Tax avoidance debate finishes with close result

ACCOUNTANCY AGE'S first-ever debate has finished with a narrow defeat for the motion that tax avoidance is an unacceptable exploitation of the tax system.

Founder of Tax Research UK, Richard Murphy, stoutly defended the motion. However, readers and commentators voted in favour of the opposition – argued by BDO tax partner Stephen Herring – by a six-point margin, leaving the result 47% - 53%.

The debate delved into the heart of the matter, asking what tax avoidance is and where the line might be drawn in order to define what is considered abusive.

Nearly a thousand votes were cast and 128 comments were made by readers as they took part in the discourse.

To look back at the debate, click here.