Is Jimmy Carr a benefit cheat?

Its not funny nor is most of the stuff he says.

According to Danny Alexander:

"Frankly, I think people who dodge the tax system are the moral equivalent of benefit cheats,"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-18521468

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

If he pays the tax that is due (after any tax avoidance schemes), than no!

 

[captaincloser]

As with everything..it's being found out that is the crime in the public eye.

All he has done is tax avoidance. I am sure I am as guilty though our incomes will be very different

But couldnt have happened to a more deserving comedian...well apart from Frankie Boyle.

 

[QuickHomeBuyers]

Who wants to pay tax in a country where a couple working on a minimum wage have less money than a chavvy couple drunk on white cider?

Looking to join the league. lol

 

[UrbanRetail]

Agreed. Both the tax and benefit systems in this country are about as much use as a chocolate teapot. Whilst I don't agree with his actions, if the law has allowed such loopholes to exist, then people will obviously use it to their advantage. Also, any politician commenting on someone's level of 'morality' is a joke in itself.

 

[Websitehandyman]

He's doing nothing that most the companies, and well off people are not doing in the country. Even our own government works against the best interests of the nation. It really is amazing how much goes on and the poor sods who do an average days work and live hand to mouth take both the brunt of all that and those who choose to sit on their arses rather then try to work for their living.

 

[lynxus]

Short answer - No.

Long answer... Another time.

 

But couldnt have happened to a more deserving comedian...well apart from Frankie Boyle.

Now how did I know you would be a fan of freak TV?

His idea of wit is a barrage of filth and the sort of humour most men grow out of in their teens

 

[captaincloser]

Interesting to see the PM (Cameron) saying that people save up to buy a ticket to see Jimmy Carr .
When was the last time anyone in the UK 'saved up' to buy anything ?

We live and have lived in the instant gratification society for nearly 40 years...nobody saves for anything..they just borrow which is why so many are either losing or shortly to lose the roof over their heads...(which doesen't belong to them anyway).

 

[lynxus]

Now how did I know you would be a fan of freak TV?

His idea of wit is a barrage of filth and the sort of humour most men grow out of in their teens

"most men" ?
Heheheh I know plenty of 30 / 40 year olds who act like children.
Its great fun

And yeah, I like Jimmy

 

[captaincloser]

Now how did I know you would be a fan of freak TV?

His idea of wit is a barrage of filth and the sort of humour most men grow out of in their teens

Had you stopped spluttering long enough to read my post properly you would realise I am deriding Jimmy Carr and the bubonicly bad Danny Boyle. I hate the pair of them. Vile pair of incontinents .

Losing your grip Earl ? You old rascal

 

[PrestonLad]

Agreed. Both the tax and benefit systems in this country are about as much use as a chocolate teapot. Whilst I don't agree with his actions, if the law has allowed such loopholes to exist, then people will obviously use it to their advantage. Also, any politician commenting on someone's level of 'morality' is a joke in itself.

I don't take such a cynical view. I think that there are a lot of rich people who know about these tax loopholes, but who would not dream of abusing them. Most people have some moral fibre.

Also, I disagree strongly with your anti-politician statement. The vast majority are well-meaning hard working people - who differ from successful entrepreneurs and business people only in their chosen line of work. There are, of course, some bad apples... and politicians are easy targets for the general public... we all like to ridicule our leaders, whether it's schoolchildren complaining about the teachers or shop-floor workers complaining about the senior management.

 

[UrbanRetail]

I don't take such a cynical view. I think that there are a lot of rich people who know about these tax loopholes, but who would not dream of abusing them. Most people have some moral fibre.

This is exactly my point, most people do have morals, but not everyone.

Also, I disagree strongly with your anti-politician statement. The vast majority are well-meaning hard working people - who differ from successful entrepreneurs and business people only in their chosen line of work. There are, of course, some bad apples... and politicians are easy targets for the general public... we all like to ridicule our leaders, whether it's schoolchildren complaining about the teachers or shop-floor workers complaining about the senior management.

I think I'll leave the subject of political morality for another day

 

This is exactly my point, most people do have morals

Quite I often see them for sale on Ebay ,highest bidder wins.

