Bill Gates wants ultra-wealthy individuals to pay more tax — and now a growing chorus of billionaires agree.

In his annual “Ask Me Anything” forum on Reddit last year, the Microsoft cofounder said he was “surprised” that taxes for the rich haven’t been increased more.

Gates doubled down on his calls to tax the rich in a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week. He said the wealthiest nations should donate more money to developing countries to help redress inequality.

“Those who have the most — whether it’s countries, companies, or individuals — should be pushed to be more generous,” he said.

It seems others agree, as more than 250 ultra-wealthy people signed an open letter calling for global leaders to impose a wealth tax.

  • Ann Archy@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    37
    ·
    9 months ago

    I don’t believe shit they say, if they say “go ahead and tax me” it’s because they’ve got a way out so they won’t have to, somehow.

    • Boop2133@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      12
      ·
      9 months ago

      That “somehow” is called using credit to buy everything then setting your stocks as collateral, and since debt can’t be taxed well…

      • Adalast@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        8
        ·
        9 months ago

        As it sits, yes, but ideally the wealth tax is based on asset valuation, not liquidity, which means that they would still be screwed. They are wealthy even if they carry enough debt to make it look like they are not on paper.