[Razakel]

Sorry guys, what's a socialist again? Am I one?

It's one of those terms that's been hijacked to mean "people we don't like".

See also "liberal", "racist", "illegal immigrant", or "Commie".

[_Lemon_]

Sorry guys, what's a socialist again? Am I one?

[Myatu]

A bit pointless for God to damn a Socialist, don't you think? "... an atheist, which every socialist is, as a rule." - Lenin, Novoya Zhizn, Dec 3 1905

Anyhow. Socialist vs. Social Democrat are two different things. That why we complain about the price of bread...

[RapidSeeds]

GOD DAMN SOCIALISTS

[Razakel]

You're falling for politicians' spiel.

Taxes in the USA and Western Europe are about the same, in the region of $13,000 per person per year.

This is true, although Scandinavia is an exception. Plus the vast majority of US states do have a sales tax, though it's usually between ~4% and ~10%.

[tim2718281]

Geez, socialism isn't cheap...that's for sure.

You're falling for politicians' spiel.

Taxes in the USA and Western Europe are about the same, in the region of $13,000 per person per year.

[Myatu]

Yeah, that's a drawback of a sue happy nation. Medical malpractice insurance will skyrocket...

[Speedy059]

And 50% of our healthcare costs is because of lawyers.
Our president tackles healthcare as if lawyers aren't the problem...

[_Lemon_]

Geez, socialism isn't cheap...that's for sure.

I guess that was a pop at free healthcare for all. Well, turns out whatever the US has is more expensive: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:In...as_%25_GDP.png

[Speedy059]

Geez, socialism isn't cheap...that's for sure.

[Razakel]

From the Isle of Man government site:

http://www.gov.im/treasury/customs/

"Change of VAT Rate

"The rise of VAT rate to 20% announced in the UK budget, to be introduced on the 4th January 2011, will also come into force in the Isle of Man at the same time. The latest guidance on how to acccount for this change in rate can be found here. If you account for VAT using the Flat Rate Scheme, additional guidance is available here"

Here's a table of current VAT rates

Austria 20%
Bulgaria 20%
Belgium 21%
Cyprus 15%
Czech Republic 20%
Denmark 25%
Estonia 20%
Finland 22%
France 19.6%
Germany 19%
Greece 23%
Hungary 25%
Iceland 24.5%
Ireland 21%
Italy 20%
Latvia 21%
Lithuania 21%
Luxembourg 15%
Malta 18%
Netherlands 19%
Norway 25%
Poland 22%
Portugal 21%
Romania 24%
Slovakia 19%
Slovenia 20%
Spain 18%
Sweden 25%
Switzerland 7.6%
United Kingdom 17.5% (20% from 4th Jan)

Jersey, for example, has VAT, but items under a certain amount are exempt - that's why Amazon sells < £20 items from there. I don't know if the Isle of Man has something similar.

Also, is the Isle of Dogs the Isle of Man's best friend?

[Myatu]

Here's a table of current VAT rates

...
Denmark 25%
...
Hungary 25%
...
Norway 25%
...

So, setup a business in one of these countries, then move to the UK - "Wow, there's 5% less in VAT in the UK!"

Granted, the UK is very business/innovation unfriendly but the grass always appears greener on the other side of the fence, until you hop that fence to have a closer look. Just look at everyone that flocked to Ireland but are now in limbo due to the bailout.

Also, I have a habit of avoiding businesses that are setup in places like Cyprus, Malta, Belize, etc. There's always something dodgy about them it seems.

[Tz-OVH]

Just prepaid 3mo in advance for both servers. Thanks for no discount OVH.

[tim2718281]

We are moving our company to the Isle of Man for this exact reason.

From the Isle of Man government site:

http://www.gov.im/treasury/customs/

"Change of VAT Rate

"The rise of VAT rate to 20% announced in the UK budget, to be introduced on the 4th January 2011, will also come into force in the Isle of Man at the same time. The latest guidance on how to acccount for this change in rate can be found here. If you account for VAT using the Flat Rate Scheme, additional guidance is available here"

Here's a table of current VAT rates

Austria 20%
Bulgaria 20%
Belgium 21%
Cyprus 15%
Czech Republic 20%
Denmark 25%
Estonia 20%
Finland 22%
France 19.6%
Germany 19%
Greece 23%
Hungary 25%
Iceland 24.5%
Ireland 21%
Italy 20%
Latvia 21%
Lithuania 21%
Luxembourg 15%
Malta 18%
Netherlands 19%
Norway 25%
Poland 22%
Portugal 21%
Romania 24%
Slovakia 19%
Slovenia 20%
Spain 18%
Sweden 25%
Switzerland 7.6%
United Kingdom 17.5% (20% from 4th Jan)

[Tz-OVH]

I want my 2.5% discount

I'm taking the "Pay 3 months in advance" approach to saving a bit of money now. Plus the exchange rates are better right now...dunno what'll happen in Jan

[Myatu]

I want my 2.5% discount

[Tz-OVH]

Dear Customer,
Important information about your account: From the 4th January 2011, VAT will increase from 17.5% to 20%. We are making all the necessary changes to the ordering system.
For those customers that pay by Standing Order, please make sure that you update it to the new price. Those that pay by credit/debit card, your renewals in 2011 will automatically be updated.
If you have any questions or queries about this VAT increase, please feel free to contact us.

11mins ago

[BenB]

What about sunny jersey ?!?

[RapidSpeeds]

We are moving our company to the Isle of Man for this exact reason.

Maybe OVH should do this too, will benefit them and the customers

[YouWhat]

yes, so total price should raise by 2.5% at the next billing period after 1st of january

[Tz-OVH]

I was looking for the thread where this was mentioned, unfortunately the search gave me 0 results.

Increase in the standard rate of VAT to 20 per cent

The standard rate of VAT is currently 17.5 per cent but increases to 20 per cent on 4 January 2011.

For any sales of standard-rated goods or services that you make on or after 4 January 2011 you must charge VAT at the 20 per cent rate. If you have a cash business and calculate your VAT using the VAT fraction you must use the VAT fraction of 1/6 on your standard-rated VAT inclusive sales from 4 January 2011.

The change only applies to the standard VAT rate. There are no changes to sales that are zero-rated or reduced-rated for VAT. Similarly, there are no changes to the VAT exemptions. Any sales you make at these rates are unaffected by this change.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/forms-rat...e-increase.htm

So, all orders of the .co.uk customers will be charged higher VAT from Jan onwards?