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Simple question: do you consider tax evasion unethical? I’m not arguing that every mid to large size company is guilty either, but we can’t ignore how common c

Simple question: do you consider tax evasion unethical? I’m not arguing that every mid to large size company is guilty either, but we can’t ignore how common certain activities are in the market, things like share buybacks, the legal cases around corporate personhood, offshore tax havens, etc. Name a top tech company that doesn’t have an office in Ireland for taxation purposes. Joe’s tire shop down the street probably doesn’t, but I’d be willing to bet that a pretty significant percentage of the Fortune 500 do. Facebook, Apple, Google, Dell, Amazon, and many others do. They’ve created business structures that allow them to funnel money around the globe and avoid paying taxes on it. Is that illegal? Obviously not. Is it the right thing to do, especially as we live in a time where millions are out of work and starting to go hungry? Corporations that have expatriated billions in earnings on work done in the US are now asking for billions in bailouts, is that ethical? Again, mom and pop shops don’t have the influence to do this, but the Fortune 500 do.

save_ferris 6y ago
To those downvoting, what’s incorrect about what I’ve said here?
- Fjolsvith 6y ago
  I didn't downvote, but I'd wager that the downvoters just disliked what you said and couldn't refute your statement, or were too lazy to do it, or were afraid to risk karma. Or perhaps, they were afraid to do it because they work for a big corporation and could have their comment traced back to them and experience negative repercussions. But, I'd still wager they didn't like your statement and misused the downvote function.
mercutio2 6y ago
You are describing tax avoidance, not evasion.
- save_ferris 6y ago
  That’s fair, but the main point still stands. Is tax avoidance ethical? I’d say no, but I’m sure many would disagree.
  - greedo 6y ago
    So when you file your taxes, you don't claim any exemptions I assume?

save_ferris 6y ago

To those downvoting, what’s incorrect about what I’ve said here?

Fjolsvith 6y ago
I didn't downvote, but I'd wager that the downvoters just disliked what you said and couldn't refute your statement, or were too lazy to do it, or were afraid to risk karma. Or perhaps, they were afraid to do it because they work for a big corporation and could have their comment traced back to them and experience negative repercussions. But, I'd still wager they didn't like your statement and misused the downvote function.

mercutio2 6y ago

You are describing tax avoidance, not evasion.

save_ferris 6y ago
That’s fair, but the main point still stands. Is tax avoidance ethical? I’d say no, but I’m sure many would disagree.
- greedo 6y ago
  So when you file your taxes, you don't claim any exemptions I assume?