WASHINGTON -- Eduardo Saverin's decision to renounce his United States citizenship in order to avoid paying taxes on his Facebook stock was "absolutely outrageous," House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) told ABC's George Stephanopolous on "This Week."
Boehner said that his move was "already against the law," likely referring to legislation written in the 1990s by now-Sen. Jack Reed (R-R.I.).
Saverin, a Facebook cofounder, could save tens or hundreds of millions in taxes by ditching his American citizenship. In a statement responding the outcry, Saverin said that it was unfortunate that his personal decision had created "a public debate." But if there is a debate about his behavior, it's decidedly one-sided, with everyone from Boehner to Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer on the same side, and Saverin and Rush Limbaugh on the other.
Last week, Schumer and Democratic Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) introduced legislation that would make Saverin responsible for his future taxes and bar him from ever visiting the United States.
Boehner said that the legislation was unnecessary, given the law on the books, but that he would support it nonetheless.
"If it's necessary, I'd surely support it," Boehner concluded.
[continued]
Bar him from ever visiting the United States? Seriously? Hard to believe elected officials are willing to put their name a bill that specifically targets a single individual.Looks like this tax evading jerk will get banned from ever coming into the country. Both parties are in support. Good. If he needs to have an in-person meeting with other Facebook people or whatever, they'll have to do it in another country or on board a ship in international waters if this passes.
Full Story:
Eduardo Saverin Bill Backed By John Boehner
Bar him from ever visiting the United States? Seriously? Hard to believe elected officials are willing to put their name a bill that specifically targets a single individual.
Looks like this tax evading jerk will get banned from ever coming into the country. Both parties are in support. Good. If he needs to have an in-person meeting with other Facebook people or whatever, they'll have to do it in another country or on board a ship in international waters if this passes.
Full Story:
Eduardo Saverin Bill Backed By John Boehner
If Saverin's actions were within the realm of legality, he shouldn't be singled out by a piece of knee jerk legislation. Banning an individual from entering the United States over a personal grievance is downright foolish and an abuse of authority in my opinion.I think it's great. The man used the United States to become successful and then discarded the country like garbage rather than pay is fair share. He originally came to the country as a refuge seeking protection. We gave him that. Now all he cares about is evading taxes. I think a bipartisan bill that bans him from ever coming here again is a great idea.
If I had Saverin's money, I'd just say "promise?" to Boehner.
If Saverin's decision was within the realm of legality, he shouldn't be singled out by a piece of knee jerk legislation. Banning an individual from entering the United States over a personal grievance is downright foolish and an abuse of authority in my opinion.
I think it's great. The man used the United States to become successful and then discarded the country like garbage rather than pay is fair share. He originally came to the country as a refuge seeking protection. We gave him that. Now all he cares about is evading taxes. I think a bipartisan bill that bans him from ever coming here again is a great idea.
Perhaps we should banish Buffet from the country as well. While he has not taken up a different nationality, he has used his tax lawyers to insure that most of his billions will never be taxed, not a single dime. Take about a hypocrite.
Any proof his actions were illegal? Or are we operating under the theory we can deny entry to individuals we don't like on a personal level?Fine. I don't want Saverin ever coming back to the country that he betrayed. If he does, he should be arrested for unlawful entry into the country.
I don't think so. I think he exploited the country in greedy ways and doesn't deserve to come back. Ban him.
If Saverin's actions were within the realm of legality, he shouldn't be singled out by a piece of knee jerk legislation. Banning an individual from entering the United States over a personal grievance is downright foolish and an abuse of authority in my opinion.
That's not accurate. Warren Buffet paid 6.9 million dollars in taxes in 2010.
What Warren Buffett Made (and Paid in Taxes) in 2010 - CBS News
Boehner said that the legislation was unnecessary, given the law on the books, but that he would support it nonetheless.
"If it's necessary, I'd surely support it," Boehner concluded.
Looks like this tax evading jerk will get banned from ever coming into the country. Both parties are in support. Good. If he needs to have an in-person meeting with other Facebook people or whatever, they'll have to do it in another country or on board a ship in international waters if this passes.
Full Story:
Eduardo Saverin Bill Backed By John Boehner
I am afraid you simply do not understand what is being discussed. Buffett has billions in unrealized gains, that have never been taxed. The taxes he paid is mostly on investment income on other assets he holds.
It would be great if the American public was at least a little educated in finance as it is so important in the world we live in.
If I had Saverin's money, I'd just say "promise?" to Boehner.
Bar him from ever visiting the United States? Seriously? Hard to believe elected officials are willing to put their name a bill that specifically targets a single individual.
Nice job talking down to me. I'm not economically illiterate. I've studied economics. I have investments. You made misleading statements about Buffet not paying one dime in taxes. All it took was a quick google to show that this is not true. He has paid taxes. It is possible for wealthy people to protect wealth in trust funds and other shelters. If those laws are unjust, they should be changed, but Buffet shouldn't be singled out for doing something legal. Saverin, on the other hand, has renounced his citizenship. As jamesrage said, if he wants to leave, fine, but then he should lose the benefits of citizenship. As sovereigns of this country, we have the right to decide who gets to come here and who doesn't. We can choose to not let him come back. I think that's a good choice. Boehner and some Democrats apparently do also.
Sorry if you felt that I was talking down to you. That being said, what you represent what I said shows you are either confused about what I said, or you just don't know the point I was making. I never said Buffett paid no taxes, I said he paid no taxes on his UNREALIZED gains in Berkshire stock he owns. Never said it was illegal either.
BTW- I do not think that raising taxes is a bad thing, I have for a long time supported getting rid of the carried income rule that allows hedge fund managers to get away with paying long term capital gains rates on what is essentially their income from their jobs. Creating another bracket for people earning over a million dollars would seem like a more appropriate response than the Buffett rule in my view as it would not be so distortive and hurtful to our economy,
All right, well I can forgive you. I'll have to research the Buffet tax situation. In any case, I see it as a separate issue. To me it seems logical if someone renounces citizenship to evade taxes, he should not be allowed back into the country.
I agree that we need taxes to go up in some ways. I oppose the far right's "de-fund the government movement." I do not think if we take large amounts of money away from the government that it will result in the free market filling the void of services that we need. I think it will mean our roads and bridges will crumble, fire fighters will be late to fires, police forces will be understaffed, polluters will get away with it, etc. I would start by letting capital gains go back up to 20 percent. I would also let the Bush tax cuts expire finally. All of them.
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