DrewWilson
May 6th, 2008, 12:42 AM
Many Italians’ attitude toward taxes runs something like this: Why should I pay if no one else does? Evasion is so common that landlords often demand two leases: one private with the actual amount expected, the other far lower and submitted to the authorities. Both, bafflingly, are vetted by lawyers.
But for a few hours this week, all was laid bare with a technological bluntness unaccustomed here. The departing government of Romano Prodi, the center-left prime minister, on Wednesday posted the returns for all 40 million Italians who paid taxes in 2005.
More... (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/02/world/europe/02italy.html?partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=all)
Sheesh!
But for a few hours this week, all was laid bare with a technological bluntness unaccustomed here. The departing government of Romano Prodi, the center-left prime minister, on Wednesday posted the returns for all 40 million Italians who paid taxes in 2005.
More... (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/02/world/europe/02italy.html?partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=all)
Sheesh!