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Cullen Too Late On Tax Avoidance Measures

Annabel Young MP
Revenue Spokesperson
List MP for Rongotai and Wellington Central


CULLEN TOO LATE ON TAX AVOIDANCE MEASURES

For Immediate Release
Thursday, January 27, 2000

The Finance Minister is kidding himself if he thinks he can plug the tax loopholes and stop the massive tax avoidance that go hand-in-hand with his tax increases, National Party Revenue spokesperson Annabel Young MP said today.

“Inland Revenue’s advice that up to $250million worth of taxes could be lost because of tax avoidance comes as no surprise.

“Cullen’s promises of anti-avoidance measures are too late – the horse has already bolted. People are already finding ways around the higher tax rates.

“The greatest risk to the tax system is that lots of ordinary taxpayers dodge a little bit of their tax. When he eventually comes up with the avoidance measures the trade off will be more complex form-filling for everyone –and higher penalties for making simple mistakes.

“It’s bad new for all New Zealanders to go back to a complex tax system where people try to avoid tax at every turn.

“The best way to keep the tax system simple and remove loopholes is to have low taxes.

“Dr Cullen is just setting New Zealanders up for more tax headaches.”

ENDS

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