Clifford Chance
Tax is a boardroom issue
David Harkness explores the reputational risks that companies are facing in the tax arena.
There is the threat of civil penalties and, more worryingly, criminal sanctions being brought. Public opinion is a very significant factor in advising on tax in this day and age. Public opinion, the media and politicians increasingly feel there is a moral imperative in tax, and that companies should abide by the spirit as well as the letter of the law. If you do something that is perceived by the public to be wrong, there can be severe risks to your franchise and your reputation.
