Several Christian organisations have called on the government to reform the tax system, to ensure the so-called ’super-rich’ pay a fair amount of tax.
Non-dom status allows the wealthy to legally escape paying tax on earnings abroad. It is thought Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams is concerned at how tax breaks enjoyed by an elite group run contrary to a social justice agenda.
I whole-heartedly support this and I don’t think enough Christians in positions of power and influence are speaking up on this issue.
Found via: Ekklesia
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1 May 2007 at 10:22 pm
johannesclimacus
Good call. Now ideally the taxes will be used for good causes, but the danger is always that money will go from corrupt businessmen to corrupt politicians.
But you’re right, closing the loopholes is a good first step.
I wonder, are earnings abroad taxed by the countries in which the earnings are made? That would be especially helpful for redistributing wealth on a global scale, assuming, once again, that the government abroad uses the money wisely.
2 May 2007 at 1:05 am
PB and J
i dont think the loopholes are the issue necessarily. i think there is more an issue with churchianity in general. churchianity tells the world that to be “christian” one must support capitalism in its extreme form. i have had many people say that socialism is evil, etc.
dont get me wrong, i am not advocating a socialist state, but as followers of Christ, we are to look out for the downtrodden. if this means “unfair” taxes on the rich, then ok. capitalism shouldnt stop us from loving and taking care of the needy. this denies the very heart of the Good News.
peter
4 May 2007 at 3:01 pm
sally
good post- it is great to hear someone speaking out- but as you say- so we should!
9 May 2007 at 6:30 am
David
Thanks for the comments.
Johannes: generally speaking earnings are taxed in the countries where the profits are made, but there are two problems. Firstly the super rich choose to be based in countries with very low tax rates. e.g. British Cayman Islands, Monaco etc., so they pay a lower rate of tax. Secondly, the UK has non-domicile rules, which mean that a rockstar like Mick Jagger escapes paying tax in the UK, as he says he is a non-resident. The UK is nearly unique in this, and it is the non dom rules which people feel are unfair. You can read more here about the unfairness.
Peter: I don’t think Christians need to support capitalism in its ‘extreme’ form. And I agree that wealth distribution is necessary, that is why tax laws need to be changed, to ensure the super rich pay their fair share.
Sally: thanks for your encouragement. I really believe that here in the UK, the tide is turning and things (such as tax laws) will change. I hope I am not just being optimistic.