Tax Base Research Articles

Navigating Unutilized Tax Losses in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei

Many tax systems allow unutilized tax losses to be carried forward or back to a different tax basis period or transferred to a different entity in a group of companies (known as group relief). Despite sharing a common tax heritage, the tax systems of Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei now treat the shifting of unutilized tax losses quite differently. This article analyses in detail the differences in tax treatment across these jurisdictions, with a focus on how their loss-shifting mechanisms operate and the safeguards implemented to protect the tax base. For example, both Singapore and Malaysia have a “shareholding test”, while Malaysia places considerable restrictions on the claiming of group relief. Notably, Singapore permits the carrying back of losses, but with such restrictive conditions that there might be little practical impact. The article considers how jurisdictions can balance making the tax system attractive to businesses while safeguarding the tax base.

Information frictions and learning dynamics: evidence from tax bunching in Ecuador

AbstractWe examine how taxpayers learn to minimize personal income tax payments in the context of a rapidly formalizing economy with an expanding tax base. Initially, take‐up of possible generous tax deductions is low among taxpayers in Ecuador who start working in the formal sector. With increasing duration of employment, however, taxpayers become more likely to bunch at the tax exemption threshold using deductions. We exploit rich administrative data on the universe of taxpayers in Ecuador and an event study design to provide causal evidence on the learning mechanisms. We find that the spread of information is driven by the mobility of workers and tax preparers across firms.

Effectiveness of Implementing Single Identity Number (SIN) Through NIK Becomes NPWP for Tax Compliance

The inadequate and ineffective tax administration system in Indonesia has a negative impact on taxpayer compliance in carrying out their tax obligations, such as the tax reporting process is often complicated and time-consuming, thus burdening taxpayers, especially those who run small or medium businesses. The implementation of the Single Identity Number (SIN) through the Population Identification Number (NIK) to the Taxpayer Identification Number (NPWP) in Indonesia starting on January 1, 2024, is a major step in efforts to improve tax compliance. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of the implementation of SIN through NIK to NPWP on tax compliance as tax administration in Indonesia. This study uses a literature study approach which is a combination of previous research by collecting data from various sources such as scientific journals, news articles, and government regulations which will then find enormous potential in expanding the tax base in increasing taxpayer compliance to carry out tax obligations through the SIN system. The results obtained from this study indicate that the implementation of SIN through NIK to NPWP has a positive impact on increasing tax compliance in Indonesia, such as more effective and easier tax administration with the simplification of tax administration and increased tax revenue. However, despite having various positive impacts, there are several challenges that need to be considered to maximize the effectiveness of the integration, such as the need for socialization and education to the community throughout Indonesia, the need for readiness in terms of information technology infrastructure to support the integration in a sustainable manner, and the need for certainty of good protection of taxpayers' personal data. So, it can be concluded that implementing the integration of NIK and NPWP through the SIN system can have impressive results in improving tax compliance in Indonesia.

The Tax Incidence and Tax Pass-Through of Smokeless Tobacco in the US

Background: States adopt different tax bases for smokeless tobacco (SLT), making tax incidence on SLT not directly comparable across states. In addition, how taxes are passed through to SLT prices among states that impose specific taxes, and whether the pass-through rates for SLT are affected by the uptake and evolution of e-cigarettes, is unknown. Objective: This study will calculate the tax incidence on SLT and investigate how SLT taxes are passed to prices at the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile levels, as well as whether these pass-through rates vary by e-cigarette uptake and evolution. Methods: We regressed SLT prices on specific taxes using ordinary least square regressions while controlling for state-, year-, and quarter-fixed effects. We then tested the difference in tax pass-through rates by different periods. Findings: The average tax incidence on chewing tobacco, moist snuff, dry snuff, and snus was 22%, 22%, 23%, and 20%, respectively. For moist snuff, taxes were fully passed to prices at the 25th and 50th percentiles (rate = 1.01, p < 0.001) and overly passed to prices at the 75th percentile (rate = 1.25, p < 0.001). The e-cigarette uptake and evolution significantly raised taxes by 13 cents and 14 cents per ounce, respectively, for moist snuff at the 75th percentile prices (p < 0.05). Conclusions: If harm is considered a criterion for taxing tobacco products, the tax incidence on SLT could be further increased. Considering that lower-priced SLT have lower tax pass-through rates, price promotion restrictions and minimum pricing laws may be needed to increase the cost of lower-priced products. Additionally, we observed that tobacco companies tended to increase tax pass-through for premium SLT products as e-cigarettes gained popularity, which may indicate a strategic response to shifting consumer preferences.

