TAXING IS TRULY TAXING

Worried that tax had been underpaid, and unable to get through to an alternative office by phone, the tax payer wrote a letter  explaining what was wanted and why.   The letter from the tax office in reply,  makes the following requests:

"Would you please contact us at the number given and tell us why you require self assessment tax forms for previous years.  Please quote the national insurance number in this letter,  it will help deal with the call, "  

That's all fine then.   Now it is confirmed that you have to have a reason to ask for a tax assessment and to receive the form/s.  But, just a minute, the reason was given in the letter requesting the forms.

Telephone call made, numerous menus negotiated, an operator is updated on the reason for the call. He has to go off and speak to a supervisor....

The operator returns and is then told in more detail why tax assessment forms are required.....

He has to go off again to speak to his supervisor.....

The operator returns for the third and last time saying, okay then, we'll email your request for the tax assessment forms to the main tax office - you might hear something in about three or four weeks.
                                                                                       

HOT IS COLD; COLD IS HOT.......Maybe

In the last budget, hot pasties and pies were to attract Value Added Tax for the first time. Following an outcry, the rule was modified just a little. I think I am right in saying that pies and pasties that had been cooked, but were at, or, below, the ambient temperature would not attract the new tax. The assumption being that the ambient temperature would be rather cool, if not cold. Anything that was hot would still be taxable.

A local baker shop that has its bakery about a mile away, had a large notice in its window asking its customers to note: From now on hot and cold pies will be the same price.

 The baker shop includes a small basic, totally unsophisticated cafe. I have never seen a hot-plate in it, just a microwave oven. there are cold drinks from a refrigerated cabinet, coffee is the instant variety, and tea is...erm tea.

So, what is going on. The immediate assumption is that the price of the cold pies has been increased. On the other hand, it could be a clever little ruse to attract attention. Perhaps there are two morning deliveries of pies to the shop. An early one for the morning shoppers, and another fresh-from-the oven delivery, still very warm but cooling down, around about midday. If so, the arrangement would be perfect for the lunch time trade. And the status quo would be preserved.

TEN DOLLARS TO ENTER U.S.A.

Ten dollars entry payment to the U.S.A. is being proposed.  The  Travel Promotion Act, which is to form a new 'promote the USA' organization (an international tourism sales driver) is going through American legislature right now and is expected to be signed by the President, very soon. http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/02/26/travel.promotion.act/index.html?hpt=Mid.

It is, it seems to me, another travel tax to impose on visitors for the sole purpose of  paying for an organisation that sells the USA; there is no evidence that suggests visitors will benefit directly or indirectly in any meaningful manner. 

Some emerging economies have an entry levy of a nominal sum, money which has to assist caring for sights of international interest, not for paying for top heavy administration and blatant travel promotion exercises and any other allegedly aligned interests.  With enough visitor numbers, this proposed tourist entry levy is a money-spinner.  It is not clear, however how this honey pot will controlled and managed.

Perhaps we should all follow suit and extract additional monies for pet government/federal projects from people who visit our shores.