header-logo header-logo

14 April 2016 / David Greene
Issue: 7694 / Categories: Opinion , Tax
printer mail-detail

Avoidance or evasion?

001_nlj_7694_greene

David Greene wonders what will flow from the Panama revelations for lawyers?

Many moons ago when I took the Chartered Institute of Taxation exams (never could get my head round VAT) the difference between evasion and avoidance was drummed into you. Strangely, there remains utter confusion over the difference between the two words by people who should be able to differentiate, as each has been called upon to comment upon David Cameron’s financial and fiscal connections with Panama in the past week. As I write, Cameron is standing up in the Commons to defend himself and answer the House’s questions on his affairs. There may be many moral and political questions over his conduct but in law at least he has done nothing wrong.

Canal journey

Home to a one-time errant canoeist, Panama does not otherwise generally feature on the radar of the average Person on the Clapham Omnibus, save to think of the eponymous canal and, perhaps, its recent drug-torn violent history. It’s only 25 years since the US invaded the country to put

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Haynes Boone—Louise Woods

Haynes Boone—Louise Woods

Haynes Boone expands global capabilities with addition of Louise Woods as chair of international disputes

DWF—John Gilfedder

DWF—John Gilfedder

DWF strengthens Global Risks practice with strategic hire of aviation partner in London

Shakespeare Martineau—10 newly qualified solicitors

Shakespeare Martineau—10 newly qualified solicitors

Shakespeare Martineau appoints newly qualified solicitors

NEWS
More than 500 former rugby players can pursue brain injury claims despite serious failures to disclose documents ordered by the High Court
When does a solicitor’s retainer become a contentious business agreement? The Court of Appeal’s decision in Broadfield Law UK LLP v Barnes shows that listing hourly rates alone will not do, leaving firms and clients uncertain about their rights over bills
The Thirlwall Inquiry has exposed a ‘complete failure’ to protect babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital, but its recommendations must now be put into practice
A divorced woman has secured funding to participate in her former husband’s inquest after the Legal Aid Agency reconsidered repeated refusals
Developers in areas with poorly performing councils can apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate for permission under section 62A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990
back-to-top-scroll