A macroeconomic perspective on taxing multinational enterprises

We develop a general-equilibrium model to study the macroeconomic consequences of international profit shifting by multinational enterprises (MNEs). In our model, MNEs shift profits by exploiting intangible capital transfer pricing rules, which makes intangible investment more attractive and leads to higher output at home and abroad. We use the model to quantify the effects of two reforms proposed by the OECD: (i) reallocating MNEs’ profit tax bases to the countries where they sell their products; and (ii) a minimum global corporate income tax. Both reforms would reduce profit shifting substantially, but (i) would reduce global output whereas (ii) would have little macroeconomic impact. The reforms’ distributional implications would also be important. In high-tax countries, tax revenues would increase more than output declines, raising gross national income and enabling redistribution that could offset lower wages. In contrast, output and tax revenues would both drop in low-tax countries, significantly reducing national income.

The Effect of Law Number 7 of 2021 on Harmonization of Tax Regulations on Fiscal Justice in Indonesia

Law No. 7 of 2021 on Harmonisation of Tax Regulations is a landmark reform in Indonesia aimed at enhancing tax compliance, promoting fiscal justice, and aligning the country’s tax framework with international standards. This study provides a jurisdictional analysis of the law, examining its key provisions, impact on tax compliance, revenue collection, and socio-economic implications. The results show that the law has significantly broadened the tax base, improved tax transparency, and introduced progressive measures to promote equity, including a carbon tax and revised income tax brackets. However, challenges remain in ensuring that the benefits are distributed equitably across all income groups and sectors. The study concludes that while Law No. 7 of 2021 represents a significant step toward achieving fiscal justice, further refinement and support for smaller enterprises are required to fully realize its potential.

Factor influencing taxpayer compliance on voluntary tax disclosure program initiative: Case of Kenya revenue authority southern region

Tax is the primary source of government revenue, its vital component in running daily government activities. Not collecting enough tax causes the government to strain or stalling of its mandates, therefore its role of every government to mitigate and maximize its tax collection scope. The research sought to investigate the factors influencing taxpayer compliance on voluntary tax disclosure program in Kenya Revenue Authority, case of Southern region. The specific objectives of these research included, to assess the effects of Tax Sanctions on the taxpayer on participation in a voluntary tax disclosure program. To determine the impact of subjective norms of taxpayer participation on the Voluntary tax disclosure program. To evaluate the influence of taxpayer knowledge on participation in a voluntary tax disclosure program. The main challenge that was thematic for investigation, why despite the opportunity to declare asset without punitive punishment, still there is few uptakes for the program. The geographical location of the research was in Southern Region Domestic Taxes department on its six tax office namely; Voi, Mombasa South, Lamu, Malindi, Mombasa North and Diani for the financial year 2023/2024. The study sought to use descriptive approach, where a sample size of 150 was derived from a population of 230 staffs in Compliance Domestic taxes. Data collection was done using online well-structured questionnaire via Kobo-Collect in a random sampling and analyzed using SPSS version 28. To test validity and reliability of the data pilot test was conducted and Cronbach alpha and KMO-test proved data to be reliable and valid. The output of the analysis showed the regression model whose covariates, Tax sanction (t=2.448, P<0.016) subjective norm (t=3.347, P<0.001) and taxpayer Knowledge (t=7.827, P<0.00) were all significant at 95% level. Moreover, the R2 =0.951 which means the exploratory variables explained 95.1% variation of Compliance to the Voluntary tax disclosure. The ANOVA result showed the data was fit to the model was good at (F=942.61, p<0.00). The study concluded indeed, Subjective norms, Tax Sanction and Taxpayer Knowledge influences greatly compliance of Taxpayer towards Voluntary tax disclosure. The research implied that proper use of tax sanction such us fines, penalties, and interest on taxpayers would increase compliance. Also educating taxpayer is essential as the decisions made by some taxpayers depend on the knowledge they have acquired. Also on subjective norms, some behaviors are traceable as some are based on influence of association hence compliance officer need to continuous encourage taxpayer to comply. This research recommends that the authority through the compliance officer, use of subjective norms, Taxpayer knowledge and Tax sanction as a mitigating strategy to mitigate on Voluntary tax disclosure, through this it will increase tax base and revenue mobilization and compliance status of Taxpayers.

