4 chapters across the catalog
The 2017 Academy Awards featured a significant error where the wrong film was announced as Best Picture. Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway mistakenly named La La Land as the winner after being handed the wrong envelope by PricewaterhouseCoopers accountants. Jimmy Kimmel and Emma Stone provided conflicting accounts of how many duplicate winner cards existed backstage during the confusion.
Luxembourg Leaks, Jean-Claude Juncker Tax Scandal
The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) released the "Luxembourg Leaks," exposing how corporations like Pepsi and IKEA use Luxembourg to avoid taxes. The scheme involves "comfort letters" from PricewaterhouseCoopers and internal bank loans to shift profits. The hosts question the timing of the leaks and their potential impact on European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.
Bonaire Vacation, Value-Added Tax Outsourcing
One host prepares for a vacation to Bonaire in the Netherlands Antilles. Amidst the travel plans, a producer from Zurich reports that PricewaterhouseCoopers has been contracted by the U.S. government to design a Value-Added Tax (VAT) system for the United States. The hosts view this as a sign that a new national tax is being prepared for a "smooth transition."
United Kingdom Tax Law, Non-Domiciled Status and Corporate Flight
Adam Curry provides an update on new UK tax regulations effective April 8th regarding non-domiciled residents. The rules impose a 30,000-pound annual fee for certain tax exemptions and introduce new levies on capital gains brought into the country. Curry notes that major tech firms like Yahoo and Google are reportedly moving operations to Switzerland in response to these changes.
