Supreme Court judge Justice MR Shah encouraged citizens to approach payment of taxes as a duty towards the society and country rather than a compulsion..The Supreme Court Judge was speaking at the TIOL Awards and Tax Congress 2021 where he advised citizens to have an alternative perspective on payment of tax.“One should not treat it as a compulsion but as a contribution to your nation and a duty towards the society. That is why sometimes when you are tired, you say it's taxing! We have made taxing a compulsion. It should not be like this,” he said..At the very outset of his address, Justice Shah called himself akin to a night watchmen who was suddenly asked to play, and excused himself in advance for any mistake he made..He expressed that taxpayers should not view tax as obliging the country or its people, but instead urged them to take a grateful approach. Further, he emphasised that if taxes were not paid the government would not be able to provide welfare schemes etc.“You should thank God that God has given you this much to pay tax. If you don't earn, there is no question of paying tax.”.Finally, he thanked the award winners for being honest taxpayers as they were role models to others as well.“There may be tax planning and tax evasion. Everyone knows that tax evasion is not permissible, tax planning within the four corners of law may be permissible,” he said..With this, he ended his speech, while giving other dignitaries an opportunity to share their knowledge..[Watch full address here]
Supreme Court judge Justice MR Shah encouraged citizens to approach payment of taxes as a duty towards the society and country rather than a compulsion..The Supreme Court Judge was speaking at the TIOL Awards and Tax Congress 2021 where he advised citizens to have an alternative perspective on payment of tax.“One should not treat it as a compulsion but as a contribution to your nation and a duty towards the society. That is why sometimes when you are tired, you say it's taxing! We have made taxing a compulsion. It should not be like this,” he said..At the very outset of his address, Justice Shah called himself akin to a night watchmen who was suddenly asked to play, and excused himself in advance for any mistake he made..He expressed that taxpayers should not view tax as obliging the country or its people, but instead urged them to take a grateful approach. Further, he emphasised that if taxes were not paid the government would not be able to provide welfare schemes etc.“You should thank God that God has given you this much to pay tax. If you don't earn, there is no question of paying tax.”.Finally, he thanked the award winners for being honest taxpayers as they were role models to others as well.“There may be tax planning and tax evasion. Everyone knows that tax evasion is not permissible, tax planning within the four corners of law may be permissible,” he said..With this, he ended his speech, while giving other dignitaries an opportunity to share their knowledge..[Watch full address here]
