The case of the Amazing Shrinking Fee

[Dave Miller]

Dear Dave,

I assume that by 'here' you mean the UK.

First, you offset the expenses of writing (and shooting, and travel) against the article, so you're being paid (not much, it's true) to do the things that most people do as a hobby.

Second, the tax rate doesn't start at 40%. There's a personal allowance (zero band) followed by at least two lower tax rates, if I recall aright. Many journalists never reach the 40% band (I should know...)

So unless you have other income, or are doing very well indeed from your journalism, you don't pay 41%. When I left the UK I was paying between a thousand and two thousand a year in tax, which was not 41% of even my income.

Or am I missing something?

Cheers,

Roger

You havn't missed a thing Roger, I was writing from a personal point of view. If you write for enjoyment nothing is lost, however the constant devaluation of one's efforts should not be ignored.

 

[Roger Hicks]

You havn't missed a thing Roger, I was writing from a personal point of view. If you write for enjoyment nothing is lost, however the constant devaluation of one's efforts should not be ignored.

Dear Dave,

I totally agree with that -- but of course one of the things that forces down the 'day rate' is the number of people who are willing to work for little or nothing, and can afford to do so because they have a secure salaried job. Or, in the case of another journalist I know, three substantial pensions...

Cheers,

Roger