Survey Reveals Concerns Over International Tax Task Force

by Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London

13 July 2004

A survey published in the July-August edition of the newly launched Tax Business magazine has revealed the full extent of the unease felt by tax professionals in Australia, Canada, the United States and the UK regarding the tax avoidance task force established by the revenue authorities in the four countries.

According to the results of the poll, the lack of information provided to the industry regarding the task force's plans is the main concern, with 83% of those questioned calling for more consultation, and 54% suggesting that those behind the international initiative have no interest in the opinions of companies on the matter.

"Tax professionals are accusing the four revenue authorities of hypocrisy, as the revenues are demanding that tax firms and their clients be open about any transaction with the merest whiff of a tax advantage, yet the authorities themselves believe it is acceptable to muddy the waters," explained Tax Business editor Paul Armstrong, going on to add that:

"The revenue authorities will have to change their attitudes if they want the task force to be a success...This is too big an issue to be swept under the carpet and the revenue authorities must consult the tax industry, otherwise professionals will not want to work with the authorities, and will perceive them as the enemy."

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