Elite 11+ shopping and chat thread part 2½

davemorton

Hukd
1Lt Jack Daniel's/ Jack Daniel's Honey £20 Save £10 @ Sainsburys from 8th Nov

Savvybuyer

Wheres_My_Cashback wrote: »

I'd suggest that the vast majority of people here, if in the same position as LH would be doing exactly the same to protect their assets and pay as little tax as possible, and to say otherwise would be very hypocritical for most.
It's in the human physchee not to want to handover more money to the Government than is absolutely necessary.
These so called revelations are absolutely nothing new.

Did anyone ever buy goods online (that were under £18 or, later, £15) that were shipped to them from the Channel Islands? That was avoiding VAT by having an item imported as there was a relief on low value consignments. The Channel Islands are in a curious position: although they are part of the customs union and part of the EU for the purposes of free trade in goods, they are not part of the EU for VAT purposes. I would imagine that nearly everyone would have had something shipped to them that was given the relief from VAT. The relief was stopped for goods sent from the Channel Islands in 2012 but some goods are now sent from Switzerland or elsewhere.

Some people could see this as very similar to what Apple is reported to have done. The BBC claims that until 2014, the company had been exploiting a loophole in US and Irish law, by having subsidiaries in the Republic of Ireland that were effectively stateless for taxation purposes: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-41889787. To simplify a very complex story - and whatever Apple did complied fully with all relevant laws (the company has issued a statement saying that it remains the world's largest taxpayer, it has followed the law, its changes didn't reduce its tax payments in any country and has since added that no operations or investments were moved from Ireland) - the suggestion of the news reporting seems to me to be that, after the Irish government, prompted by the European Commission, changed the law, Apple, it is claimed by the BBC, moved one of its subsidiaries to Jersey. The BBC also says that "Ireland also created new tax regulations that companies like Apple could take advantage of." http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-41889787 Version 5 at https://www.newssniffer.co.uk/articles/1488092/diff/4/5

As regards Lewis Hamilton, there is a statement from his representatives that says his advisers have assured him everything is above board. That seems to me to be precisely the case. The media are claiming that Mr Hamilton was given a VAT refund by the authorities in the Isle of Man. Such refunds, we are being told, should only be given if the property was being used only for business purposes. It's said that Mr Hamilton has posted saying he was using the plane whilst on holiday and therefore for pleasure. It seems to me it was the Isle of Man customs giving the refund, as a result of what is said to be their misinterpretation or misapplication of EU law - for their part the customs I understand has now got the British authorities to look at its application of the law - and Mr Hamilton has done nothing wrong: if the customs give you a tax refund, who are you to say it shouldn't have been given? The customs officials, it seems to me, are the tax experts and, if I was given a refund from these tax people, I wouldn't question whether it was right or wrong - I think, quite reasonably, you can trust it to be correct as they have the expertise and you don't. To me, it is the customs service's responsibility and, if they weren't applying the law the way it should have been applied, that isn't Mr Hamilton's responsibility and he should not have to pay anything back. There hasn't been any question raised about that and I think everything he's done, or not done, is above board.

Even on the basics, there seems to be disagreement over categories in which some things are said by some people to fall, and said by others not to be within them at all. There is no agreement over what constitutes a "tax haven" and consequently we don't even know which countries, or how many, amount to being "tax havens". It seems all to be a matter of personal opinion. This makes establishing levels of alleged tax avoidance difficult.

We can even see this currently in the box on the right. Someone has said that using an ISA is a form of "tax avoidance", that is avoiding tax by lawful means, but Martin Lewis claims that "...[p]utting money in an ISA is tax planning not avoidance".

He refers to an article on this website (https://blog.moneysavingexpert.com/2013/05/20/should-moneysavingexpert-encourage-tax-avoidance/) in which he includes the following:

"...

• Tax avoidance. This is where you manipulate the tax system in a way it wasn’t designed to be manipulated to find loopholes and techniques or move money abroad to pay less tax than you ordinarily would, and less than you’re supposed to – but within the law.
• Tax planning. Here you organise your finances in such a way as to take advantage of state-encouraged schemes which are designed to reward you to act a certain way, with the incentive of paying less tax.

Of course, there are blurred edges between [these]."

It could be thought that what is being alleged to relation to Lewis Hamilton isn't even the "tax avoidance" that it is being suggested in the media that it is. (Words such as "avoid VAT", "VAT refund" are being used.) It could be seen that it's not: here, it could be said to be tax planning, because the VAT refund is part of a state-encouraged scheme. Again, it is the Isle of Man customs authorities deciding that a VAT refund was due and it could be viewed that Lewis Hamilton's behaviour was simply using the lawful methods of acting in a way of flying the jet to the Isle of Man with the incentive of paying less tax. It's not even an avoidance on tax on Martin Lewis' definition, but arguably tax planning:rotfl:.

