The phrase "I'm with The Outlandish Revenue Service" normally prompts a few questions. Here are the usual suspects:
minimise
We're a growing gaggle from all walks of life, brought together by ActionAid to get people talking about tax justice. There's ActionAid staff in our ranks, and lots of supporters too. And keep an eye out for dazzling personalities, the odd accountant, and perceptive politicians.
You can see mug shots of a bunch of us here (where you can join our prestigious organisation).
minimise
We're trying to get people to talk tax (excitedly), and help achieve tax justice. We know it's a tough job. That's why, together, we're undertaking a series of projects so outlandish that the powers that be can't fail to take notice.
To see our latest projects take a look here.
minimise
We want to put ActionAid out of a job! Achieving tax justice would see whole countries breaking out of the cycle of poverty for ever.
But first of all, we need to raise more money to deal with the fall out from the financial crisis. A Robin Hood Tax on the banks would generate masses of extra money right now. And we think it’s only fair that the people who caused the crisis pay to fix it.
Next, we want to make sure multinational companies pay the taxes they owe - especially to developing countries. Pretty sensible eh?
Top boffins over at Christian Aid have estimated that multinational companies dodge a whopping $160 billion in developing countries, every single year. There's a full explanation of exactly how "Bent Bananas International" do that, right here!
Stopping multinationals from doing this is top of The Outlandish Revenue Service's 'to do' list.
minimise
Our solutions are an odds-on, sure fire bet to help poor countries escape from poverty (not that The Outlandish Revenue Service would ever condone gambling).
With that extra $160 billion, developing countries could:
...and they'd still have change left over!
Fair tax revenues are also stable and dependable, which gives poor countries the best chance of investing in the teachers and doctors they need to stand on their own two feet. Bingo!
In the short time The Outlandish Revenue Service has been operating, we’ve already taken some ludicrously large steps towards achieving tax justice. Our projects are making a massive difference, so keep up the good work!
Read real stories of how tax dodging is affecting developing countries here.
minimise
Please, please ask us! We'll always get back to you, and you could even be given a special brief to find the answer out!! You can email us... or there's lots of other ways to talk to team members.
The Cayman Islands (population 50,000) is home to 80,000 Corporations and 10,000 hedge funds.
Busy people.
