@Graham ******

Do you really think you can only have a go at tax departments doing illegal things? Think again!

I can almost dream most Dutch tax laws (studied tax laws) and have had *one* tax audit in 45 years.

That was the year when the audit thought he discovered a mistake. I started a discussion which he didn’t agree to and wanted to charge 145 guilders additional tax. 30 years ago, so current value would be some 300 Euro.

I contested in court, had fun there, and in the end they had to repay me 3,600 guilders tax plus legal cost. At current value some 7500 euro.

I was never audited again.

See, you need to operate within the borders of the law, but those borders, especially when it comes to finance and taxes, are extremely stretchable.

I’d really really really wish my country would have a different tax calendar, like UK. I’d have a ball with every tax audit.

That said, don’t overestimate tax “consultants”. There are some really good consultants out there (I worked a.o. for PWC - excellent firm!) but at least 75% of them are charlatans who don’t have a clue about math and taxes and only know half the rules (and forget to ask the proper questions when you ask them for advice).

@Andy *********

Though the new guidelines (not new rules, by the way) are targeted at wealthy Thai, the immigrants unfortunately *can* get caught in the middle.

Recently a bullet was fired at Trump, but someone else died from it.

This happens with almost every tax law in the world. They are targeted at a whole lot of people, but sometimes others get caught in the process.

Do you really think Thailand can fix its deficit with targeting the average bloke who lives on a small retirement?

Ha! Of course not. But John Doe will get caught in the middle and having all Johns (or 25% of them) hire a tax consultant will definitely stimulate the economy.

So even when the guidelines are meant to tax the wealthy, the side effect helps and the government will be dancing of joy because due to the change the contributions of farangs increased by 0.%, even without the tax man getting any additional money!

@Tony *******

Assumptions don’t help when filing tax returns. Don’t assume anything…

You assumption that I was a tax resident in any year is just plain wrong.

@Todd ********

You’re totally right. 👍

@Bob *********

1) So how many people do you know who hired shady agents? Do you really think they will advertise their stupid move on Facebook?

2) Those who were sent out probably aren’t meeting you this week, because they were sent back!

But then again, “I’ve never seen it so it doesn’t exist” is really the best thing to write. Can’t argue with such cunning debaters. 🤣

@Andy ***********

No need to be paranoid.

Being careful and plan well is key.

But that is the same when crossing the street, even downunder.

@Cyndie *******

No mass exodus at all, despite the nuisance of having to fill out only one more form per year.

@Tony *******

You missed it. Filing for 2028 will not consider income from 2027 or earlier if you became tax resident in 2028.

Think about it!

It’s all about when you become tax resident.

@Bob *********

until they ask why your balance from the year before was zeroed out on the day after you received the stamp…

Or they ask for the bank documents of that bank account, which you don’t have because your shady agent never gave you access…

We don’t care about your 12 subsequent income payments, Sir. Please first show us where your previous bank balance went and prove it never went below 400k.

Oops!…

Bye bye! Have a safe trip home!

@Todd ********

Really? I would immediately report this shocking discovery to CNN. Surely you’ll get a honorary mention in their newsflash. They might even interrupt their show to go live with you! Wow! Amazing discovery!