The artful tax dodgers - John W O'Sullivan

Tax dodging: more popular than football, more subtle than chess, and played by millions. Some know the rules of the game, a few have some idea of the tactics, but what do they know of their faceless opponents in the distant computer centres and Special Compliance offices?In this ‘partial, prejudiced and jaundiced overview’, a former Senior Inspector of Taxes presents a frank insider’s view of a working life in taxes. With humour, relevance and a refreshing minimum of technical jargon, he casts an ironic eye on the professional activities and private passions of Dobson, one of the ‘odious agents of the Income Tax’.Dobson’s investigations uncover the professional fouls, dirty tricks and shady practices of those for whom tax dodging means anything from modest evasion to criminal fraud: both illegal, of limited effectiveness, and with serious consequences if detected.Tax dodging by avoidance, however, is an entirely different ball game: legal and hugely rewarding, but expensive, so strictly for the rich. Euphemistically called ‘tax planning’ and provided by battalions of well-paid advisors – often former Inspectors – it employs every devious and dodgy device to further enrich the few at the expense of the vast majority. ‘All according to the rules. We’ve done nothing wrong,’ is the morally constipated response to any hint of criticism. A cry that in another context will be familiar to every reader.‘There ain’t no justice about taxes’, said Mr Justice Rowlett (or words to that effect) in his celebrated Cape Brandy Syndicate judgement: one legal opinion with which few would disagree after reading this book.