Party’s over: ‘shock’ inspection schemes target expat entertainers

catalkoykid


Joined: 15/02/2009
Posts: 1190

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 10:33

tax was not being paid for singers from Turkey and other countries, also by bands and DJs. Inspection also found that ex-pat Cyprus residents were not paying tax and in some cases did not have work permits. In the case of Engelbert Humperdink’s recent visit, Cyprus Today alleged that the hotel “should be paying tax at 20%… but they did not.” A foreign resident needs to get a work permit for every venue they performed at.





http://www.northcyprusfreepress.com/2010/08/15/in-cyprus-today-1482010/

catalkoykid


Joined: 15/02/2009
Posts: 1190

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 10:41

kill joys suppose that want to kill the bars aswell, its a joke but its not funny

Texas


Joined: 22/09/2009
Posts: 634

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 11:57

There must be forum running somewhere in the world that operates under Sharia Law.



They would have asked: "How can we decimate the tourist industry of The TRNC, so that the population turns towards a country such as ours with billions of dollars to invest?"



The recent cutting off of electricity of hotels in August, must have won top prize.



The forced collapse of CTA, won second prize.



Also on the list would have been, attract foreign investment, but down let them own what they invest in.



Anyway, Chelsea won, Man U will draw, and the sun is shining!

LaptaMike


Joined: 07/10/2009
Posts: 1679

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 12:35

probably be targeting the markets next.

jock1



Joined: 06/01/2008
Posts: 3786

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 13:14

then taxi runs, follewed by anyone doing small jobs.

tarry67


Joined: 16/05/2008
Posts: 1053

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 13:26

Just get legal and get a work permit its that simple. I dont agree that entertainers should need a work permit for every venue thats crazy but they should pay taxes as they earn good money here every month. There are more brits working here without work permits then there are with them. Sit and think how many people that you know that are working illegally.

luckylin


Joined: 26/07/2010
Posts: 48

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 13:37

You can only have one work permit, so what do the entertainers do... not good??

deecyprus4


Joined: 27/07/2008
Posts: 3452

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 13:44

That'll be the jealous expats dobbing good artists in then.....

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 13:48

tarry it just totally stupid to think each venue has to get them a permit, also if i read the article correctly the venue has to pay 20 per cent on drinks served. Maybe some of the entertainer have residency permits and as i understand you cant have both work and resident permits, im sure someone will correct me if im wrong.

AndyP



Joined: 18/04/2008
Posts: 517

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 13:55

Perhaps they should have a system like here in the Southside. The entertainer declares how much they are earning per month and the government works out what should be paid each month/quarter. OK, its open to abuse but at least they get something. Just the same as the UK.



Until the TRNC government works out a way for self employed people to work, they are always going to lose tax. Not just with entertainers but pool cleaners, builders etc.. The reason they are going after the entertainers is because we are easy to find.



I would have no problem in paying taxes in the TRNC if I return but they simply do not make it possible. No entertainer can work in the same place night after night as the customers want different acts. Especially as the TRNC does not have a tourist trade like here in Ayia Napa. I believe 99% of the entertainers would like to go legal as it would stop us having to look over our shoulders all the time.

teatime


Joined: 20/10/2008
Posts: 852

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 14:30

Perhaps an easier solution to get tax out of this would be for the bars etc. to be made to stop tax at source, i.e. pay the entertainers 80% of what they charge and then the bars etc. pay the government the other 20%. It should then be easier for the government to keep track of this, rather than chasing the entertainers.



Just a thought!

metin


Joined: 08/09/2008
Posts: 1588

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 14:31

I'm with Andy on this......

And most places don"t want the hassle of applying for permits for their staff,

reasons being......all taxes have to be paid before they can take anyone new on.

They have to pay insurance for the worker, and now I believe there is a new rule which stipulates, so many TC's should be employed before 1 ex-pat !!!!



Happy days !!!! Think I'll be going South soon.

hal9000


Joined: 01/12/2008
Posts: 154

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 14:56

Tarry67, msg 6:

"Just get legal and get a work permit its that simple."

As with most things in this country, I'm afraid it's not as simple as you seem to think.

There is no such thing as a self-employed work permit here, so to get a work permit you have to have an employer. Not only that, you have to give up your residency permit; if you check the stamp in your passport it says "Category of Residence Visitor", which means that you are not allowed to work.

All factors that stack against an expat being able to work here and thereby pay taxes. They seem to want our money, but not through the simplest way of getting it; taxes.

