INCOME TAX “EXILES”

Evening Star, Issue 20137, 30 March 1929, Page 22

INCOME TAX “EXILES”

PROBLEM IN BRITAIN. At least £2,000,000 a year is lost to the British exchequer, an expert estimates, through foreigners escaping abroad before they can be assessed Tor the wealth they have amassed hero. Such people often wish to return to England, but are “exiled” by fear ot tho income tax collector. “ I. could name a foreign boxer, an actor, a world-famous clown, and an American dirt track rider "who June made so much in a few months over here that they will never conic back,” said the expert. “ A boxer can make £15,000 in a single bout, and remain in England for about six months with perfect safety. Then he departs. “Alany a piquant situation, however has occurred lately. When a foreign actor lias returned to ibis country some, of them have been followed ball around England by bailiffs, and finally been prevented from going on tho stage until they have arranged to pay off their arrears oi tax. “ Recently one of the principals ot a dancing troupe was not caught until Hie bailiffs protended that they were autograph hunters. The customs authorities ought to he able to refuse a foreigner permission to leave the country unless he call show' a receipt from the tax authorities.”