Really, what strikes me is that, despite this "investigative journalism" bureau, all they seem to have found is people acting in legal ways and they haven't identified anyone breaking the law or committing any criminal offences. One wonders why the big fuss and is it simply about people who have money and are powerful? However, clearly, the issue is that people with substantial wealth "avoiding" paying tax (even though it's not even clear to me that there is anything being avoided on the definition Martin Lewis gives - and people are complying fully with the law) are not felt to be paying their "fair" share and at times when the country is cash-scrapped and is going through has gone through austerity. However, even if there is any tax avoidance, the solution, surely, is for Governments - and it will need to be international action as, if that doesn't happen, people can simply legally switch to another country that offers a more favourable tax position - the point is that it is the wealthy that have the means to do that at their disposal - whereas you and I are stuck with UK tax system and paying tax due in the UK (just as rich people pay tax due in the UK - namely none if they base everything elsewhere) - it is for Governments to change the law to tax something if it isn't currently taxed and they think it should be. To me, the issue and responsibility falls squarely on MPs and other politicians.

If people are avoiding tax, and you don't like it, change the law so that it can no longer be avoided, and then it would be evasion if people were to continue to do it, which they then wouldn't, but which people are perfectly free to do currently as it is legal and not tax evasion. As for any alleged tax "avoidance", that is legal so people are doing nothing wrong. Other people may have a different view - however your morality is irrelevant and does not matter because you do not have the current law on your side. So, people can say all they like, but their view, no matter how strongly held, is unenforceable. Issues of whether "fair shares" are being contributed are inherently and intensely political and are the precise area in which politics is aimed at: therefore the whole matter falls to the responsibility of MPs in my view. Distribution of wealth and payment for public services are the essential and important issues for Government to make decisions about: if there are any loopholes that should not be, then it is precisely a failure of MPs to do their jobs and change the law to make sure that loopholes, that allow whatever it is that is tax avoidance, do not exist. If a "loophole" exists in moving capital or people abroad, then it requires all states involved to change their laws and the responsibility is again on politicians, namely government ministers, to represent and press the concerns on the other countries involved and to take part in international organisations that set tax regimes on a cross-nation or multi-national level. The "revelations", however, are revelations in point of fact, even though they may reveal nothing of any surprise to some people, as they do reveal information in documents that have not been in the public domain before the leak.

pepper77_2

aallank wrote: »

sensations nuts 2 for £2 plus on my pics so works out at 60p each

sweet chilli and honey and salt - both very nice

zippydooda wrote: »

Yes I’ve been getting it for years. Also frying steak
My pics and 3 for £10
Again a lot better with gas card

Well, they're home, three diced steaks, a copy of the Times, four bags of nuts and a coffee. £7.96
Many thanks.

zippydooda

pepper77 wrote: »

Well, they're home, three diced steaks, a copy of the Times, four bags of nuts and a coffee. £7.96
Many thanks.

what :eek::eek:

no free mag with a reasonable 2018 calendar in it

pippo

mhoc wrote: »

And despite the 2 hour meals and the resultant kitchen clean ups I managed to have a very productive afternoon and I tackled all of the weeks Targetted Tasks in one day :j

Firstly there are 2 tights/socks wicker baskets, all very messy. I upended both, culled any tights marked small, pop socks and other oddities like fishnets ( whatever possessed me )
Then tights, mostly new in packs went back into one basket and under the bed, the other has socks, thick wholly tights and rolled up leggings went into the 2nd basket on the end of the bed in readiness for the forthcoming 8 month winter.

Then I tackled my stash which mostly now lives in deep cupboards between 2 wardrobes in the guest bedroom. I pulled it all out onto the bed - some items like mini shower gels put aside for travel bags and some suitable toiletries for the food bank collection.
So now all the haircare is on one shelf, bath/shower on the next and skin moisturises on the next. The bottom shelf has pant liners and mini tissue packs. That left one entirely empty shelf which might store a very large collection of wet wipes.
Boys toiletries have their own wardrobe shelf
Sunscreens and similar have always lived in an under the bed box.
This is the general family toiletry stash - the very best personal stuff is in my own chest of drawers.

I never really need to buy any toiletries ever again - except for deodarant - only 2 left apart from the odd mitchum roll on.

all tidy now

I haven't tackled tights and socks yet, but have sorted gloves, scarves and hats! I appear to have 40+ pairs of gloves:eek:
Mind you over half are vintage, may sell one day. Surplus is going to homeless charity.
Sorted toiletries (again!)
I also pulled everything out onto the bed.
I've boxed up the new 'good' make up, decided that I will use some of the good toiletries, what am I keeping them for? and have filled 2 carrier bags that I will take to my friend tonight who is collecting for some local community groups. A few things set aside for Christmas gifts.
I now have 1 empty large storage box and some room to manoeuvre in the cupboards.

sarahskint

woohoo i'm back lol my computer died and before I had had the chance to save all pics etc so I now have a new computer that came with a nice new keyboard - strange being able to use the 'w' and the 'spacebar' without hitting them two or three times to work lol

Savvybuyer

marmitelovemehateme wrote: »

The glitch on the walkers crisps.....Who was it against please...TIA

Is this the one in A on the APG with the trigger? I understood it was Ketchup crisps that were invisible (they certainly would have worked on my womble at the weekend) but frequent bought some Nik Naks, that did appear, and caused a glitch - that I don't understand:rotfl:.