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 16:17

and the laughed when i sad i was getting a 4m sky dish.....

ang1706


Joined: 28/01/2009
Posts: 570

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 16:35

This subject comes up time and time again and I know a lot of Entertainers who have no problem with paying tax, but the Government just cannot seem to fathom out a fair and simple way to operate this.



The people who work 'under the level' Im afraid the laws are there and I personally have no sympathy with someone winging if they are caught working without a work permit, after all laws are laws and WE are IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY!!

In the USA if working without green card then its ..........DEPORTATION!! So why abuse it in TRNC!!



The Entertainers every year have this hassle and I feel sorry for them as quite rightly pointed out they are easy pickings as are advertised, but can the BRS not make a statement to the Government and propose an idea??

john_good


Joined: 15/08/2010
Posts: 176

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 16:41

is the problem taxes or embargoes in trnc ???

DeaconB


Joined: 13/07/2010
Posts: 120

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 16:45

Never mind the tax, it will create another 10 governments relatives with jobs for life. The economy will soon be fixed at his rate.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 16:59

They'll be no entertainers left soon. Another nail in the trnc coffin I fear......

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 17:05

Bill with one thing and another they are trying to drive us all out, what are they so afraid of. Well the entertainers will probably go to the south to make a living now and who can blame them x

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 17:06

There's enough on here to keep us going for a bit yet No1 )

TimothyCadman


Joined: 13/12/2007
Posts: 1040

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 17:23

If you want entertainment in a bar, then it's simple.

1) Advertise that you are having a Karaoke Evening with a cash prize to the winner of the evening.

2) Get your entertainer in, but he must do it Karaoke Style, which in essence is what they are doing anyway.

3) Ensure that there is only 1 other singer to ensure that you are legally within the rules of a competition.

4) The Artisit does thier spot then the other person sings a song, then the public vote.

5) The winner is announced as the the Artist.

So the Artist gets the money, which they won in a competition, so they do not need to declare it as income as competition winnings are none taxable as income.

If the authorities wish to play silly buggers then there's always a way around most regulations.

tarry67


Joined: 16/05/2008
Posts: 1053

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 17:49

Timothy

That doesnt work either as the owner of the equipment is not allowed to sing he can have his Karaoke machine at a venue no problem. I remember when Pete was doing his at Semena hotel and was not allowed the sing.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 17:55

Coop. You are right. )

walkerscott


Joined: 13/08/2009
Posts: 901

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 17:57

maybe they should check on the real entertainers and their earnings ?



there are all sitting in government!

greengate8


Joined: 07/12/2008
Posts: 156

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 18:13

I was at a venue which was visited last night, luckily they didnt have 'live entertaiment' so it looks like its started.



From what i understand music licences will also come under scrutiny, to see that the venue is correctly licensed for the type of entertainment being offered. Read into that what you will.!

zerochlor


Joined: 03/04/2009
Posts: 4024

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 18:28

greengate



sad time have arrived it seems.



would you mind saying where it was that got a visit?

vincent1


Joined: 20/07/2009
Posts: 212

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 18:56

Timothy Cadman.



In theory that sounds like a good plan.

In practice if the 'contest' was judged fairly the 'artist' would rarely win.



Why can't they pay their taxes like everyone else ?

AndyP



Joined: 18/04/2008
Posts: 517

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 19:39

We would pay the taxes that they want us to pay, however they do not allow the entertainers to do this. Many entertainers have tried to get legal in the past and failed. The reason is this, you need a work permit (that is the easy bit). The problem is that the entetainer would only be allowed to work at one venue (the one they have the work permit with). You cannot have more than one work permit, so would not be allowed to work legally at any other venue. As all entertainers work at many different venues for obvious reasons, the current system does not work.



Just remember, they may be after the entertainers today but they will soon be following up on all the other illegal workers in the TRNC before long. All those pool cleaners & handymen out there. Why are they not legal as well? Probably for the same reason.



