by Rich Guy’s Cosmic Vacation Costs More Than Your City’s Annual Budget
Billionaire space enthusiast Trevor Goldstein returned from his $85 million orbital joyride this week, touching down in Kazakhstan with a renewed appreciation for Earth’s atmosphere and a continued commitment to avoiding the IRS. The tech mogul spent six days aboard a luxury space station, during which he posted 347 Instagram photos captioned with variations of “perspective-changing” and “we’re all just stardust,” while owing an estimated $1.2 billion in back taxes.
“From up there, you really see how borders are just human constructs,” Goldstein told reporters, apparently unaware that tax jurisdictions are also human constructs that still very much apply to him. The billionaire’s accountants have reportedly filed his residence as “Low Earth Orbit” for the past three years, claiming it’s technically international waters and therefore exempt from taxation.
The cosmic tax dodger’s adventure comes amid growing criticism of billionaires treating space travel as an expensive hobby while teachers use their own money to buy classroom supplies. Goldstein defended his journey, explaining that his trip was “essential research” for his company’s mission to eventually make space accessible to everyoneby which he means other billionaires.
Critics noted the irony that Goldstein’s space suit cost more than the median American’s lifetime earnings, while he simultaneously fights legislation that would require him to contribute to public infrastructure. When confronted about the disparity, Goldstein suggested that poor people simply “lack vision” and should consider starting their own tech companies.
The IRS released a brief statement acknowledging Goldstein’s return and noting that “gravity applies to everyone, and so do taxes.” However, tax experts predict the billionaire will successfully delay payment for another decade through a sophisticated network of shell companies registered on the Cook Islands, the Cayman Islands, and apparently Mars.
SOURCE: https://bohiney.com/billionaire-space-tourist-returns-to-earth-still-hasnt-paid-his-taxes/
SOURCE: Bohiney.com (https://bohiney.com/billionaire-space-tourist-returns-to-earth-still-hasnt-paid-his-taxes/)