Country-by-Country reporting, corporate tax avoidance, and supply chain structure: A bunching analysis based on income manipulation by Chinese multinational corporations

Due to the endogeneity issue arising from the voluntary manipulation of MNCs own operating income, we employed bunching analysis to investigate the impact of Country-by-Country reporting(CbCR) on tax avoidance behavior of Chinese multinational corporations. The study found that multinational corporations' operating income exhibited bunching at 5.5 billion RMB. Within the bunching interval, the distribution of actual-value enterprises was 111 % higher than that of counterfactual enterprises, with an elasticity of 0.0359. Tax avoidance by multinational corporations significantly decreased within the manipulation interval, leading to a noticeable increase in taxable amounts. A series of robustness tests confirmed the validity of the above conclusions. This suggests that CbCR could serve as an important policy tool to combat tax base erosion and profit shifting. Furthermore, CbCR led Chinese multinational corporations to increase their investment scale while reducing profit shifting, but also resulted in a decrease in employment and a more concentrated supply chain structure. Careful evaluation is needed regarding the future expansion of the scope and target users of CbCR.

Optimizing provincial tax compliance: Implementing good corporate governance pillars

Tax revenue in the province is still low, even though the central government has handed over the tax base to the regions for more than 20 years. The concept of GCG can improve performance and tax revenue in the regions. This study examines the relationship of each pillar of Good Corporate Governance (GCG) to tax compliance and determines the types of GCG pillars that can be prioritized for implementation in a local government agency. This study uses the regional financial management transparency index (ITPAD) as an indicator of the transparency pillar, the fiscal independence index (IKF) as an indicator of the independence pillar, and financial statement audit opinion for the accountability and responsibility pillars. Finally, the Gini ratio is an indicator of fairness. The research sample was taken from all 34 provinces in Indonesia. Secondary data is sourced from publications, books, web pages, and previous research from 2016 to 2020. This period was chosen to exclude data from the COVID-19 pandemic era in Indonesia. The analysis method is panel data multiple linear regression with a random effect model. The results showed that fiscal independence and transparency of a region's budget management positively influence public tax compliance in a provincial area in Indonesia, while the opinion of financial statements and the Gini ratio have no influence. This study implies that to improve public tax compliance in a provincial area in Indonesia, and local governments can prioritize the implementation of the transparency and independence pillars achieved by increasing the ITPAD and IKF scores in their regions. The Ministry of Home Affairs can also encourage regions to enhance transparency and independence by improving ITPAD and IKF so that tax revenue in the regions can increase.

