Tag Archives: general anti-avoidance rule

Tax reform news: pick your own post

By Mark Pack | Sun 16th January 2011 - 11:55 am

If you are generally a supporter of the government, read Version A. If not, read Version B.

Version A
In excellent news that the government is taking cracking down on tax seriously, the government has appointed a heavy-weight team of tax experts to review the case for introducing a General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR). The selection of legal, judicial and tax experts means the case for a GAAR will receive expert scrutiny and make it very hard for the government to reject any recommendations for action.

Version B
In appalling news that shows how the government has sold out to rich tax-dodgers, …

Posted in News | Also tagged tax | 3 Comments

Government steps up action on tax avoidance

By Mark Pack | Mon 6th December 2010 - 8:25 pm

Though the timing is rather politically convenient, bringing welcome news for Liberal Democrats just ahead of the tuition fees vote, the substance of today’s news on tax avoidance is very welcome.

Two steps are being taken immediately with another three to follow and, crucially, a study into introducing a General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR) has also been commissioned.

This review will be carried out by Graham Aaronson QC and consider whether “it could deter and counter tax avoidance, whilst providing certainty, retaining a tax regime that is attractive to businesses, and minimising costs for businesses and HMRC”.

The two immediate steps are: