Perception and criminality of tax evasion in a developing economy

Abstract

This study examines the perceptions and extent to which tax evasion is classified as a criminal offense compared to fifteen listed offenses in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The motivation stems from the need to understand the reasons for higher levels of tax evasion and its perception as a lesser crime vis-à-vis others, despite its economic implications. It interrogates Menezes de Carvalho and Cabral de Ávila’s (2022) study which proved that tax governance practices and enforcement have serious consequences on the level of tax evasion. It employs a primary study using 409 questionnaires similar to Gupta (2009), and Mamuti and McGee (2016), which measured the perceptions toward tax evasion as a crime. Results revealed that murder/ritual killing, armed robbery, militancy, kidnapping, and human trafficking are among the top five crimes while tax evasion was rated third lowest crime. Also, corruption and ineffective tax governance, among others were identified as reasons for tax evasion. The implication is that tax evasion leads to dwindling government revenue and welfare. Consequently, the study recommended that to build confidence in tax authorities and systems, the government should step up social contracts with the people. Tax defaulter should be punished and the government should carry out periodic tax education