Excise Control over the Tax Base for Excise Duty Taxation on Alcohol

Тhe correct determination of the tax base for taxation with excise duty is essential for the right calculation of the amount of excise obligation both for taxpayers and their customers as well as for its revenue control authority in Bulgaria – the Customs Agency. The article examines the legal framework of the excise tax base in Bulgaria on ethyl alcohol – spirit, distillates and spirit beverages, focusing on the determination and control of the quantity of product as its component. It presents the results of a study on the current normativepractical status as well as the possibilities for its improvement. The defended thesis is that the excise legislation has weaknesses, and excise control on alcohol should be improved. Recommendations for improving excise control are formulated.

Designing Net Asset-Based Income-Splitting Rules under Dual Income Tax

Abstract This article revisits the income-splitting regulations within the Nordic dual income tax framework. These regulations were introduced to counteract the inclination to transfer income between labor and capital income tax bases. They involve imputing a return on equity, considered as capital income, and taxing the residual portion at rates similar to those imposed on labor income. There are primarily two methods for computing imputed capital income. One method involves imputing a return based on the shares’ acquisition price (implemented in Sweden and Norway), while the other calculates a return using the net book assets of the company (utilized in Finland). This study examines the economic implications of the net asset-based splitting approach, an area not extensively explored in earlier literature. Our findings suggest that with appropriate selection of tax-parameter values, the net asset-based splitting system embodies the fundamental characteristics of a neutral corporate tax system akin to the ACE corporation tax. Consequently, our analysis indicates that the issues regarding incentive concerns in the Finnish taxation of closely held companies, highlighted in previous studies, stem more from erroneous parameter values rather than flawed underlying principles.

The Current State of the Russian Budget System and the Potential for Financing the Federal Budget Deficit

For the first time, Russia’s budget system is under large-scale stress in all areas: risks of losing the tax base due to international sanctions, a steady increase in unforeseen expenses, inflation risks, and rising debt servicing costs. In this regard, it is necessary to identify and analyze potential sources of financing the federal budget deficit as the main guarantor of budget stability. The article examines the state of the consolidated budget of the Russian Federation and the budgets of state extra-budgetary funds based on the results of the first half of 2024. It is shown that oil and gas revenues remain the main source of revenue growth. Among non-oil and gas revenues, personal income tax and VAT from domestic sales are growing at an accelerated rate. At the same time, the positive dynamics of some sectors of the Russian economy is largely due to budget financing. At the same time, inflation remains above target values, which forces the Central Bank of the Russian Federation to tighten monetary policy. The excess growth of federal budget expenditures and the increase in nominal rates threaten financial stability. In this regard, the article assesses the potential for financing the federal budget deficit in the context of strict borrowing restrictions. Based on the analysis of the state of the domestic federal loan bond market, a conclusion is made about the high risk of a liquidity crisis and the potential for placing domestic debt at the expense of non-bank financial institutions and individuals.

중위투표자 관점에서의 공공사회복지 지출 분석

This paper analyzes the growth of public social expenditures in Korea from a public choice perspective. Specifically, based on the median voter theory, we conduct an empirical analysis of social insurance expenditures such as national pension, national health insurance, and public social expenditures using time series data from 1993 to 2022. The empirical results support that changes in the budget constraint for lifetime utility maximization of the median voter, including financial assets, remaining life expectancy, and remaining working year, are associated with an increase in public social expenditure. In addition, macroeconomic variables such as the real interest rate, real economic growth, and the tax base per recipient are also found to affect public social expenditure. This paper suggests that as the age of the median voter increases, public social expenditures, including national pensions and national health insurance, are bound to increase both naturally and politically.

Taxing High-Net-Worth Individuals: Recommendations from an African Perspective

In this article, the author considers how African countries can increase their tax base by taxing “high-net-worth individuals” (HNWIs), a small but growing segment of society that has the potential to contribute to revenue collection but is largely undertaxed. While the article sets out the justifications for African countries to focus on the taxation of HNWIs, it also notes that countries generally face various challenges in taxing HNWIs. To address the challenges, the article refers to some international guidelines that African countries can adopt in order to effectively tax HNWIs. With South Africa being the country on the continent with the highest number of HNWIs, the article focuses on the approach it has taken to tax HNWIs, in the hope that South Africa’s success story can be emulated by other African countries that face challenges in ensuring tax compliance by HNWIs.

