One idea, which I’m going to talk about now, just in case it’s batshit or unworkable, is to “tariff” tech companies that engage in aggressive tax avoidance, like Amazon and Apple. Don’t book your profits in the country they’re made? Fine. We’re slapping a 300% VAT on your products/services.
Essentially, make the cost of tax avoidance greater than any benefits extracted from tax avoidance. Similarly, have a VAT on cross-border licensing deals over a certain percent, like those used by global companies to turn profits into losses.
Charge yourself a $300m license fee to nullify your profits? Cool! We’re slapping a 300% tax on said license deal.
I have no idea if this is remotely sane or sensible or workable. I may have to email @danneidle.bsky.social.