One minute with Emma Agyemang, FT’s global tax correspondent.
Which of your reports have made the biggest splash?
There have been quite a few which have captured people’s attention. Sometimes it’s because of the topic: some of my most well-read articles have been about controversial and divisive issues like the potential introduction of a wealth tax, changes to the IR35 rules, and the loan charge.
Others have been very event driven: for example, the news that more than 135 countries had agreed to transform global corporate tax and that certain sectors, like financial services, and companies like Amazon were being singled out for special treatment.
What makes a good tax story?
A good tax story is one that has the potential to impact a lot of people, is important, and can be explained relatively simply, despite tax often being a complex subject. I try to imagine what I would say about what I’m working on to someone at a party or in a pub. If I can explain the story in that way and it still sounds interesting, then that’s a good indicator.
What tax developments should we look out for later this year?
In the UK, I think the Autumn Budget could be quite a big event. It might be when we hear more about potential tax cuts from the chancellor. But it could also be when we find out more about lots of issues that have been consulted on over the last few years that haven’t yet come to fruition, including capital taxes and inheritance tax.
On the world stage, the US mid-term elections in November could change the shape of the US congress. That might have an impact on the likely implementation of the global tax deal – particularly on pillar one, the reallocation of taxing rights to market jurisdictions.
What advice would you give to tax experts looking to get quoted?
My editors and I appreciate quotes with punchy plain language that get to the point quickly. A colourful phrase or a fitting analogy can also work well.
Are your contributors typically male or female, or an even split?
I try to have an even split, although that’s not always possible – usually due to the time pressure of getting stories published. But I’m always conscious that I want a roughly equal amount of female and male voices and actively try to achieve this.
When I’m thinking about who to go to for a quote, I’ll prioritise people who are particularly expert or knowledgeable in that area, will speak frankly and in plain English, and who are readily available.
I’d definitely like to quote more women and would encourage potential female contributors to proactively publicise their areas of expertise, send regular reactions to breaking news and be available to speak frankly when I come calling. It’s good to include a contact mobile number so that if you can’t speak immediately, you can send a message saying when you are free.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known at the start of your career?
I started off working in journalism covering personal finance and investment at the Investors Chronicle, with very little background in finance or investment, so everything was a learning curve. I remember feeling bamboozled by all the technical terms and jargon thrown around. I wish I’d known not to be embarrassed by how much I didn’t know and that not knowing can be a strength, especially for a journalist whose job it is to ask questions. In short, even if it sounds like a silly question, it’s still worth asking. Sometimes apparently silly questions yield the most interesting information. Although, granted not always!
You might not know this about me but...
I’m pretty obsessed with the Outlander series created by Diana Gabaldon. I started off with the TV show and am now steadily working my way through her nine books and counting. I love long novels – my bachelor’s degree was in English literature – and Diana Gabaldon doesn’t disappoint. So far there’s not been a book shorter than 800 pages. It makes a change from trying to cram everything into 500 words.
One minute with Emma Agyemang, FT’s global tax correspondent.
Which of your reports have made the biggest splash?
There have been quite a few which have captured people’s attention. Sometimes it’s because of the topic: some of my most well-read articles have been about controversial and divisive issues like the potential introduction of a wealth tax, changes to the IR35 rules, and the loan charge.
Others have been very event driven: for example, the news that more than 135 countries had agreed to transform global corporate tax and that certain sectors, like financial services, and companies like Amazon were being singled out for special treatment.
What makes a good tax story?
A good tax story is one that has the potential to impact a lot of people, is important, and can be explained relatively simply, despite tax often being a complex subject. I try to imagine what I would say about what I’m working on to someone at a party or in a pub. If I can explain the story in that way and it still sounds interesting, then that’s a good indicator.
What tax developments should we look out for later this year?
In the UK, I think the Autumn Budget could be quite a big event. It might be when we hear more about potential tax cuts from the chancellor. But it could also be when we find out more about lots of issues that have been consulted on over the last few years that haven’t yet come to fruition, including capital taxes and inheritance tax.
On the world stage, the US mid-term elections in November could change the shape of the US congress. That might have an impact on the likely implementation of the global tax deal – particularly on pillar one, the reallocation of taxing rights to market jurisdictions.
What advice would you give to tax experts looking to get quoted?
My editors and I appreciate quotes with punchy plain language that get to the point quickly. A colourful phrase or a fitting analogy can also work well.
Are your contributors typically male or female, or an even split?
I try to have an even split, although that’s not always possible – usually due to the time pressure of getting stories published. But I’m always conscious that I want a roughly equal amount of female and male voices and actively try to achieve this.
When I’m thinking about who to go to for a quote, I’ll prioritise people who are particularly expert or knowledgeable in that area, will speak frankly and in plain English, and who are readily available.
I’d definitely like to quote more women and would encourage potential female contributors to proactively publicise their areas of expertise, send regular reactions to breaking news and be available to speak frankly when I come calling. It’s good to include a contact mobile number so that if you can’t speak immediately, you can send a message saying when you are free.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known at the start of your career?
I started off working in journalism covering personal finance and investment at the Investors Chronicle, with very little background in finance or investment, so everything was a learning curve. I remember feeling bamboozled by all the technical terms and jargon thrown around. I wish I’d known not to be embarrassed by how much I didn’t know and that not knowing can be a strength, especially for a journalist whose job it is to ask questions. In short, even if it sounds like a silly question, it’s still worth asking. Sometimes apparently silly questions yield the most interesting information. Although, granted not always!
You might not know this about me but...
I’m pretty obsessed with the Outlander series created by Diana Gabaldon. I started off with the TV show and am now steadily working my way through her nine books and counting. I love long novels – my bachelor’s degree was in English literature – and Diana Gabaldon doesn’t disappoint. So far there’s not been a book shorter than 800 pages. It makes a change from trying to cram everything into 500 words.
