Auld Yin

With all due respect you are somewhat naive on this matter. In most countries wages/salaries are taxed at source but the underground economies of these countries prefer cash payments because, for the most part, cash is untraceable. Have you never observed in a small store when you purchase bread, milk, candies etc, etc, etc that sometimes the store owner never rings up the sale? Do you think he/she pays taxes on the profits from such sales? If so, think again.

Elvira

First you claim that " tax evasion is a national sport".

Now you are talking about corner shop owners not ringing up candy sales???

In the UK, income from employment and interest is taxed at source, so the scope for fiddling/evading taxes is much reduced. AFAIK around 75% of UK residents do not need to fill in a tax return.

I lived in the UK for most of my life and I would bet a very large sum that few if anyone I knew was engaging in tax evasion (or banked in Malta )

(NB: tax avoidance/minimising tax liabilities are not the same as tax evasion.)

johnh009

Since they joined the EU, like Cyprus, they have been reigned in. It is now what would be described as "offshore". I believe though it is a favourable place to invest with a well established banking system. Otherwise, like most countries in the Med. it is pretty much a cash society.

Auld Yin

Now you are talking about corner shop owners not ringing up candy sales???

The corner shop is just the tip of the iceberg. The UK black/underground economy is one of the most active in the developed world and costs the government untold billions every year in lost taxes. It certainly does in Canada and I know elsewhere.That is tax evasion and illegal. I understand tax avoidance very well, it's legal.
If, as you say, you've lived in Uk most of your life and are not aware of anyone paying cash for a large item/job done, and not realized they are most likely being a party to an illegal situation, then you are indeed naive.

Easterndawn

Yes, and we all Know that the MP's need more money so that they can build new duck houses for their ducks, or go on holidays on taxpayers money.

Auld Yin

I assume that's a comment only and not justification for tax evasion, which only adds to the tax burden of legitimate taxpayers, both in the UK and Canada.

shelley748

Have you got no sense of humour? Of course she meant it in jest!!!!!OMG

Easterndawn

My goodness "take a break" will you, please. Of course I was not condoning tax evasion but you realize that the majority of people who evade paying the full amount of taxes that need to be paid are the rich not the working poor or middle class but those who consider themselves "privilaged".

formula

That might be because those that work are seeing too much money being lost in benefit fraud. Even when these fraudsters are caught, they just get a criminal record (plus sometimes a custodial sentence) but they are allowed to pay back the benefits they have received, interest free.

I know it goes on their benefits record and isn't time barred as the money is taken out of any future benefit claims they make, but they still get rewarded by their fraud by not having to pay interest Even the fine they will also get, will not cover the interest lost. Even the fraud red flag on their credit details will be lost in 6 years after they go to court.

Relocateme

.....and on a lighter note,. I, Relocateme, who humbly begged for good vibes for my house showing before the weekend does hereby have the following to report:

That one of the sets of viewers at the open house on Sunday last did indeed love the house and schedule a house inspection which was done Monday.

The offer went to the lawyer yesterday and I will be accepting it today!

So thank you for your wishes and vibes sent over to me...it works!!!...the Universe is with us!!!

The buyer does have to sell his own house but in his area it should go quick

Waaaaaaaah....cant believe its happened....thanks again all !!!!

Auld Yin

people who evade paying the full amount of taxes that need to be paid are the rich not the working poor or middle class but those who consider themselves "privilaged".

So if not the rich, not the poor and not the middle-class, who are these privelaged (sic)?

Luckyone

Take another read of what was said.....she says it is the rich! I could care less but it's a shame this wonderful thread has got hijacked and this is very little use to "OVER 50's & 60'sMOVING BACK TO THE UK".

Get over it and move on...... Do have yourself a nice day eh?

Beedubya

Woohoo so happy our good vibes helped to sell the house!!

Now we must work harder on the others who are trying to sell.

Well done!!! When do you think you will be heading back home?

Auld Yin

You're correct insofar as I read her comments incorrectly but she's not correct. If she believes the rich are the main culprits in tax avoidance she is living in lalaland.
FYI, this "wonderful" thread has been hijacked many times along the way.

You, also, have a nice day.

Beedubya

This thread was started on September 6th 2009 by Trottytrue for people who are in their 50's and 60's to help one another out with what will probably be their last move. We are here to support one another, exchange ideas, advise, help each other in any way we can. To talk, to joke, to laugh, to congratulate or commiserate with one another.

Since the inception of this thread there has been nary a harsh word spoken so please do not come on here trying to stir up trouble.

If you have anything worthwhile to contribute to this wonderful group of people, then please do so, if you have any advise about moving back to the UK, we are all ears. Please let us learn from your wisdom and experience.

If not please close the door gently behind you and leave us to discuss what is relevant regarding our move(s) home.

Thank You