Social contribution on payroll and exemption from food allowance

This article aims to explore the legal indeterminacy surrounding the possibility of free transit of credits between meal vouchers and food vouchers and its impact on the exemption of social contributions on payroll. Employing the Logical-Semantic Constructivism method and foundations from the philosophy of language, the article seeks to clarify whether this practice affects eligibility for exemption. Initially, the article underscores the importance of revisiting the interpretation given to the tax benefit, considering new business models and in light of changes in labor relations, such as the increase in remote work. Companies that offer meal and food vouchers are important partners for employers, facilitating the provision of food benefits to employees. A rigorous analysis of legal language is emphasized to ensure scientific accuracy. The legal norm is discussed from two perspectives: a broad sense (propositions derived from legal statements) and a strict sense (propositions structured in hypothetical-conditional judgments capable of regulating intersubjective conduct). It analyzes the norm that establishes the social contribution on payroll, identifying its five criteria (material, spatial, temporal, personal, and quantitative). The material criterion is defined as the provision of remuneration in exchange for work performed. The tax base is the total remuneration paid to employees. The article discusses the exemption of food assistance as provided by legislation (CLT and Law 8,212/91), which excludes the social security contribution on in natura food provided to workers. The legislation allows food assistance to be offered through vouchers, provided they are used exclusively for the purchase of food. Federal Decree No. 10,854/2021 is analyzed to explain the necessity of keeping funds in separate accounts and ensuring their exclusive use for food, prohibiting withdrawals or transfers to accounts not linked to the Worker’s Food Program (PAT). The article concludes that the free transfer of credits between meal and food vouchers does not affect the exemption of food assistance, as long as the funds are used exclusively for the purchase of in natura food. Subordinate legislation does not impose significant restrictions on this practice, and even if it did, it could not supersede higher normative provisions that grant the exemption. Thus, the arrangement between meal and food credits does not limit the exemption from social contributions on payroll.

AN ANALYSIS OF GST IMPLEMENTATION AND TRENDS IN REVENUE COLLECTION FROM 2017-18 TO 2023-24

India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST), implemented on July 1, 2017, revolutionized the country's indirect tax system by replacing a complex array of taxes with a unified consumption tax. This study analyzes the implementation, features, and trends of GST from fiscal year 2017-18 to 2023-24, utilizing secondary data from the Economic Survey of India 2023-24. The total GST revenue has shown significant growth, rising from ₹5,39,601 crores in 2017-18 to ₹15,18,127 crores in 2023-24. The GST structure operates under a dual system, with Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) being key components, alongside the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) for inter-state trade. High-contributing states like Maharashtra and Karnataka have strengthened their positions, while states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand face challenges. The analysis also reveals fluctuations in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a robust recovery in subsequent years. Key findings underscore the need for targeted interventions in lower-performing regions, improvements in tax administration, and policy adjustments to address the declining share of cess. This research highlights the pivotal role of GST in enhancing tax compliance and broadening the tax base, laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth in India. KEY WORDS: Goods and Services Tax (GST), Tax Compliance, Indirect Taxation, Economic Growth, Public Finance

A Critical Analysis of Selected Aspects of Real Estate Taxation in the Context of Recent Legislative Amendments in the Czech Republic

The real estate tax is the sole property tax in the Czech Republic and has been part of its tax system since its establishment, i.e. since January 1, 1993. The Czech Republic has long been recommended by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to increase the collection of this tax because its yield as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) is one of the lowest among all OECD and EU countries. The lower yield is in part attributable to the manner in which the tax base is determined. The Czech Republic, with the exception of a few minor instances, continues to employ the assessment-based rather than the value-based method of determining the tax base. Furthermore, the Czech Republic is encouraged to use the correction elements at the disposal of municipalities to influence the amount of property tax. This article examines the revenue aspect of real estate tax in the Czech Republic, including the determination of the tax base and the use of correction mechanisms. In light of these considerations, it is evident that the development of the Czech real estate tax system has been influenced by a number of factors, including the introduction of one of the most significant amendments to the Real Estate Tax Act in the country’s history. This amendment, known as the consolidation package, was implemented on January 1, 2024 and has had a profound impact on the current legislation.

