Business expense claims.

[modeller]

The country is right to condemn the hypocrites who run the country but we should we just pick on the politicians ? In all walks of life expense claims are a method of getting something for nothing, exhibitions and conferences are held in exotic locations when most of them could be held closer to home, if at all . The difference being is in business the shareholders pick up the tab and in government the taxpayers do.

[jno]

in business the tab is also picked up by customers, by way of higher prices. Some people still think ITV is 'free' while you have to pay for the BBC, but they both cost money to run - they just make it back in differerent ways.

[paraffin]

modeller:

So what is your question? Or are you merely making an observation which requires no discussion or opinion?
Because, you appear to have posed a question initially, then gone on to answer it as well.

[Oneeyedvic]

Shareholders have a choice with where they invest their money - and they can call an extraordinary AGM if they are not happy with the directors of the business.

The taxpayers can not call an election and have no choice other than to wait for the government to call an election when they are ready.

[modeller]

paraffin I'll put up another question concerning the hypocrisy of those who try to tell us how to behave.

[Dolly1308]

At this moment in time the answer to your question modeller is YES .

[tamborine]

Not the case with small businesses, the mainstay of IR. Employees have more rights & holidays than the employers. Employers try to continue their business while constantly worrying about trade income/exes & employees rights.

Is it any wonder that so many throw in the towel?

[VHG]

I worked for a large international company for 30 years and claimed many trips on expenses, but I was never able to claim a TV on my expenses, or to have my garden maintained, or to buy 17 silk cushions like Keith Vaz did, of to have tudor panels put on my house like Prescott did.

I am not against paying basic expenses if an MP needs a second home in London to be near parliament, but some of these claims border on the criminal.

It is obvious these MPs have been "using" their expense process to make sure they could clam the maximum amount each year.

They should be ashamed of themselves.

[rov1200]

After watching a program yesterday I'm still baffled how the Isle of Man has no income tax yet still thrives. If we abolished income tax maybe Britain could flourish and no expense forms to fill out or be vetted either.

[sqad617]

rov....eh?

Income tax is levied at a rate of 10% on the first �10,300 of taxable income and 18% on the rest. Individuals receive an �8,500 personal allowance. Married couples are taxed jointly and receive a personal allowance of �17,000, pay 10% on the first �20,600 of taxable income and 18% on the rest.

National Insurance is a form of social security taxation. It is levied on employment income at a slightly lower rate than the UK. For employees the rate is 10% on income between �89 and �595 per week. Various other rates are levied on the self employed etc.

[rov1200]

squad I think the question was about business expense claims. If I heard right individuals pay 10% income tax but businesses pay nothing.

[rov1200]

Better info here:

http://www.gov.im/ebusiness/advantages/adv_tax ation.xml