FAO BFC Dave

Last night on Newsnight Starbucks said it has a legal responsibility to its shareholders to pay as little tax as possible. Is that true?! If so, we're knackered

 

Every business wants to pay as little tax as possible

 

If any company pays more tax than is necessary then it dilutes the amount that is available to distribute to its shareholders therefore I suggest they are correct in saying that they have a responsibility. It all comes down to evasion or avoidance.

All companies will try to minimize and avoid their taxes. If it is done within the law then there's not a lot to be done unless you change the law (cue Redstar).

 

Double post

.

 

So the law, under current design, makes it in principle a legal duty for companies to ensure they pay the minimum amount of tax, therefore requiring them to avoid paying it where legally possible?

I think we need a new law. Where tax avoidance is illegal.

 

It is the responsibility of the directors to manage the affairs of the company to its best interest.

 

ark has said all that needs to be said!

 

It also dilutes the amount companies can pay its workers, re-invest in plant and machinery, spend on expansion plans. All of which contributes to further tax take by HMRC.

Just saying.

 

Fair point except when they do evade or avoid tax this is usally to milk profits and not the above.

 

For every Vodafone there are dozens of companies struggling to cope.

The assumption that all and any profit is automatically hoovered up by 'fat cat' directors is absurd and quite false.

It's up there with all public sector workers are idle ******* on gold plated pensions.

 

There you go talking about that ARK bloke again ! (only kidding Andy)

 

Alright, alright! Don't turn the tables. i'll be working until I'm about 80 to get any pension to support the baby boomers. And to afford Starbuck coffee. Maybe we could make Starbucks pay tax and then there'll be enough money for us all to retire at 60