CHRIS TAILBY CBE | former Head of Policy & Anti-Avoidance at UK Customs / UK Tax Authorities

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Episode Description

In this episode, I interview CHRIS TAILBY CBE, former Head of Tax Policy at UK Customs and Head of Anti Tax Avoidance at the UK Tax Authorities (HMRC).

Tax which is due is a cost for any business and Tax Avoidance is an area of the law that we should all be aware and wary of.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Chris Tailby’s Career Journey: From barrister to tax partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, to Director of Tax Practice and head of the UK Anti-Avoidance Group.
• Tax Avoidance vs. Evasion: Exploring the legal and ethical boundaries, with insights into landmark cases.
• Duke of Westminster Case: How this precedent shaped tax planning by prioritizing the letter of the law.
• Halifax Case: A pivotal European Court decision that redefined VAT planning and tackled abusive tax practices.
• The IRS & JITSIC & Gordon Brown: Chris’s role in signing the treaty establishing the Joint International Tax Shelter Information Centre.
• Jaffa Cake Case: The quirky legal battle over whether Jaffa Cakes are cakes or biscuits, impacting VAT liability.
• Management Style: Chris’s hands-off approach and emphasis on empowering teams.
• Lessons from Tax Law: Analytical skills, attention to detail, and cross-sector expertise as key to a successful legal career.

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*Disclaimer: This podcast is simply for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not in way constitute legal, business, financial or other advice whatsoever. Should you require advice then please seek such from an appropriately qualified professional, explaining your specific circumstances.

Chapters

• 0:00 Intro & Chris Tailby’s Career Journey
• 6:19 The IRS, HMRC and industry expertise
• 9:33 Tax Avoidance vs. Evasion
• 11:48 JITSIC and Tax Treaties
• 15:54 The Duke of Westminster Case
• 19:23 The Halifax Decision
• 25:26 Brexit Consequences and Tailby's Motivations
• 30:49 The Jaffa Cake Decision
• 34:07 Lessons from Tax Law
• 36:36 Tailby's Management Technique