🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 80 (from laksa118)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa080.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://taxjustice.net/faq/is-tax-avoidance-legal-how-different-from-tax-evasion/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://taxjustice.net/faq/is-tax-avoidance-legal-how-different-from-tax-evasion/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/faq\/is-tax-avoidance-legal-how-different-from-tax-evasion\/","crawl_time":1776104933,"first_indexed_time":1623407173,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"net,taxjustice!\/faq\/is-tax-avoidance-legal-how-different-from-tax-evasion\/ s443","src_root_hash":"10073735877077814280","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Is tax avoidance legal? How is it different from tax evasion? - Tax Justice Network","meta_descriptions":[],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"No, tax avoidance cannot be called “legal” because a lot of what gets called “tax avoidance” falls in a legal grey area. “Tax avoidance” is often incorrectly assumed to refer to “legal” means of underpaying tax (such as using loopholes), while “tax evasion” is understood to refer to illegal means. In the real world, however, this legal-illegal distinction often falls apart.\nWhether an activity is legal or not often does not become clear until it has been challenged in court, and much of what gets called “avoidance” turns out to be more like evasion. In 2013, a senior official at a Big Four accounting firm testified to the UK’s Public Accounts Committee, a government watchdog, that they would sell tax schemes, ie tax “avoidance” structures, to clients even if they thought there was only a 25 per cent chance they would survive a court challenge. Ultimately, both tax avoidance and tax evasion result in countries being short-changed out of billions in tax with public services, local industries and ordinary people suffering for it.\nFor this reason, the term “tax abuse” is sometimes used by NGOs and experts instead of “tax avoidance” and “tax evasion” in order to put the focus on the cost of the activity to society instead of on the legality of the activity.\nFor a more detailed explanation, read our short guide on\ntax avoidance and tax evasion here\n.","attrs_markdown":"[![](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/wp-content\/themes\/tax_justice\/assets\/images\/logo.svg) ![](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/wp-content\/themes\/tax_justice\/assets\/images\/logo_fixed.svg)](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/)\n\n- [What we’re fighting for](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/take-back-control\/)\n- [Learning Hub](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/faq\/is-tax-avoidance-legal-how-different-from-tax-evasion\/)\n  - [Topics](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/topics\/)\n  - [Collections](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/collections\/)\n  - [FAQs](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/faqs\/)\n- [Research](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/faq\/is-tax-avoidance-legal-how-different-from-tax-evasion\/)\n  - [Reports](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/reports\/)\n  - [Country profiles](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/country-profiles\/)\n  - [Indexes & tools](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/indexes-tools\/)\n  - [Tax Justice Focus](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/focus\/)\n- [Podcasts & Videos](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/faq\/is-tax-avoidance-legal-how-different-from-tax-evasion\/)\n  - [Podcasts](https:\/\/podcasts.taxjustice.net\/)\n  - [Videos](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/videos\/)\n- [Events](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/events\/)\n- [About us](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/faq\/is-tax-avoidance-legal-how-different-from-tax-evasion\/)\n  - [Our strategy](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/our-strategic-framework\/)\n  - [Our history](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/our-history\/)\n  - [Our team](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/taxjustice_team\/)\n  - [Global network](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/global-network\/)\n  - [Funding and financials](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/our-funders\/)\n- [Donate](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/donate-to-tjn\/)\n\n[FAQ](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/faq)\n\n##### Questions in the category of  How tax havens work\n- [What is profit shifting?](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/faq\/what-is-profit-shifting\/)\n- [How do people hide wealth in tax havens?](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/faq\/how-do-people-hide-wealth-in-tax-havens\/)\n- [How do corporations abuse tax?](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/faq\/how-do-corporations-abuse-tax\/)\n- [What is transfer pricing?](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/faq\/what-is-transfer-pricing\/)\n- [Is tax avoidance legal? How is it different from tax evasion?](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/faq\/is-tax-avoidance-legal-how-different-from-tax-evasion\/)\n- [How did tax havens emerge?](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/faq\/how-did-tax-havens-emerge\/)\n- [How much money is in tax havens?](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/faq\/how-much-money-is-in-tax-havens\/)\n- [What is a tax haven?](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/faq\/what-is-a-tax-haven\/)\n\n# Is tax avoidance legal? How is it different from tax evasion?