The possibility of adopting a centralized electronic invoice system and its impact in determining the tax base: An analytical study of the opinions of a sample of academics, professionals and employees of income tax departments - Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Erbil city)

This research aims to demonstrate the extent to which tax departments (income tax) can adopt the central electronic invoice system as one of the modern technological systems that can be used by the tax authority in order to reach a fair tax base for taxpayers. To achieve the research objective, an electronic questionnaire was distributed to a sample of (104) individuals from accounting academics in universities and institutes in Erbil city and professionals and employees of income tax departments. The results were analyzed using the statistical program (SPSS). The research reached several conclusions, including that the central electronic invoice system is an effective tool to enhance transparency and efficiency in the tax system despite potential challenges. In addition, adopting this system will lead to improving the determination of the tax base, reducing tax evasion and stimulating the formal economy. Success in this field requires close cooperation between the government and companies to provide the appropriate technical and legal environment. There is a possibility for tax departments to adopt the electronic invoice system and work on it to develop the process of determining the tax base for taxpayers. The study recommended the necessity of spreading the culture of voluntary commitment to join the electronic invoice system and including the electronic invoice and other accounting programs in the curricula of accounting departments in colleges and institutes and conducting training courses and seminars for the tax community and technical workers on dealing with the electronic invoice system in tax departments.

Path to Green Economy: Analyzing Innovation, Investment and Taxation in Kazakhstan

The concept of a green economy has gained significant attention, aiming to achieve sustainable development without environmental harm. This study examines Kazakhstan's transition to a green economy, focusing on indicators such as green innovation, investment in environmental protection, and green taxes. Despite Kazakhstan's commitment to a carbon-neutral economy by 2060, significant challenges were identified. The methodology involved three steps: descriptive analysis of green economy indicators for 2016–2022, correlation analysis to identify significant relationships, and trend forecasting for 2023–2025 using a linear regression model. This approach provided a thorough examination of the green economy's current state and future projections. Over the study period, the number of organizations engaged in environmental innovation and their activity levels have decreased. Investments in environmental protection showed initial growth, but declined in recent years. Conversely, there has been an increase in environmental taxes, reflecting the government’s focus on tax instruments to promote sustainable development. Correlation analysis revealed complex interdependencies, indicating that higher investments and taxes are often associated with lower levels of green innovation activity. Projections for 2023-2025 suggest a further decline in green innovation indicators unless significant policy measures are taken. The study underscores the need for a balanced approach that encourages green innovation while maintaining robust investment and tax bases.

Кадастровая оценка земельных участков сельскохозяйственного назна-чения южных районов Красноярского края

The State cadastral valuation of agricultural lands (GKOZ CX) is a set of legal, administrative and technical measures aimed at establishing the cadastral value of land plots as of a certain date in order to create a tax base and other payments for land. On the territory of the Russian Federation, the cadastral valuation of agricultur-al land is carried out relatively recently. The first evaluation tour was conducted in 2001 - 2002, the second in 2006 – 2007 and the third in 2011 – 2013. Methodological support was provided by unified methodological guidelines approved by federal agencies. This article presents the results of the cadastral value of land plots by type of use, conducted on the territory of three municipalities located in the southern re-gions of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. The specific indicators of cadastral value for these land plots are determined in accordance with the Methodological Guidelines for the state cadastral assessment of agricultural land (approved by Order of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation dated 09/20/2010 No. 445) [1].