He is the chap who suggested now the election is out of the way and won. Maybe it is time to discuss more realistic settlements. Something which the BG is hoping to do. Would it have any harm pointing the BG and its aims out to him ?

Done

[webberg]

I see that the BP comment has been published and I'm waiting for Jolyon to reply which I'm sure he will.

[BrilloPad]

I see that the BP comment has been published and I'm waiting for Jolyon to reply which I'm sure he will.

I feel guilty now for suggesting otherwise! Having had HMRC lie to us, and politicians turn a blind eye(even my local MP who was on the Labour Finance committee that passed S58!) I hope my faith in humanity can be restored.

[cojak]

Another interesting blog from Jolyon here. http://waitingfortax.com/2014/08/07/...o-wont-say-no/

An interesting article and debate of the blog here. Tax Research UK » Tackling ‘the boys’

And what's more, I agree with him.