\nNo, tax avoidance cannot be called “legal” because a lot of what gets called “tax avoidance” falls in a legal grey area. “Tax avoidance” is often incorrectly assumed to refer to “legal” means of underpaying tax (such as using loopholes), while “tax evasion” is understood to refer to illegal means. In the real world, however, this legal-illegal distinction often falls apart.\n\nWhether an activity is legal or not often does not become clear until it has been challenged in court, and much of what gets called “avoidance” turns out to be more like evasion. In 2013, a senior official at a Big Four accounting firm testified to the UK’s Public Accounts Committee, a government watchdog, that they would sell tax schemes, ie tax “avoidance” structures, to clients even if they thought there was only a 25 per cent chance they would survive a court challenge. Ultimately, both tax avoidance and tax evasion result in countries being short-changed out of billions in tax with public services, local industries and ordinary people suffering for it.\n\nFor this reason, the term “tax abuse” is sometimes used by NGOs and experts instead of “tax avoidance” and “tax evasion” in order to put the focus on the cost of the activity to society instead of on the legality of the activity.\n\nFor a more detailed explanation, read our short guide on [tax avoidance and tax evasion here](http:\/\/taxjustice.net\/topics\/tax-avoidance-and-tax-evasion\/).\n\n[![](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/wp-content\/themes\/tax_justice\/assets\/images\/logo_footer.svg)](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/)\n\nThe Tax Justice Network believes our tax and financial systems are our most powerful tools for creating a just society that gives equal weight to the needs of everyone.\n\nEvery day, we inspire and equip people and governments everywhere to reprogramme their tax systems to work for everyone.\n\n- [Blog](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/blog\/)\n- [Podcasts ↗](https:\/\/podcasts.taxjustice.net\/)\n- [Contact us](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/contact\/)\n- [Donate](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/donate-to-tjn\/)\n- [All latest](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/all-latest-activity\/)\n- [Events](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/events\/)\n- [Press office](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/press-office\/)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/terms-conditions\/privacy-policy\/)\n- [Our History](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/our-history\/)\n- [FAQs](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/faqs\/)\n- [Jobs](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/jobs\/)\n- [Terms & conditions](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/terms-conditions\/)\n\n- [Blog](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/blog\/)\n- [Events](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/events\/)\n- [Press office](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/press-office\/)\n- [Jobs](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/jobs\/)\n\n#### Join our newsletter\n#### Thank you\\!\nYou have successfully joined our subscriber list.\n\nCopyright © 2010-2026 · Tax Justice Network • Created by [Roleplay](https:\/\/www.roleplay.gr\/)\n\n#### Mailing address\nC\/O Godfrey Wilson Ltd,  \n 5th Floor Mariner House,  \n 62 Prince Street,  \n Bristol, England  \n BS1 4QD\n\n![](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/wp-content\/themes\/tax_justice\/assets\/images\/footer-logos-1.png)\n\n- [![](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/wp-content\/themes\/tax_justice\/assets\/images\/icons\/fb_icon.svg)](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/TaxJusticeNetwork)\n- [![](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/wp-content\/themes\/tax_justice\/assets\/images\/icons\/linked_in_icon.svg)](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/tax-justice-network\/)\n- [![](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/wp-content\/themes\/tax_justice\/assets\/images\/icons\/twitter_icon.svg)](https:\/\/twitter.com\/TaxJusticeNet)\n- [![](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/wp-content\/themes\/tax_justice\/assets\/images\/icons\/youtube_icon.svg)](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/TackleTaxHavens)\n- [![](https:\/\/taxjustice.net\/wp-content\/themes\/tax_justice\/assets\/images\/icons\/bluesky.svg)](https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/taxjustice.net)\n\nWe use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.\n\n[Cookie settings]()[ACCEPT]()\n\nManage consent\n\nClose\n\n#### Privacy Overview\nThis website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the ...\n\n[Necessary]()\n\nNecessary\n\nAlways Enabled\n\nNecessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.\n\n[Non-necessary]()\n\nNon-necessary\n\nAny cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.\n\nNotifications","attrs_readable_markdown":"No, tax avoidance cannot be called “legal” because a lot of what gets called “tax avoidance” falls in a legal grey area. “Tax avoidance” is often incorrectly assumed to refer to “legal” means of underpaying tax (such as using loopholes), while “tax evasion” is understood to refer to illegal means. In the real world, however, this legal-illegal distinction often falls apart.