Comments on: Why the Persistence of Tax Havens?

By: A Voice of Sanity

A Voice of Sanity — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 05:59:17 +0000

“Offhand, I cannot think of any reason why there should not be a global norm that the financial affairs of anyone with over a $10 million net worth should be an open book.”

Perhaps they feel that when they have paid $100,000 or $200,000 or $500,000 or $1,000,000 that they have paid their share? Should there not be an upper limit on taxes?

By: A.W.

A.W. — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:21:19 +0000

Next mystery explored on Concurring Opinions… why is it that when you drop a cannonball, it falls to the ground?

Seriously, the answer is very simple. Why do companies go to tax shelters? to save money?

Why are tax shelters offered? To make money. either as above the board revenues, or under the table bribes. really seriously there is no mystery here.

By: Maryland Conservatarian

Maryland Conservatarian — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:13:34 +0000

“Offhand, I cannot think of any reason why there should not be a global norm that the financial affairs of anyone with over a $10 million net worth should be an open book.”

Really? Would that include a very rich 15 year old girl who invests in an upscale, $10.1 million private abortion facility so that her and her friends could always have access outside their parents’ purview?

By: ParatrooperJJ

ParatrooperJJ — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:35:06 +0000

Maybe they persist because governments tax too much? Maybe people think they deserve privacy in their financial affairs?

By: anon

anon — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 07:38:00 +0000

Any reason? How about strange behavior by those with net worth approaching $9 million?

(Relatedly: would the disclosure forms allow the costs of rape counseling or cancer treatment to be lumped in with “medical expenses,” or would greater transparency be required?)