Thought experiment

[Somewhatfoolish]

Suppose we decide that the self employed don't have to pay tax. What happens then?

[Eric Mc]

Why are you having such thoughts?

[Somewhatfoolish]

I'm starting with a position I would really really like and trying to think about what the results would be.

My view is that tax is thieving from the self employed more than it is from the employed, because the former earn their money, the latter just agree to do something for a certain fee, and think about tax very differently.

[sidicks]

Somewhatfoolish said:

...because the former earn their money, the latter just agree to do something for a certain fee, and think about tax very differently.

As usual, you make no sense whatsoever.

Sidicks

[nonplussed]

I'm self employed and hate paying tax, but this makes no sense

[ShadownINja]

I suppose tax is something that anyone running a small business has to think about more carefully. An employee just takes a salary without thinking of tax or having to put aside some money to pay the tax on an annual basis.

[sidicks]

ShadownINja said:

I suppose tax is something that anyone running a small business has to think about more carefully. An employee just takes a salary without thinking of tax or having to put aside some money to pay the tax on an annual basis.

The fact that the self-employed have to think more about how and when to pay tax makes perfect sense. The fact that employees don't earn their money makes zero sense!

Sdiicks

[Eric Mc]

I am self employed and most of my clients are either self employed or run their own limited companies. By and large, I see no reason why this class of person should be exempted from paying their rightful share of the tax burden. To be honest, those who run their own businesses have better opportunity to plan their tax strategies and optimise their tax and NI liabilities - especially with the assistance of a switched on accountant.

[ShadownINja]

sidicks said:

ShadownINja said:

I suppose tax is something that anyone running a small business has to think about more carefully. An employee just takes a salary without thinking of tax or having to put aside some money to pay the tax on an annual basis.

The fact that the self-employed have to think more about how and when to pay tax makes perfect sense. The fact that employees don't earn their money makes zero sense!

Sdiicks

I dunno about the second bit. I didn't say that, though, nor am I defending that part.