National’s tax dodge

National’s insistence that it is cracking down on tax dodgers is little more than a bit of election year chest beating, Labour Leader David Cunliffe says.

“Revenue Minister Todd McClay surely doesn’t believe collecting $100 million of an estimated $7.3 billion a year in unpaid tax proves the Government is playing hardball.

“The problem is far deeper and more systemic than National is willing to confront.

“Certainly illegal tax evasion needs to be dealt with - people not paying their share place an increased burden on every other hardworking, tax-paying New Zealander – but that is only part a much wider problem.

“Tax avoidance across the board is the genie in the bottle. And that has got to be stopped if we want we are to have a fair and decent society where everyone gets a fair go and everyone pays their fair share.

“It’s also the reason why Labour will introduce a capital gains tax and stop the tax subsidies to speculators who are locking young Kiwis out of their first homes.

“We will also reform the taxation around trusts, so they can’t be used as money go rounds for the wealthy and their accountants, and ensure more fairness between those at the top, middle and the bottom of the income scale through income tax reform.

“National is still protecting its rich mates. New Zealanders deserve better,” David Cunliffe said.

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