Innovating the tax compliance management process

Abstract

The taxpayers' observance of tax legislation (tax compliance) is important for every tax authority. This issue is particularly relevant in the contemporary circumstances when the application of tax laws occurs within a complex and ever-changing environment. Despite the differences underlying national tax policies, tax legislations, tax administration and tax moral, the primary goal of taxation remains the same: taxes should be collected in accordance with the law in order to provide for building and preserving the taxpayers' confidence in the tax system and its effective administration. Consequently, the activities of tax authorities in tax procedure should promote a high degree of voluntary tax compliance and lead to minimizing the occurrence of various forms of non­compliance. There is a wide range of diverse factors underlying tax compliance. The understanding of these factors enables tax authorities to establish the particular reasons for non-compliance and to devise specific activities and measures which will be an incentive for taxpayers to revert to tax compliance. These goals may be accomplished through the process of tax compliance management. Tax compliance management is a structured and systematic process of monitoring the taxpayers' compliance, which also includes decisions on the essential elements for the development of tax compliance and the treatment of identified tax compliance risks. The innovations in this process are aimed at: establishing the adequate balance and framework for the evaluation of activities and measures concerning tax law and tax procedures; improving information transparency and taxpayers' education; establishing tax control; and instituting adequate legal proceedings in response to non-compliance. These activities are expected to contribute to a more successful application of tax laws in the future.