Tax avoidance and the rule of law

Tax Avoidance & the Rule of Law is based, in part, on discussions held at a conference in Sydney, in May 1995 on the topic: The Rule of Law & Anti-Avoidance Rules - Tax Administration in a Constitutional Democracy. The papers are reproduced in this publication, along with contributions from other eminent scholars. This volume of essays provides an excellent source of information which looks at the operation of the General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAARs) often enacted by governments in their tax statutes. Particularly examined in the essays is the extent to which there may be a conflict between GAARs, & the tradition of the rule of law. The book is divided into a preface & three sections, as follows: * Preface - This looks at conflicts, challenges & choices: the Rule of Law & anti-avoidance rules * Part I - The Rule of Law & the Constitutional Framework: Subjects covered include tax avoidance in economics, law & public choice; the role of judges, judicial interpretation & the role of anti-abuse provisions in tax law; & tax reform in a quasi-constitutional perspective * Part II - The Operation of Anti-Avoidance Rules: This section covers the Canadian general anti-avoidance rule; the Australian tax avoidance experience & responses; & the Swedish experiment with a general anti-avoidance rule * Part III - Alternatives to Anti-Avoidance Rules: Topics covered in this section include reducing tax avoidance by changing structures, processes & drafting; & the politics & practicalities of checking tax avoidance in the United States Tax Avoidance & the Rule of Law was compiled by the IBFD in cooperation with the Australian Tax Research Foundation. The book was edited by Graeme S. Cooper.