Simple way to clamp down on tax evasion

[Justin Smith]

Everyone, who actually thinks about it, knows that tax evasion (and even elaborate tax avoidance) is anti social and selfish, in fact tax evasion is actually illegal. When we were in Crete we noticed that all businesses had the following notice displayed prominently :

 

The consumer is not obliged to pay if the notice of payment has not been received (receipt - invoice)

 

So the Greeks are doing something about tax non payment ! Would this legal notice be worth adopting over here ? How successful would it be ?

[Berberis]

Everyone, who actually thinks about it, knows that tax evasion (and even elaborate tax avoidance) is anti social and selfish, in fact tax evasion is actually illegal. When we were in Crete we noticed that all businesses had the following notice displayed prominently :

 

The consumer is not obliged to pay if the notice of payment has not been received (receipt - invoice)

 

So the Greeks are doing something about tax non payment ! Would this legal notice be worth adopting over here ? How successful would it be ?

 

How well enforced is the scores on the doors scheme going?

 

I can see how this may work on a relatively small island, but a country the size of the UK. No chance.

[Robin-H]

Everyone, who actually thinks about it, knows that tax evasion (and even elaborate tax avoidance) is anti social and selfish, in fact tax evasion is actually illegal. When we were in Crete we noticed that all businesses had the following notice displayed prominently :

 

The consumer is not obliged to pay if the notice of payment has not been received (receipt - invoice)

 

So the Greeks are doing something about tax non payment ! Would this legal notice be worth adopting over here ? How successful would it be ?

 

It is already adopted over here in some places. I have been to places where there have been signs that say it you don't get a receipt then your purchase is free (for example the Pumpkin Cafe at train stations).

 

I actually didn't get a receipt the time I noticed the sign, but I couldn't be bothered to complain for the price of a chocolate bar.

[Petminder]

Everyone, who actually thinks about it, knows that tax evasion (and even elaborate tax avoidance) is anti social and selfish, in fact tax evasion is actually illegal. When we were in Crete we noticed that all businesses had the following notice displayed prominently :

 

The consumer is not obliged to pay if the notice of payment has not been received (receipt - invoice)

 

So the Greeks are doing something about tax non payment ! Would this legal notice be worth adopting over here ? How successful would it be ?

 

How does receiving a receipt ensure that a business pays all the tax that is due?

[willman]

Its almost always been part of their culture, i've visited Crete and Greece over the past 15 years and they have always made a big issue about providing a receipt with the notice often displayed.

Quite ironically whilst smoking some heavy duty cigarette .

 

It was more to force them to actually register the transaction IIRC.

That's why market traders and self employed prefer cash.

[monkey104]

How does receiving a receipt ensure that a business pays all the tax that is due?

 

It leaves an auditable electronic or paper trail.

[Petminder]

It leaves an auditable electronic or paper trail.

 

How would the tax man know about the paper receipts given to me by Bob the gardener, Pete the window cleaner or Pat in the fruit and veg shop?

[Santo]

How would the tax man know about the paper receipts given to me by Bob the gardener, Pete the window cleaner or Pat in the fruit and veg shop?

 

Are you being deliberately obtuse?

[Cyclone]

Everyone, who actually thinks about it, knows that tax evasion (and even elaborate tax avoidance) is anti social and selfish, in fact tax evasion is actually illegal. When we were in Crete we noticed that all businesses had the following notice displayed prominently :

 

The consumer is not obliged to pay if the notice of payment has not been received (receipt - invoice)

 

So the Greeks are doing something about tax non payment ! Would this legal notice be worth adopting over here ? How successful would it be ?

 

How exactly does handing over a receipt guarantee that someone isn't cooking the books (which is what tax evasion would generally involve).

 

A hand written receipt given in exchange for payment in cash in no way guarantees that the sale is entered into the company books.

 

---------- Post added 28-10-2016 at 16:52 ----------

 

It leaves an auditable electronic or paper trail.

 

Does it?

 

How is a receipt audible if the business loses their copy?

[monkey104]

How exactly does handing over a receipt guarantee that someone isn't cooking the books (which is what tax evasion would generally involve).

 

A hand written receipt given in exchange for payment in cash in no way guarantees that the sale is entered into the company books.

 

---------- Post added 28-10-2016 at 16:52 ----------

 

 

Does it?

 

How is a receipt audible if the business loses their copy?

 

Not sure, maybe the business have to provide the reason to the tax office.

You do know that tills are now electronic and do all sorts of amazing calculations. Arkwrights old finger snapping till is a thing of the past.

Edited October 28, 2016 by monkey104