- Messages
- 7,505
- Name
- Dave
- Edit My Images
- Yes
True, however avoidance is usually in the incomprehensible quantities for many (millions) which they equate to what they could do with millions whilst they are saving a few tangible hundred.
Why? I'm pretty sure Amazon, Vodafone, Starbucks etc pay every penny of VAT or import duty that is expected from them.
Their clever accounting relates to company tax on their profits, as long as HMG lets clever accountants find all sorts of ways for them to reduce that tax they will avoid it as they aren't breaking the law. It would be a simple matter for the government to legislate all profit in the UK be taxed, but they haven't.
You can be pretty sure if Amazon didn't pay the required VAT the HMRC inspectors would be banging on their doors pronto...