It's an ill-wind that blows no one any good, as they say. There was a call that really seemed to resonate with those British voters who opted for their country to leave the European Union in the referendum: 'take back control'. And who doesn't want to do that? But as Dr Kevin Farnsworth of … [Read more...]
Archives for 2017
The great escape: how tax havens continue to undermine new transparency measures: guest post
We're pleased to share this blog from Senior Policy Advisor at Oxfam Novib, Francis Weyzig, originally published here on how tax havens continue to undermine the OECD’s Common Reporting Standard, an information standard for the automatic exchange of tax and financial information on a global level. … [Read more...]
“Trusts: Weapons of Mass Injustice?” A response to the critics
On February 13th, 2017 TJN published a paper titled "Trusts: Weapons of Mass Injustice?", which has attracted critical attention from practitioners and tax havens. This is our response. Our paper, “Trusts: Weapons of Mass Injustice?”[1] asks some deep and searching questions about the role trusts … [Read more...]
Beginning of the end for the arm’s length principle?
The European Commission has released a statement which could well signal the beginning of the end for the OECD’s international tax rules, and the arm's length principle on which they are based. The current rules, which date to decisions taken at the League of Nations in the inter-war years, are … [Read more...]
Hurricanes, disaster capitalism, bitcoin and over-reliance on unhelpful economic measures: our Sept 2017 podcast
In edition 69 of our monthly podcast, the September 2017 Taxcast we look at our over-reliance on unhelpful economic measures like Gross Domestic Product and how it constrains us. Also: we discuss hurricanes, tax havens and disaster capitalism the bitcoin bubble - China may be closing its … [Read more...]
Highlights of TJN’s 2016 Annual Report
Tax Justice Network’s (TJN) 2016 Annual Report and audited accounts are available to view here. More than any other year they record a year of extraordinary achievement and an significant moment of transition as John Christensen, TJN’s founding director, steps into a new research role and hands on … [Read more...]
Links Sep 21
Nobel-prize winning economist Joseph Stiglitz on how to stop inequality and tax avoidance The Sydney Morning Herald 'The first tax reform we need is to get a global agreement to end the tax competition race to the bottom and make sure that there isn't massive tax avoidance" Ghana announces … [Read more...]
The Spider’s Web film wins ARFF Global Award
We're delighted that Michael Oswald's documentary film The Spider's Web: Britain's Second Empire has won the monthly Global Award from the Berlin Around International Film Festival (ARFF). The Spider's Web, which was co-produced by TJN's John Christensen, draws inspiration from Nicholas Shaxson's … [Read more...]
4 million Canadians form a new Coalition for Tax Fairness
Campaigns for tax justice are gathering pace around the world. Tax consciousness is taking its place at the heart of political debate, where it belongs. We're pleased to share this week's news of the newly formed Coalition for Tax Fairness, which is made up of groups representing over 4 million … [Read more...]
The City of London: Capital of an Invisible Empire
In July 2017 director Michael Oswald’s latest film, The Spider’s Web: Britain’s Second Empire was premiered at the Frontline Club in London. It has since had several screenings in London and public screenings can be organised from November onwards. This fascinating interview just published in … [Read more...]
KPMG and the false objectivity of the ‘Big Four’
This is cross-posted from Huffington Post, South Africa. It's time to recognise the big four firms for what they are - or we'll continue getting stung, says economist and Chief Executive of the Tax Justice Network, Alex Cobham. And so another international firm providing 'professional services' … [Read more...]
Our September 2017 Spanish language Podcast: Justicia ImPositiva, nuestro podcast de septiembre 2017
Welcome to this month’s latest podcast and radio programme in Spanish with Marcelo Justo and Marta Nuñez, downloaded and broadcast on radio networks across Latin America and Spain. ¡Bienvenidos y bienvenidas a nuestro podcast y programa radiofónica! (abajo en castellano). In the September 2017 … [Read more...]
New UN tax handbook: Lower-income countries vs OECD BEPS
The UN has just released an updated edition of its United Nations Handbook on Selected Issues in Protecting the Tax Base of Developing Countries. While technical in style and cautious in approach, the UN tax handbook identifies a range of issues in which the OECD's Base Erosion and Profit Shifting … [Read more...]
The Offshore Wrapper – Friday 8 September
Welcome to the Offshore Wrapper, a weekly roundup of news from the world of tax and tax havens. If you want to receive the wrapper in your inbox every week, you can subscribe here. Tax the rich? President Trump’s plans to reform the US tax system have led to a growing debate around the world on … [Read more...]
DEADLINE EXTENDED Job opening – Head of Operations
THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THIS VACANCY HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO 1 OCTOBER TJN is in a period of anticipated growth and significant transition. To assist us in our ambition we are recruiting to the key post of Head of Operations. The post holder will play a central role in helping us shape new capacity … [Read more...]
