Successive governments have used the argument not to discuss upcoming tax changes before the budget is announced in the House of Assembly because people/businesses try to "arbitrage" the tax measures.

On one hand the government uses the business/private sector as it's major tax collector with VAT and payment of import taxes in advance, yet they are not allowed to know what tax changes they will confront because they might change their behaviour. In other words protect themselves from changes that will negatively impact their business.

Businesses have millions of dollars in inventory that include the payment of import taxes and changes to the tax code can force loss of revenue, as government does not refund prepaid duties or care if losses result. Not to mention a business license tax that does not consider if a business is losing money or making a profit.

Therefore it is in our self interest to mitigate resulting losses from tax and regulation policy so we can continue to create/maintain jobs and collect and pay requisite taxes.

What policy makers do not seem to get is that if the tax changes were not creating ill effects people would not have to adjust or "arbitrage".

The same applies to consumers buying goods before increased taxes went into effect. It's their money and they have every right to arbitrage what they perceive to be a harmful policy.

Considering the unpaid arrangement as tax collector, the government should want to ensure businesses and everyone else is aware of potential tax changes early enough to protect themselves. The attempt to make people think protecting assets from tax changes is wrong is simply misplaced.