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Cheshire Cat Special user Wilmslow, UK 941 Posts |
About 6 weeks ago did a party for a chap who was a bass guitarist (about mid 40s age). Told me he had never been out of (part time) work all his musical life, and NEVER PAID A PENNY IN TAX!
Now I have been paying taxes (to HM Collector of Taxes here in UK) for 30 years, as a musician and children's entertainer. It has been my choice to be a full-time professional in Entertainment and I offer no criticism to anyone who has chosen to be a part-time professional in Entertainment (as we all know, some of these can be far more talented than full-timers). But however I have tried to dismiss known tax-evaders to the back of my mind, - they have always been there, with their mobile untraceable phone numbers, always asking for cash, never advertising in anything where an address has to be given to the viewer, - using some 'stage' name that no Inland Revenue Inspector in Britain could ever trace, ensuring that no trace appears on the www. of themselves (i.e. forums like these or websites). How do you feel about these people? Are you just sick to the back teeth of being a Law abiding citizen whilst these seem to endlessly get away with it? Have you ever reacted in any way to rectify this injustice? Obviously you are not going to tell the world what you have done in specific detail . . . but like I, have you 'addressed the situation' ever? As a final note on the 'guitarist'. Has now emigrated to Spain, and will no doubt disappear into the huge black economy of bar musicians and entertainers on the 'Costas'! |
Andy Wonder Special user Auckland, New Zealand 747 Posts |
Ace, I bet you are more wealthy than he is. If you don't play by the rules you don't win in the end.
Andy Wonder, Auckland, New Zealand
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Emazdad Inner circle Plymouth UK 1954 Posts |
I hate people that rip off the system, especially those who rub it in. I don't think I'd ever grass anyone up though.
I couldn't not pay my taxes. I'm too honest, Plus how can you complain about anything the Government does if it's not your money they're wasting..
Yours Funfully
Clive "Emazdad" Hemsley www.emazdad.com "Magic is a secret, without the secret there is no magic" Remember there are only 3 types of people in the world, those that can count and those that can't. |
Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
If he's bragging to you about his money, and how he "beats the system", it's pretty sad. There are better things to talk about when you are just getting to know another person.
His self-worth would seem to be caught up in pointing out how great he is. That's a hard way to run a business. The best run businesses are focused on others, especially the customers. - Donald.
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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magicgeorge Inner circle Belfast 4299 Posts |
Andy's right. He couldn't do any big shows or advertise properly if he wants to hide from the taxman so someone avoiding paying taxes is pretty much stuck to doing little jobs here and there and accepting back-handers. I'm interested in how you did address the situation though, Ace.
Another situation ,that happens to me, is sometimes people make a point of paying me cash and give me a wink and a nod. Do you make a point of the fact that it's still going through the books, although you appreciate the gesture or do you just let them think what they want to think? |
Emazdad Inner circle Plymouth UK 1954 Posts |
I don't take any notice. You can say what you want and they won't believe you.
Yours Funfully
Clive "Emazdad" Hemsley www.emazdad.com "Magic is a secret, without the secret there is no magic" Remember there are only 3 types of people in the world, those that can count and those that can't. |
Hill Inner circle 1164 Posts |
Here in Ireland, part timers (of which I am one) come and go all the time, eating into the client portfolio of all the other long standing entertainers. All we can do is persevere as professionals and sleep well at night in the knowledge that no police will be knocking on our doors in the morning
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Cheshire Cat Special user Wilmslow, UK 941 Posts |
This guy did in fact give a 'nod and a wink' and paid me cash. When I politely explained that everything has to go through the books he then told me he had never paid a dime in taxes as a musician.
I am not into addressing the situation in this instance as the guy was not in the same business as myself. If someone comes into my area entertaining children however I do expect to compete on a level playing field with them. |
Hill Inner circle 1164 Posts |
Well said ace. You have the right idea. It's good to know that we are making honest money.
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Rupert Bair Inner circle ? 2179 Posts |
Glad I don't pay tax! I bet the they are keeping tabs on me untill I'm old enought to pay! Well my dads an accountant so he can sort me out!
Matt |
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