Max Verstappen is a firm believer in the phrase “A penny saved is a penny earned”. Instead of a penny, replace it with €200 million. Tax havens and tax evasions are nothing to us but this is a first wherein the hero’s fans are tarnishing his image with accusations.
The context to understand here is that Max Verstappen, ever since he turned 18 has been living in Monaco which is known to be a tax haven. Essentially, Max Verstappen has not paid any tax whatsoever to the Dutch government for his earnings which are estimated to be €200 million (To be paid in taxes).
Economists hit out at 2-time World Champion
It came to light with a LinkedIn post by Rutger Bregman wherein he accused Max Verstappen of stealing from his own country. In the post, he commented “People like Verstappen don’t work for their country. They only work for themselves.”
However, there is no legal standpoint here as Max Verstappen as reported by his manager pays the taxes in various countries he races in at that particular race weekend. There is a solution to the accusation raised by Rutger.
This was chalked out by two economists Wouter Leenders and Vinzenz Zieseme, who pointed out that the Dutch government do what the French government does to its uber-rich. The French Government rightly taxes French individuals living in Monaco since 1963.
The problem with this arrangement is that there are 15 other Tax Havens in Europe that would happily favour the high-paid athletes. The Netherlands being one of them.
Max Verstappen accused of tax evasion
Max Verstappen, is a product of Govt. paid education at primary school De Boomgaard in Maaseik and secondary school Trevianum in Sittard. Sadly the Dutchman’s contribution to the schools of the Netherlands and Belgium? Nothing, Niets as the Dutch would have it.
The plot thickens as Max was appointed as an officer in the honourable Order of Orange-Nassau (awarded for longstanding meritorious service to society, the State or the Royal House) in 2018.
Redbull driver, Max Verstappen’s Manager came with a response to the accusations raised at his boss,
“That fact is completely false and what they wrote is incorrect. We pay tax on the sporting performances we put on in the Netherlands. As well as the income Max earns over the weekend in Zandvoort.”
Should athletes be allowed to reside in Tax Havens and not abide by their homeland’s tax policy? Tell us in the comments below what you think.
