A couple of journalists have asked me about the @HMRCgovuk #taxgap report, released today, and Richard Murphy's criticism of it.
Murphy says HMRC "make the figures up". A quick thread on how fair is this (Spoiler: it isn't) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/715742/HMRC-measuring-tax-gaps-2018.pdf …
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Replying to @DanNeidle @HMRCgovuk
Where I think he’s had a point, when he’s explained more fully in the past, is that if people are not known to HMRC as traders at all, thus not easily caught bottom up (unknown unknowns) but their VAT can be caught top down, they’re bound to also be evading direct tax.
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IMO fundamental flaw is *even* if shadow economy much larger than officially thought, wrong to attribute 'whole economy' tax rate to it 1/4
@JudithFreedmanpic.twitter.com/njdXjS4vlC
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Replying to @StrongerInNos @MATruman and
Necessarily, v large component of shadow economy is small traders/businesses who will be below VAT threshold and effective rates nowhere near 33% 2/4
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Replying to @StrongerInNos @MATruman and
e.g. windowcleaner or hairdresser making £500 cash a week entirely under radar liable to pay only 15% of it in income tax and NICS 3/4
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Replying to @StrongerInNos @MATruman and
Need to be dodgy accountant making £70k a year to get the rate of tax avoided up to 33%! 4/4
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Yes and will be paying VAT, fuel duty etc.. on inputs and on consumption.
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