 

Had you stopped spluttering long enough to read my post properly you would realise I am deriding Jimmy Carr and the bubonicly bad Danny Boyle. I hate the pair of them. Vile pair of incontinents .

Losing your grip Earl ? You old rascal

Nope it went years ago.

Apologies and relief.

 

[MASSEY]

Why are people so full of it?

If you were a millionaire you would be doing the same.

And anyone who says they would not will never be a millionaire, because you don't get rich giving your money away.

 

[Eagle]

Who wants to pay tax in a country where a couple working on a minimum wage have less money than a chavvy couple drunk on white cider?

Very true. I'd much rather Jimmy Carr got away with a few million here and there than the billions the chav class cost us every month.

 

[Vending Siting Services]

Jimmy Carr has not done anything illegal, there are loopholes in the tax system and for those who can afford to invest some 30k to buy the services then it is up to the Government to stop such practices.

I do believe many accountants offer this service to 'put you in touch' with the relevant providers ....

Now that this is in the 'news' and the government have spoken out, it may be only a matter of time before this loophole is 'fixed' - let's hope they don't go chasing the unpaid tax retrospectively ... that could bust a few companies and individuals.

Barbara

 

Jimmy Carr has not done anything illegal, there are loopholes in the tax system and for those who can afford to invest some 30k

I don't see ones average minimum wage earner availing themselves of the service.

whats legal and whats wrong are not the same thing by a long chalk.

 

[largada]

I dont believe in dodging tax whatsoever, however i do expect my accountant to lower my tax bill as far as is legally possible,

So i will be later berating him very much for not telling me about this scheme

 

[geoffb]

This is the problem, if the goverment allows schemes like this, then he can't stop people taking advantage of them.

Its a pity Cameron didn't highlight companies like Amazon, who take an absolute fortune from UK citizans - but are registered in foreign companies to avaod paying uk Tax, the amount of money going out of the country alsone via Amazon must be huge !!

 

[QuickHomeBuyers]

I dont believe in dodging tax whatsoever, however i do expect my accountant to lower my tax bill as far as is legally possible,

So i will be later berating him very much for not telling me about this scheme

This comedian didn't dodge tax either, he did precisely what you expect from your accountant, a lower tax bill. The only difference, his structure involved offshore scheme and when news didn't have anything else to report they made him their soft target.

 

[QuickHomeBuyers]

Jimmy Carr has not done anything illegal, there are loopholes in the tax system and for those who can afford to invest some 30k to buy the services then it is up to the Government to stop such practices.

I do believe many accountants offer this service to 'put you in touch' with the relevant providers ....

Now that this is in the 'news' and the government have spoken out, it may be only a matter of time before this loophole is 'fixed' - let's hope they don't go chasing the unpaid tax retrospectively ... that could bust a few companies and individuals.

Barbara

As normally seen with SDLT schemes and tax avoidance schemes like this, professionals are working round the clock to make sure they have a new scheme before the closure of the one in news.

 

[Paul Norman]

No.

He isnt.

If you don't like people minimising the tax they pay, lobby the government to change the rules.

But trust me, there will always be schemes to enable people to reduce the tax they pay.

I thought this forum was for businessmen? In your business, do you do tax planning? Or just willingly cough up more than the law requires?

 

[Vectis]

I think the whole point was the hypocrisy in his 'comedy' sketches where he ridicules Barclays for their tax avoidance schemes whilst he was doing something very similar himself.

 

[captaincloser]

Whilst I am usually sadenned by the 'humour' of Jimmy Carr I rather think Dave has a cheek to mention him by name. He has not broken the law and Dave really should be focussing more on the economy than scapegoating a moorhen-made-good taking advantage of a system that Dave and pals allow to happen. It is to the government's detriment that such systems are available so don't shoot the court jester when it's your fault DAve.
More focus

 

[EddyP]

You'd have to say that he's not a benefit cheat, but is somewhat two-faced... As if we didn't know that already.

It means his reputation as a comedian will suffer - he will no longer be able to connect on a human level with an audience so easily.

'Benefit cheat' is a bit harsh!

