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The Tax Haven That's Saving Google Billions

businessweek.com

1–10 of 292 posts

Re: The Tax Haven That's Saving Google Billions

#3
From the article:

"Google's practices are very similar to those at countless other global companies operating across a wide range of industries,"

So, why's the article about Google? Shouldn't the article be about "countless global companies" bilking us for billions? I'm astonished at the lack of outrage on this issue every time it comes up.

Re: The Tax Haven That's Saving Google Billions

#5
What this should signal, is that the US should lower its corporate tax rate. Even just making it competitive with other developed nations would probably generate more revenue for the government. And though it would still be higher than the effective rate many companies pay with all these transfer schemes, it would make the hassle less worthwhile.

However, what it will actually cause lawmakers to do is increase regulations to make income transfers like this illegal, and leave the corporate tax rate as is.

Re: The Tax Haven That's Saving Google Billions

#6
post #3

From the article: "Google's practices are very similar to those at countless other global companies operating across a wide range of industries," So, why's the article about Google? Shouldn't the article be about "countless global companies" bilking us for billions? I'm astonished at the lack of outrage on this issue every time it comes up.

Agreed, I think Goldman Sachs has their effective rate down to less than 2%.

Re: The Tax Haven That's Saving Google Billions

#7

What was my tax rate again? Oh yes, somewhere around 40%... Nice to see that everyone is doing their share.

As the article points out they have an obligation to maximise profits. If there was a way to cut your tax rate from 20%+ to less than 5% and they didn't use it, it would be a breach of their duties.

It's amusing to see how effective industry lobbyists have been in shutting down any reform that would close these loopholes. Lets talk about slashing entitlements but completely stonewall any attempts to get corporations paying more tax...

Re: The Tax Haven That's Saving Google Billions

#9
post #3

From the article: "Google's practices are very similar to those at countless other global companies operating across a wide range of industries," So, why's the article about Google? Shouldn't the article be about "countless global companies" bilking us for billions? I'm astonished at the lack of outrage on this issue every time it comes up.

Because countless global companies don't claim to be "not evil".

Anyone Google hires in the UK (up 'til now anyway) has been educated at the expense of the taxpayer, for example. If someone breaks into their offce, the police will show up to investigate. Why shouldn't they pay their fair share?

Re: The Tax Haven That's Saving Google Billions

#10
post #3

From the article: "Google's practices are very similar to those at countless other global companies operating across a wide range of industries," So, why's the article about Google? Shouldn't the article be about "countless global companies" bilking us for billions? I'm astonished at the lack of outrage on this issue every time it comes up.

Because "Google has managed to lower its overseas tax rate more than its peers in the technology sector". They're all doing it, but Google is doing it best.
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