Perhaps if someone has a good contact within the government, I do not mind speaking to them and seeing if this daft situation cannot be changed.

catalkoykid


Joined: 15/02/2009
Posts: 1190

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 19:50

dont do it andy, you still got hair, dealing with the powers to be wont last long

catalkoykid


Joined: 15/02/2009
Posts: 1190

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 19:54

Probably some one in the government son or daughter wants some music equipment, start impounding your equipment

LaptaMike


Joined: 07/10/2009
Posts: 1679

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 19:56

I wonder if there are any good all round entertainers, can do a bit of singing, a bit of standup comedy, karaoke maybe etc so that they can do it at one venue every night, just a different thing every night. That would get round it.

catalkoykid


Joined: 15/02/2009
Posts: 1190

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 19:58

lapta no bar in trnc could afford it every night

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
15/08/2010 20:42

When bars become BARS* in TRNC again, without the disgusting sounds of fake "stars", imitating real unforgettable STARS and when all karaoke is absolutely and definitely forbidden everywhere also - jeez what a wonderful day that would be.

* A room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter and where people meet to talk.

apc2010


Joined: 28/07/2010
Posts: 1689

Message Posted:
16/08/2010 00:11

msg 33 dont tell me you cannot find a BAR without entertainment........and if some people enjoy "fake stars" let them choose to ,,

julia2345


Joined: 11/07/2010
Posts: 105

Message Posted:
16/08/2010 03:33

In turkey you can get what is like a freelance work visa after you get residency it cost slightly more you would think you could get one hear may be worth looking into

Troodo


Joined: 12/06/2008
Posts: 1002

Message Posted:
16/08/2010 09:06

Hans, you are becoming a grumpy old man.

Troodo


Joined: 12/06/2008
Posts: 1002

Message Posted:
16/08/2010 09:15

If anyone from the government is reading these posts, for Gods sake get real and stop making fools of yourselves.'



You are embarrassing all of us!!!

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
16/08/2010 11:24

Troodo/msg 37: 'You are embarrassing all of us!!!'



50+ MP's, and they can't find an equitable solution to this perennial 'entertainer problem' - speaks volumes for their collective commitment and intelligence, doesn't it??? !!!

breezyboy


Joined: 14/05/2007
Posts: 1179

Message Posted:
16/08/2010 11:33

Troodo

What proportion of civil servants can read? They certainly can't think logically.

cyprusjoker


Joined: 29/08/2009
Posts: 1107

Message Posted:
16/08/2010 11:54

This is completly blown out of all proportion, as if the old bill or whoever give a flying fiddlers of a few looky likeys or whatever entertainment it is in The Bars. The Partys over my arse !!

cyprusjoker


Joined: 29/08/2009
Posts: 1107

Message Posted:
16/08/2010 11:59

Should have said they got bigger fish to fry, like that big drugs bust recently, well done to the police on that one.

stellasstar1



Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 1519

Message Posted:
16/08/2010 12:29

Wouldn't it be so much easier if people could be a 1 company self employed and pay your own tax. Not just entertainers, but anyone that wanted to start up their own small business. I'm sure people would be willing to do that, and it's not taking work away from a Cypriot.

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
17/08/2010 06:44

Only yesterday I spoke to someone(ex-pat)who was covered in paint.When asked if he was painting his house,"NO,been promised a work permit" was the answer I got.

If they had any intention,they'd have got it beforehand.



Not that I know much....................

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
17/08/2010 07:48

"Wouldn't it be so much easier if people could be a 1 company self employed and pay your own tax. Not just entertainers, but anyone that wanted to start up their own small business. I'm sure people would be willing to do that, and it's not taking work away from a Cypriot."



Anyone who is not a Cypriot who works here is possibly taking work away from a Cypriot surely you can see the logic in that? Particularly if it's service based work. So how would they police this situation?



For work in the field or art and entertainment it's difficult to see how the situation could be resolved. E.G. I'm fairly sure that Cypriot Comedians would get a limited ex-pat audience.

john_good


Joined: 15/08/2010
Posts: 176

Message Posted:
17/08/2010 08:11

same old cypriot mentality see someone making a bob or 2 and want some can not compete close it down.

flicker


Joined: 28/06/2009
Posts: 37

Message Posted:
18/08/2010 13:56

The other problem about a work permit for entertainers is. You can not have one. It is a reserved occupation for TC only. I and others I know have gone down that road we have been right up to the top people in the ministry and been told NO. As a non TC your not allowed to play a musical instrument or sing so NO permit.



Different story if you do it for charity they soon accept the money for that.

the ones that get a permit for one venue only should check because you may find that the permit is for a waiter and not an entertainer so you are still entertaining illegaly. I myself would willingly pay tax at a fair rate but if it you had a permit for each and every venue you worked at you would have to pay the tax rate of the minimum wage on each and every permit every month you would be paying for the privalige to entertain.