The wealthy get richer even when governments ‘clamp' down
Finweek English|23 July 2021
The global tax system decided on a minimum level of corporate tax. This won’t address the creation of rampant wealth.
Maarten Mittner
The wealthy get richer even when governments ‘clamp' down

Markets have shown little fear in reaction to renewed revelations of vast personal wealth accumulation among the wealthy over the past decade. The Nasdaq has risen to an all-time high, Facebook hit a market cap of $1tr and Apple remains comfortably above the $2tr level.

A new minimum global tax level of 15% for companies has been agreed to by 130 countries. This is lower than the 22% which has been calculated to offset any tax arbitrage, whereby a tax rate of 28% is levied in one country, say South Africa, as compared to 11% in another, say Ireland. And obviously, the country with the lower tax rate is preferred. Therefore, a rate of 15% may not be as effective as hoped.

The reality is that the global tax system continues to favour the wealthy, and their companies. Low-tax havens may not become a thing of the past. Yet. But how do the wealthy actually pay less tax?

Globally, as in SA, the creation of wealth is not taxed. Only income, and to a lesser extent capital gains. Theoretically, the wealthy face hefty capital gains tax on the selling of shares. But that rarely happens. Why? Mainly because capital gains taxes are linked to residency requirements. If a person is not a resident of a particular country, no tax is payable in that country, unless it is from a local source. As it relates to ownership of a house, for example, or immovable property in tax jargon.

Denne historien er fra 23 July 2021-utgaven av Finweek English.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra 23 July 2021-utgaven av Finweek English.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA FINWEEK ENGLISHSe alt
THE HEALTH OF SA'S MEDICAL SCHEMES
Finweek English

THE HEALTH OF SA'S MEDICAL SCHEMES

As the Covid-19 pandemic abates, finweek takes a look at the financial performance of some of the largest players.

time-read
7 mins  |
5 November 2021
The effect of Gilbertson's departure
Finweek English

The effect of Gilbertson's departure

With Ntsimbintle Holdings now the major shareholder of Jupiter Mines, it could change SA’s manganese industry.

time-read
3 mins  |
5 November 2021
Making money from music
Finweek English

Making money from music

Why investors are increasingly drawn to the music industry.

time-read
3 mins  |
5 November 2021
Conviction is key
Finweek English

Conviction is key

Sandy Rheeder plays a critical role in Mukuru’s mission to open up financial services to the emerging consumer market in Africa through tailor-made technology solutions and platforms.

time-read
5 mins  |
5 November 2021
The post-pandemic toolkit
Finweek English

The post-pandemic toolkit

How CFOs can use technology to support growth.

time-read
4 mins  |
5 November 2021
Big city living exodus
Finweek English

Big city living exodus

Mini cities like Waterfall City and Steyn City are redefining city-style apartment living.

time-read
3 mins  |
5 November 2021
Big compact, big value
Finweek English

Big compact, big value

Handsome, with a hefty level of standard specification, the roomy Haval Jolion compact crossover is a great value proposition.

time-read
3 mins  |
5 November 2021
On barriers to entry
Finweek English

On barriers to entry

There are various ways in which a company or sector can achieve competitive dominance. They usually make for good investments.

time-read
2 mins  |
5 November 2021
Fear and greed in one index
Finweek English

Fear and greed in one index

To buck the trend, when markets are hot or cold, is a tough thing to do. However, it can deliver solid returns.

time-read
3 mins  |
5 November 2021
Africa's largest data centre facility coming soon
Finweek English

Africa's largest data centre facility coming soon

Vantage Data Centers plans to invest over R15bn for its first African data centre facility in Attacq’s Waterfall City.

time-read
3 mins  |
5 November 2021