Microsoft Freeloading In Washington State Courts

reifman writes "For tax purposes, Microsoft reports that it's earned its estimated $143 billion in software licensing revenue in Nevada, where there is no licensing tax, as we discussed a few weeks ago. However, for legal purposes, Microsoft relies on Washington law and its underfunded courts to defend its contracts as it did in Microsoft Licensing GP vs. TSR Silicon. Application of common legal doctrines such as nexus, the step doctrine, and alter ego theory may lead to findings that Microsoft owes the state more than $1 billion in taxes, interest, and penalties."

Comments

What a Troll!

[Syncerus]

Do you go out of your way to find the way in which you can legally give the government the most possible tax revenue?

It is absurd to suggest that any public company not do the maximum they can to minimize their tax liability. You obviously have an ax to grind with MS, and that's fine, but digging up this kind of garbage is ridiculous. The same statements that you have made about MS can probably be made about 95% of the Fortune 500.

Re:What a Troll!

[nmb3000]

Really? Bonuses for individual employees that do great work are more important to you than the greater social good that is potentially created by a fair and balanced taxation system?

Why, yes. While I recognize the need for a certain level of taxes (maintaining infrastructure, financial costs of the government's operation), I would much rather reward and retain individuals that are skilled and industrious workers than distribute that money as a free handout to everyone in the US.

There's a reason we organize into political structures, the common good is one of the key ones.

Maybe for some people (and an excuse for others). Most people just don't want to have to deal with the day-to-day work required to keep society (such as it is) functioning. We pay other people (politicians) to do this for us, which they're happy to do since they are usually the kind of people who enjoy having that power.

When the individual becomes MORE important than the collective you're standing on the precipice of a slippery slope.

And when the collective even thinks about trumping individual rights it's time for revolution, Comrade. There is nothing slippery about this. The reason we're organized as a "collective" is because it benefits the individuals -- military protection, law enforcement, etc. If enough people decide that the costs of maintaining this collective have become too high, it's time to find a better system.

In all of these cases an elite group of individuals *espoused* the importance of the collective good, while simultaneously protecting their own selfish interests.

And that's different than now, how exactly? Sticking with your example of Medicare, do you know anything about the Congressional health care plan? I didn't think so.

Re:You've gotta love this entitlement mentality

[smoker2]

I would also point out that MS does not really pay taxes. This is just another expense that gets passed to the consumer.

Idiot.

MS - lets put our tax burden onto the price
Customer - Oh the cost has gone up.
MS -oh, now we are paying more tax because the product costs more, let's put the burden on the consumer.
Customer - Oh prices have gone up again.
MS -oh our taxes have gone up again, let's put it on the consumer.
Customer - oh, the prices have gone up again.
MS - every time we put the price up to pay for taxes, we get taxed more - my brain hurts. Maybe if we understood how taxes worked ...

Microsoft the 3rd largest employer in WA

[dirkdodgers]

I despise Microsoft software. It is the bane of my existence, but give me a break. I assure you, Microsoft-related court fees have next to no bearing on your economic situation.

Help me understand this:
1. Microsoft is the 3rd largest employer in your state
2. You are in a recession
3. You have a 9.3% unemployment rate

4. You want to raise taxes on business.

So that your government has more money to redistribute to people who are not working, who lost their jobs because companies like Microsoft couldn't afford to keep them on in the first place.

Let me propose an alternative.

Reduce your spending just like every other American, and reduce taxes on employers like Microsoft, so that they can afford rehire to your residents.