Queen avoids paying tax

According to a new report , four major American tech firms hold $163 billion in United States government debt overseas for tax reasons. That means that American taxpayers are effectively paying interest toward a corporate cash stash held abroad that likely will not return to the US anytime soon. Further Reading Silicon Valley fights to keep its Dutch Sandwich and Double Irish loopholes If Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Cisco were to repatriate this money to the US, and if it were taxed at the current corporate rate of 35 percent, “it would produce a $89 billion windfall for the US Treasury—equivalent to 17 percent of America’s projected $514 billion budget deficit this year,” according to the report, published Wednesday by the UK's Bureau of Investigative Journalism (BIJ). “The amount invested by Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Cisco is so large they would collectively be the 14th biggest overseas purchaser of Treasury securities, above Singapore and Norway.” That … [Read more...] about Tech firms would pay $89B in taxes if offshore gov’t debt came home

Bloomberg has uncovered new financial filings by a Google subsidiary in the Netherlands, showing that the company avoided $2 billion in worldwide taxes in 2011 by moving $9.8 billion to a Bermuda-based shell company. The news organization has been conducting extensive investigations into the world of shady—albeit legal—financial wheelings and dealings for some years now. It said this new total had doubled over the last three years. As we reported last month, by using a technique known as the “Double Irish” and the “Dutch Sandwich,” Google and many other large companies can (and do) legally move money to where their tax rate is zero. This allows them to avoid double-digit corporate tax rates in most countries. As this technique becomes better understood, particularly in the halls of government, Google and others face new pressure from lawmakers. One British MP recently chided a top Google official for the practice, calling it “immoral.” Ire of the Irish Similarly, an … [Read more...] about Google shifts a record $10B to Bermuda shell firm, avoids billions in taxes

In a nutshell: Various tech giants like Meta, Google, Amazon, and Apple posted negative quarterly and annual statements this week. Amidst the corporate gloom, it's nice to see financials that tell a hopeful story for a small company, especially one behind a game as popular as Dwarf Fortress. A month after the first commercial release of Dwarf Fortress, the game's developer revealed this week that it earned $7.23 million in sales. According to Bay 12 Games' comparison, the number eclipses returns from the previous four months by two decimal points. In each of the months between September and December 2022, Bay 12 Games brought in around $15,000, most of it likely from Patreon donations. After offering the immensely popular Dwarf Fortress exclusively as freeware for 16 years, the company released the first commercial version on December 6, and a few weeks later posted the astronomical January increase. In a post on the Bay 12 forums, the developers say almost half of the money … [Read more...] about Dwarf Fortress financials mark fairytale ending for indie developer

The best Wi-Fi 6 routers are the next-generation devices in router connectivity. Wi-Fi 6 is fast becoming the standard in wireless technology, and a lot of newer devices now support and use this next-generation technology. And, if you want to take advantage, only a Wi-Fi 6-capable router will do. Make the most of Wi-Fi 6 technology with the best wireless router . You'll need a powerful one that will be more than capable of meeting your demands, especially if you have an overcrowded network. These days, middling internet speeds are inexcusable, especially with all the smartphones , tablets , Ultrabooks , and smart home devices we use at home or in the office. With a reliable and robust Wi-Fi 6 or even Wi-Fi 6E router, your internet signal will experience a boost in speed, which will not mean faster internet but a stronger, uninterrupted signal to every device and computer connected to your network. We've tested our share of routers, putting them through their paces to … [Read more...] about The best Wi-Fi 6 routers 2023: top Wi-Fi 6 and 6E routers

Many tablet fans love the best Android tablets for their ability to side-load apps and ability to handle games better. So, while Apple's own portables are popular, these Android-powered devices are lauded for these unique strengths. That's on top of the range of sizes, features, and use cases that allow them to cater to different types of users. Of course, with all the choices on the market, it's vital to be even more discerning when it comes to picking the best tablet for you. You also have your daily needs and budget to consider, to ensure that you're getting your money's worth, whichever device you end up with. Luckily, we can narrow down your options to make things easier. We've lived with and reviewed plenty of Android tablets over the years, and we know which models to recommend and which models to skip entirely. We also made sure to have an option for every type of user. After all, while Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra may top our list, we also have options for those … [Read more...] about The best Android tablets 2023: which should you buy?