\n\nWhether an activity is legal or not often does not become clear until it has been challenged in court, and much of what gets called “avoidance” turns out to be more like evasion. In 2013, a senior official at a Big Four accounting firm testified to the UK’s Public Accounts Committee, a government watchdog, that they would sell tax schemes, ie tax “avoidance” structures, to clients even if they thought there was only a 25 per cent chance they would survive a court challenge. Ultimately, both tax avoidance and tax evasion result in countries being short-changed out of billions in tax with public services, local industries and ordinary people suffering for it.\n\nFor this reason, the term “tax abuse” is sometimes used by NGOs and experts instead of “tax avoidance” and “tax evasion” in order to put the focus on the cost of the activity to society instead of on the legality of the activity.\n\nFor a more detailed explanation, read our short guide on [tax avoidance and tax evasion here](http:\/\/taxjustice.net\/topics\/tax-avoidance-and-tax-evasion\/).","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

2 days ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0.1 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://taxjustice.net/faq/is-tax-avoidance-legal-how-different-from-tax-evasion/
Last Crawled	2026-04-13 18:28:53 (2 days ago)
First Indexed	2021-06-11 10:26:13 (4 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Is tax avoidance legal? How is it different from tax evasion? - Tax Justice Network
Meta Description	null
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	No, tax avoidance cannot be called “legal” because a lot of what gets called “tax avoidance” falls in a legal grey area. “Tax avoidance” is often incorrectly assumed to refer to “legal” means of underpaying tax (such as using loopholes), while “tax evasion” is understood to refer to illegal means. In the real world, however, this legal-illegal distinction often falls apart. Whether an activity is legal or not often does not become clear until it has been challenged in court, and much of what gets called “avoidance” turns out to be more like evasion. In 2013, a senior official at a Big Four accounting firm testified to the UK’s Public Accounts Committee, a government watchdog, that they would sell tax schemes, ie tax “avoidance” structures, to clients even if they thought there was only a 25 per cent chance they would survive a court challenge. Ultimately, both tax avoidance and tax evasion result in countries being short-changed out of billions in tax with public services, local industries and ordinary people suffering for it. For this reason, the term “tax abuse” is sometimes used by NGOs and experts instead of “tax avoidance” and “tax evasion” in order to put the focus on the cost of the activity to society instead of on the legality of the activity. For a more detailed explanation, read our short guide on tax avoidance and tax evasion here .
Markdown	[![](https://taxjustice.net/wp-content/themes/tax_justice/assets/images/logo.svg) ![](https://taxjustice.net/wp-content/themes/tax_justice/assets/images/logo_fixed.svg)](https://taxjustice.net/) - [What we’re fighting for](https://taxjustice.net/take-back-control/) - [Learning Hub](https://taxjustice.net/faq/is-tax-avoidance-legal-how-different-from-tax-evasion/) - [Topics](https://taxjustice.net/topics/) - [Collections](https://taxjustice.net/collections/) - [FAQs](https://taxjustice.net/faqs/) - [Research](https://taxjustice.net/faq/is-tax-avoidance-legal-how-different-from-tax-evasion/) - [Reports](https://taxjustice.net/reports/) - [Country profiles](https://taxjustice.net/country-profiles/) - [Indexes & tools](https://taxjustice.net/indexes-tools/) - [Tax Justice Focus](https://taxjustice.net/focus/) - [Podcasts & Videos](https://taxjustice.net/faq/is-tax-avoidance-legal-how-different-from-tax-evasion/) - [Podcasts](https://podcasts.taxjustice.net/) - [Videos](https://taxjustice.net/videos/) - [Events](https://taxjustice.net/events/) - [About us](https://taxjustice.net/faq/is-tax-avoidance-legal-how-different-from-tax-evasion/) - [Our strategy](https://taxjustice.net/our-strategic-framework/) - [Our history](https://taxjustice.net/our-history/) - [Our team](https://taxjustice.net/taxjustice_team/) - [Global network](https://taxjustice.net/global-network/) - [Funding and financials](https://taxjustice.net/our-funders/) - [Donate](https://taxjustice.net/donate-to-tjn/) [FAQ](https://taxjustice.net/faq) ##### Questions in the category of How tax havens work - [What is profit shifting?](https://taxjustice.net/faq/what-is-profit-shifting/) - [How do people hide wealth in tax havens?](https://taxjustice.net/faq/how-do-people-hide-wealth-in-tax-havens/) - [How do corporations abuse tax?](https://taxjustice.net/faq/how-do-corporations-abuse-tax/) - [What is transfer pricing?](https://taxjustice.net/faq/what-is-transfer-pricing/) - [Is tax avoidance legal? How is it different from tax evasion?](https://taxjustice.net/faq/is-tax-avoidance-legal-how-different-from-tax-evasion/) - [How did tax havens emerge?](https://taxjustice.net/faq/how-did-tax-havens-emerge/) - [How much money is in tax havens?](https://taxjustice.net/faq/how-much-money-is-in-tax-havens/) - [What is a tax haven?](https://taxjustice.net/faq/what-is-a-tax-haven/) # Is tax avoidance legal? How is it different from tax evasion? No, tax avoidance cannot be called “legal” because a lot of what gets called “tax avoidance” falls in a legal