Hello to all of you,
My name is Jason Zeelie, MD of Connexion, I have been reading several of the threads posted by the likes of fatboy. To those of you who when writing threads make sense and know what they are talking about, thank you. It gives good insight into how we can make things better.
It is not my intention to promote Connexion nor to be an Evangelist of the cause, but to really clarify a few issues. To make it clear if you don't believe me you can call the BTA or companies to double check it if this has indeed occurred.
Now no matter how I write this I am fully aware that it will be attacked, the bottom line is that you have to be blind not to see that contracting is changing throughout EU, for goodness sake even bank secrecy is going out the window. Why is that? Its all about the various countries needing money, how will that be raised? Through taxes.
You all know the story of how this all started, a CMC was raided two years ago and by having visual access to all various payments made, the BTA were able to ascertain how some CMC's might operate(it was not CNX). From here they then started to investigate all CMC operating in BE. All CMC operating in BE received letters stating that they operated in BE and that the BTA wanted to know more about their Modus Operandi. Several months and letters went by before CNX took the first step to co-operate with the BTA, at the same time another CMC went into negotiations too. CNX being one of the biggest CMC's in BE was on the list. We have been in negotiations ever since and in December received the ruling of 75/25. it was clear from the onset that contracting in BE was going to be changing. CNX decided that to retain and gain market share they would negotiate with the BTA to get some type of ruling. We took the advice from a tax lawyer in BE who acted on our behalf. Over time this ruling hasn't changed, but certainly the taxes to be paid has been an issue this has had to changed. The BTA over the past month have visited four agencies and end clients. One being a listed company from the UK and the other an international recruitment company.
To think that the BTA cannot get or will not know your name at some stage via the agency or end client is very short sited. CNX has not and will not give your details to the BTA, this administration knows a lot more than we even gave them credit. The amount of information they have on individuals, is alarming. they had fatboys threads printed out at a meeting even and commented on it before i saw it.
We have never tried to force individuals to join the solution nor will we. it is simple, we have a solution to offer- it is a ruling that we have, you either join it, where you benefit from the 75/25 ruling along with expenses etc, you pay for the years 2007 and 2008 only for the months you were with us or you take the chance and go via another CMC.
This is not to scare people or try force people to join CNX, the reality is that once you receive a visit from ISI we are unable to help you. at the same time you will then be fined up to 200% and taxed retrospectively to 2001, but once again this is only if they find you. So far they have recouped 5 million euros from 50 contractors via one client. Ask around and you will find out its closer to home than ever before. The belgian state needs the money and it comes from the individuals and companies working/operating in the country.
This is not a CNX thing, its global and more so a national issue that the BE state is rectifying. Just look at the Social Security system and the pressure it must be under. So its got nothing to do with the slick Cape Townian accent, but common sense and an understanding of economic pressure that will tell you something has to give- contracting in its normal guise is changing, its a question of either getting with the programme or being one of a few risky individuals. think about it, all CMC no matter how or what they sell will have to conform to this in one way or another in the near future if they want to continue to work in Belgium. The tolerance of accepting the MO's of CMC is gone.
In the coming days we will be sending out a document answering hopefully all your questions and giving you the way forward. The choice is yours to be made, you either go compliant or take the risk, CNX will not divulge your details, the chances of the ISI and the BTA getting it is 90% from the agencies and end client.
The Connexion Team is always available should you require assistance or want clarification. I am available too like always.
Regards
Jason
My name is Jason Zeelie, MD of Connexion, I have been reading several of the threads posted by the likes of fatboy. To those of you who when writing threads make sense and know what they are talking about, thank you. It gives good insight into how we can make things better.
It is not my intention to promote Connexion nor to be an Evangelist of the cause, but to really clarify a few issues. To make it clear if you don't believe me you can call the BTA or companies to double check it if this has indeed occurred.
Now no matter how I write this I am fully aware that it will be attacked, the bottom line is that you have to be blind not to see that contracting is changing throughout EU, for goodness sake even bank secrecy is going out the window. Why is that? Its all about the various countries needing money, how will that be raised? Through taxes.
You all know the story of how this all started, a CMC was raided two years ago and by having visual access to all various payments made, the BTA were able to ascertain how some CMC's might operate(it was not CNX). From here they then started to investigate all CMC operating in BE. All CMC operating in BE received letters stating that they operated in BE and that the BTA wanted to know more about their Modus Operandi. Several months and letters went by before CNX took the first step to co-operate with the BTA, at the same time another CMC went into negotiations too. CNX being one of the biggest CMC's in BE was on the list. We have been in negotiations ever since and in December received the ruling of 75/25. it was clear from the onset that contracting in BE was going to be changing. CNX decided that to retain and gain market share they would negotiate with the BTA to get some type of ruling. We took the advice from a tax lawyer in BE who acted on our behalf. Over time this ruling hasn't changed, but certainly the taxes to be paid has been an issue this has had to changed. The BTA over the past month have visited four agencies and end clients. One being a listed company from the UK and the other an international recruitment company.
To think that the BTA cannot get or will not know your name at some stage via the agency or end client is very short sited. CNX has not and will not give your details to the BTA, this administration knows a lot more than we even gave them credit. The amount of information they have on individuals, is alarming. they had fatboys threads printed out at a meeting even and commented on it before i saw it.
We have never tried to force individuals to join the solution nor will we. it is simple, we have a solution to offer- it is a ruling that we have, you either join it, where you benefit from the 75/25 ruling along with expenses etc, you pay for the years 2007 and 2008 only for the months you were with us or you take the chance and go via another CMC.
This is not to scare people or try force people to join CNX, the reality is that once you receive a visit from ISI we are unable to help you. at the same time you will then be fined up to 200% and taxed retrospectively to 2001, but once again this is only if they find you. So far they have recouped 5 million euros from 50 contractors via one client. Ask around and you will find out its closer to home than ever before. The belgian state needs the money and it comes from the individuals and companies working/operating in the country.
This is not a CNX thing, its global and more so a national issue that the BE state is rectifying. Just look at the Social Security system and the pressure it must be under. So its got nothing to do with the slick Cape Townian accent, but common sense and an understanding of economic pressure that will tell you something has to give- contracting in its normal guise is changing, its a question of either getting with the programme or being one of a few risky individuals. think about it, all CMC no matter how or what they sell will have to conform to this in one way or another in the near future if they want to continue to work in Belgium. The tolerance of accepting the MO's of CMC is gone.
In the coming days we will be sending out a document answering hopefully all your questions and giving you the way forward. The choice is yours to be made, you either go compliant or take the risk, CNX will not divulge your details, the chances of the ISI and the BTA getting it is 90% from the agencies and end client.
The Connexion Team is always available should you require assistance or want clarification. I am available too like always.
Regards
Jason
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