I think the glitch is versus everywhere and anywhere, depending on what other items you are buying, that are visible, that you want to compare elsewhere.

For example, sticking to appearing Walkers 6x25g crisps - it's two of those, that must be available on t.com, vs T's 2 for £2.

If you want the Thai Sweet Chilli Sensations (the best item it seemed as individual price in A is the highest), then it's also vs T but at straight £1. Therefore, you can't mix that with comparable Walkers Crisps (except the one Ketchup pack if that's a trigger) as you are allowed only three items per shop, including the trigger, and buying one Walker's Crisps that appears won't pick up the T mbuy.

Vs M, it's choose from Sunbites 6x25g (Original Lightly Sea Salted, Sour Cream & Cracked Black Pepper or Sun Ripened Sweet Chilli), Snack-A-Jacks 4 pack (any of the four) or Ritz Bakefuls Sea Salt & Vinegar only as each of those is £1 in M. There may be other snacks/crisps in A's offer at £1 in M - I will have a look later today as I did get more information yesterday. Two individual items (or could be two the same but counts only once on the APG) from within these plus the trigger. I can't remember what the Nik Naks item was now if that's a trigger - Nik Naks Variety is showing £1 for M on msm, so if it appears and compares it should itself give 10p vs M, looks like N/A everywhere else - I didn't look at Nik Naks in M as it didn't look to be part of A's mbuy offer from what I see online (that may well be the glitch, but it also stops me from seeing what is glitchable when I am checking from a remote location such as here at home now). I don't know which of the two Nik Naks needs to be bought however to cause a glitch - or whether either of them will do.

There may be potential comparisons vs S or W at £1 on 'main' items beyond the trigger; you'll need to look at msm or their websites.

marmitelovemehateme

Savvybuyer wrote: »

Is this the one in A on the APG with the trigger? I understood it was Ketchup crisps that were invisible (they certainly would have worked on my womble at the weekend) but frequent bought some Nik Naks, that did appear, and caused a glitch - that I don't understand:rotfl:.

I think the glitch is versus everywhere and anywhere, depending on what other items you are buying, that are visible, that you want to compare elsewhere.

For example, sticking to appearing Walkers 6x25g crisps - it's two of those, that must be available in T, vs T's 2 for £2.

If you want the Thai Sweet Chilli Sensations (the best item it seemed as individual price in A is the highest), then it's also vs T but at straight £1. Therefore, you can't mix that with comparable Walkers Crisps (except the one Ketchup pack if that's a trigger) as you are allowed only three items per shop, including the trigger, and buying one Walker's Crisps that appears won't pick up the T mbuy.

Vs M, it's choose from Sunbites 6x25g (Original Lightly Sea Salted, Sour Cream & Cracked Black Pepper or Sun Ripened Sweet Chilli), Snack-A-Jacks 4 pack (any of the four) or Ritz Bakefuls Sea Salt & Vinegar only as each of those is £1 in M. There may be other snacks/crisps in A's offer at £1 in M - I will have a look later today as I did get more information yesterday. Two individual items (or could be two the same but counts only once on the APG) from within these plus the trigger. I can't remember what the Nik Naks item was now if that's a trigger - Nik Naks Variety is showing £1 for M on msm, so if it appears and compares it should itself give 10p vs M, looks like N/A everywhere else - I didn't look at Nik Naks in M as it didn't look to be part of A's mbuy offer from what I see online (that may well be the glitch, but it also stops me from seeing what is glitchable when I am checking from a remote location such as here at home now).

There may be potential comparisons vs S or W at £1 on 'main' items beyond the trigger, need to look at msm or their websites.

Thanks Savvy...I couldn't have asked for a better reply...:T:T

pepper77_2

zippydooda wrote: »

what :eek::eek:

no free mag with a reasonable 2018 calendar in it

I'm a slow learner

I havent looked up the BG card yet.

Like I said waities is a bit distant, in the summer I visited to stock up on Lynx @ 40p, but that was summer so I fitted visits into motorbike rides.

Its pizzin down here, so the bike is tucked away until it brightens up.

sparklyfee

Afternoon,

I've got a few gift set results due later. Hope I'm ok mix and matching bulldog beard set with Baylis set?!

Just wondering about the walkers thing? Can anyone help with what to buy and how much they are. I'm out of touch with triggers etc and can't make head nor tail of what to do! But we need crisps!

Thanks