Question

By booking profits to subsidiaries registered in tax havens, multinational corporations are able to avoid an estimated $90 billion in federal income taxes each year. In its 2013 regulatory filing, Microsoft noted it has now maintained $92.9 billion in offshore accounts which negated $29.6 billion in taxes. That compares to $76.4 billion from the previous year, worth a negated tax bill of $24.4 billion. Microsoft is not alone in stockpiling cash overseas. Apple had $137.7 billion in offshore accounts. Assignment: Prepare a paper entitled Microsoft and Offshore Accounts and Right versus Good. You will submit the work to the Board of Directors to explain the following: 1. Your strategy as the CFO to ensure the Board of Directors that offshore banking and minimized tax rates will continue to be part of a financial strategy. To ensure this does occur, what type of contacts would be of most value to you to ensure no changes in tax laws are made? 2. Your explanation to shareholders to ensure them that Microsoft follows the letter of the law and is at no fault in minimizing its taxes (or otherwise). 3. A summary closing in this paper that explains the aspects of Right versus Good as it pertains to Microsoft’s offshore accounts and tax benefits. What is right and what is good? 4. Your personal beliefs on this matter

Answer 1