grey area. “Tax avoidance” is often incorrectly assumed to refer to “legal” means of underpaying tax (such as using loopholes), while “tax evasion” is understood to refer to illegal means. In the real world, however, this legal-illegal distinction often falls apart. Whether an activity is legal or not often does not become clear until it has been challenged in court, and much of what gets called “avoidance” turns out to be more like evasion. In 2013, a senior official at a Big Four accounting firm testified to the UK’s Public Accounts Committee, a government watchdog, that they would sell tax schemes, ie tax “avoidance” structures, to clients even if they thought there was only a 25 per cent chance they would survive a court challenge. Ultimately, both tax avoidance and tax evasion result in countries being short-changed out of billions in tax with public services, local industries and ordinary people suffering for it. For this reason, the term “tax abuse” is sometimes used by NGOs and experts instead of “tax avoidance” and “tax evasion” in order to put the focus on the cost of the activity to society instead of on the legality of the activity. For a more detailed explanation, read our short guide on [tax avoidance and tax evasion here](http://taxjustice.net/topics/tax-avoidance-and-tax-evasion/). [![](https://taxjustice.net/wp-content/themes/tax_justice/assets/images/logo_footer.svg)](https://taxjustice.net/) The Tax Justice Network believes our tax and financial systems are our most powerful tools for creating a just society that gives equal weight to the needs of everyone. Every day, we inspire and equip people and governments everywhere to reprogramme their tax systems to work for everyone. - [Blog](https://taxjustice.net/blog/) - [Podcasts ↗](https://podcasts.taxjustice.net/) - [Contact us](https://taxjustice.net/contact/) - [Donate](https://taxjustice.net/donate-to-tjn/) - [All latest](https://taxjustice.net/all-latest-activity/) - [Events](https://taxjustice.net/events/) - [Press office](https://taxjustice.net/press-office/) - [Privacy Policy](https://taxjustice.net/terms-conditions/privacy-policy/) - [Our History](https://taxjustice.net/our-history/) - [FAQs](https://taxjustice.net/faqs/) - [Jobs](https://taxjustice.net/jobs/) - [Terms & conditions](https://taxjustice.net/terms-conditions/) - [Blog](https://taxjustice.net/blog/) - [Events](https://taxjustice.net/events/) - [Press office](https://taxjustice.net/press-office/) - [Jobs](https://taxjustice.net/jobs/) #### Join our newsletter #### Thank you\! You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Copyright © 2010-2026 · Tax Justice Network • Created by [Roleplay](https://www.roleplay.gr/) #### Mailing address C/O Godfrey Wilson Ltd, 5th Floor Mariner House, 62 Prince Street, Bristol, England BS1 4QD ![](https://taxjustice.net/wp-content/themes/tax_justice/assets/images/footer-logos-1.png) - [![](https://taxjustice.net/wp-content/themes/tax_justice/assets/images/icons/fb_icon.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/TaxJusticeNetwork) - [![](https://taxjustice.net/wp-content/themes/tax_justice/assets/images/icons/linked_in_icon.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/tax-justice-network/) - [![](https://taxjustice.net/wp-content/themes/tax_justice/assets/images/icons/twitter_icon.svg)](https://twitter.com/TaxJusticeNet) - [![](https://taxjustice.net/wp-content/themes/tax_justice/assets/images/icons/youtube_icon.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/user/TackleTaxHavens) - [![](https://taxjustice.net/wp-content/themes/tax_justice/assets/images/icons/bluesky.svg)](https://bsky.app/profile/taxjustice.net) We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. [Cookie settings]()[ACCEPT]() Manage consent Close #### Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the ... [Necessary]() Necessary Always Enabled Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information. [Non-necessary]() Non-necessary Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Notifications
Readable Markdown	No, tax avoidance cannot be called “legal” because a lot of what gets called “tax avoidance” falls in a legal grey area. “Tax avoidance” is often incorrectly assumed to refer to “legal” means of underpaying tax (such as using loopholes), while “tax evasion” is understood to refer to illegal means. In the real world, however, this legal-illegal distinction often falls apart. Whether an activity is legal or not often does not become clear until it has been challenged in court, and much of what gets called “avoidance” turns out to be more like evasion. In 2013, a senior official at a Big Four accounting firm testified to the UK’s Public Accounts Committee, a government watchdog, that they would sell tax schemes, ie tax “avoidance” structures, to clients even if they thought there was only a 25 per cent chance they would survive a court challenge. Ultimately, both tax avoidance and tax evasion result in countries being short-changed out of billions in tax with public services, local industries and ordinary people suffering for it. For this reason, the term “tax abuse” is sometimes used by NGOs and experts instead of “tax avoidance” and “tax evasion” in order to put the focus on the cost of the activity to society instead of on the legality of the activity. For a more detailed explanation, read our short guide on [tax avoidance and tax evasion here](http://taxjustice.net/topics/tax-avoidance-and-tax-evasion/).
Shard	80 (laksa)
Root Hash	10073735877077814280
Unparsed URL	net,taxjustice!/faq/is-tax-avoidance-legal-how-different-from-tax-evasion/ s443