 

[largada]

You'd have to say that he's not a benefit cheat, but is somewhat two-faced... As if we didn't know that already.

It means his reputation as a comedian will suffer - he will no longer be able to connect on a human level with an audience so easily.

'Benefit cheat' is a bit harsh!

And thats exactly why hes been twweting this morning about making a mistake in agreeing to join this scheme.

his reputation is worth more to him than saving a few quid.

All hes done is work the current system its a bit harsh to take the moral high ground when politicians are constantly found to be cooking their books or have we forgot the expenses scandall now!

 

[EddyP]

It would also be interesting to know when he exactly entered this scheme. If it was in the early 2000's when he was just establishing himself then it's probably a bit more excusable - he didn't know if it would work out, but was making a few quid so invested in the best option available to him.

I don't look down on him, to be honest. It's just one of those things.

 

Whilst I am usually sadenned by the 'humour' of Jimmy Carr I rather think Dave has a cheek to mention him by name.

Having Britains answer to G.Bush is an enormous benefit to comedians everywhere.

 

[David Griffiths]

Whilst I am usually sadenned by the 'humour' of Jimmy Carr I rather think Dave has a cheek to mention him by name.

The more so as he was apparently questioned about Philip Green's tax position and claimed that he didn't discuss individual cases.

 

[marlint]

No-one likes paying tax. Nearly everyone accepts that they have to pay some tax.

Once you start earning more, the options to minimize the tax you pay increase. I think everyone would agree that using an ISA, or making pension contributions is ok, a lot would say that complicated off-shore schemes (while legal) are not.

There is no black and white, just a sliding scale. I think it's up to each individual to determine how far they will go to avoid tax. I've been offered various schemes in the past (e.g. film partnerships) as a way of reducing my tax bill. I've not taken them up because I feel this is going too far. I wouldn't judge anyone who thinks otherwise though.

Ultimately I try and consider the spirit of the law as well as the letter. And of course my ultimate test- would I feel happy justifying and explaining this to my gran?

 

[Trugmaker]

Above all I hate hypocrisy! We jump on him and decry it, but we would ALL DO THE SAME. Be honest to yourselves - You are successful in business, of course you employ the best accountants to save you money - It's the Inland Revenue who should put their house in order not Jimmy Carr - END OF!
My brother, visiting my workshop, went into a rant on this subject, then at the end of the conversation said " Oh! I brought in some receipts for some timber I bought, can you use them to save Tax? His purchases were nothing to do with my business at all!! Oh and - no I didn't take them.
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

 

[UrbanRetail]

Oh! I brought in some receipts for some timber I bought, can you use them to save Tax?

Haha, you've got to laugh

 

[Chris Fickling Design]

As I see it the problem with this witch hunt is that it will eventually filter down to the small business owner and we will all end up paying more tax - we are being sucked in to a trap. If you are rich enough you will always be able to find a way around tax - nothing will change there but there is a vast untapped source of potential tax within small businesses (a little here and a little there soon adds up) and that's what is really being stoked up here.

By the way has no one mentioned how Cameron's father made his money?

 

[Chris Fickling Design]

Interesting article:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/apr/20/cameron-family-tax-havens

 

[UrbanRetail]

Interesting article:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/apr/20/cameron-family-tax-havens

Those in glass houses...

 

[talkinpeace]

My gripe about it (as quoted on the MN thread where I also linked to that Grauniad article)
is the fact that the whole transaction was artificial to avoid tax.
Paying part of the income of a business to the family members who live with it is fine IMHO but these totally artificial transactions ......

The whole scheme relied on non repayable offshore loans.
A non repayable loan is a gift
its income
as one of the lawyers on MN said,
just make all of the people in K2 repay their "loans" or pay tax.
Then we will see if its income planning or just dodging tax.

 

[SuffolkDesigns]

Hi done nothing illegal so I don't see a problem with him or his accountants, if the Government see this as a problem then the law needs changing.
Maybe they can stop all the F1 drivers from residing in Monaco at the same time to reduce their taxes.

 

I suspect the point is that the loans will have to be proven to be genuine loans.

If not then it may well be illegal.