The best wired gaming headsets are preferable to people who like to sit closer to their consoles or gaming PCs. You're going to be someone who's sat at a gaming desk instead of lounging back on the sofa for a more intimate experience that benefits from the usually cheaper, and sometimes even better sounding, wired over wireless options. If you're looking for the best headsets for a specific console, we've also got you covered. Across our best PS5 headsets and best Xbox Series X headsets , both of these also contain a wired option. Otherwise, if you're not that worried about the advantages a wired headset brings, you can take a look at our recommendations for the best wireless gaming headsets , too. Many of these aren't console-specific, meaning you can swap them between your Nintendo Switch , PS5 , Xbox Series X |S, and more. There’s a pleasing simplicity to owning wired gaming headphones, but which pair should you choose? While you can’t really go wrong with any of … [Read more...] about Best wired gaming headsets in 2023

The best cameras for vlogging will make your recording process a lot more seamless. Technically, any camera with video recording capabilities can be used to record your new vlog entries. However, only the top vlogging cameras can make it effortless so you can focus on your new content. Every serious vlogger, therefore, needs to invest in one. A great camera for vlogging not only delivers clean and sharp picture quality, after all. It also boasts a fast and reliable autofocusing system and amazing image stabilization, especially if you're recording as you go. It also needs to have an articulating display so that you can do quick checks of framing while you're recording. Whether you stream sitting down or film yourself while strolling, you will need one of the best vlogging cameras, as they'll have all the recording tools necessary to shoot sharp, stable, and appealing content. Although, if you’d like a recording tool for more than just vlogging, it’s worth considering our … [Read more...] about The best cameras for vlogging 2023: top choices for every budget

(AFP) Pop queen Beyoncé on Sunday reigned supreme at the Grammys, breaking the all-time record for wins with her 32nd prize and fourth of the night to resounding applause. The 41-year-old entered the day with the most chances at Grammy gold with nine, following the release of “Renaissance,” her rich, layered ode to club music. She clinched the title by winning the Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Music Album for her smash “Renaissance,” thus surpassing the late classical conductor Georg Solti, who had 31 awards. “I’m trying not to be too emotional. And I’m trying to just receive this night,” Queen Bey said, wearing a shimmering, curve-hugging gown, her hair in mermaid waves as her peers witnessed the history-making moment. Beyoncé thanked her family and paid special tribute to the queer community, who she credited with inventing the genre she celebrated in her historically layered record that pays homage to pioneers of funk, soul, rap, house, and disco. . @Beyonce gets … [Read more...] about Beyoncé Breaks Record for Lifetime Grammy Wins, Thanks God and ‘Queer Community’

The best Motorola phones offers a wide range of mobiles for all users. In fact, Motorola has an offering at every price range, from budget options in the G and E lines to pricey flagships like the Motorola Edge line. The brand also has foldables and rugged phones. So, whether handheld you're looking for, you'll likely find one from its line-up. What's more, Motorola excels in all those areas, with its top handsets often ranking among the best phones and the best cheap phones . Of course, some of those models are better than others, and you have to do your research so you end up with the ideal Motorola phone to meet your needs. And, you have to make sure that you know what you want and what you need before you commit. The first thing to decide when picking a Motorola phone then is how much you're looking to spend, and whether you want a conventional smartphone or a foldable one. We've extensively tested and reviewed most Motorola handsets, and we know which ones are worth … [Read more...] about The best Motorola phones 2023: top Moto smartphones for you

Welcome to our pick of the best inkjet printers money can buy in 2023. On this page, you'll find some brilliant inkjet printers that offer a more affordable alternative to laser printers. Whether you want a new inkjet printer to act as a home or office printer (opens in new tab) , we've got some excellent choices for a wide range of needs and budgets. Inkjet printers are great for home users and small businesses on a budget, as they are often cheaper than laser printers. However, the upfront cost of a printer isn't the only consideration you have to make when it comes to budgets, as you'll also need to buy ink cartridges for them to work, which can sometimes prove costly. So, picking an inkjet printer that's economical to run can save you and your business a lot of money in the long run. Inkjet printers are particularly good for printing photographs, making great photo printers. They aren't as fast as laser printers, so if you have a busy office needing to print out lots … [Read more...] about Best inkjet printers of 2023: top picks for home and office