Tax Compliance Research Articles

Trust in Government and Tax Compliance in Indonesia and Malaysia: Do Ethics and Tax Amnesty Matter?

This study examines the moderating role of tax amnesty and the mediating role of ethics in the relationship between trust in government and tax compliance among taxpayers in Indonesia and Malaysia. The data were analysed using the structural equation modeling to examine the mediating role of ethics and hierarchical regression analysis to test the moderating role of tax amnesty in the relationship between trust and tax compliance. Based on the sample collection using the purposive sampling method, the study included 529 respondents from Indonesia and 137 from Malaysia. The findings reveal that the relationship between trust in government and taxpayer compliance is statistically significant with ethics as full mediator in Indonesia. However, the relationship between trust in government and tax compliance is not statistically significant in Malaysia. Ethics has a direct effect on tax compliance in both countries. Tax amnesty does not show a moderating effect in the relationship between trust in government and tax compliance. However, it plays a negative predictive role for tax compliance in Indonesia. This study will assist the government in developing tax compliance strategies to increase tax revenue with the launch of a similar program without neglecting the honest taxpayer.

Building a Culture of Compliance: The Influence of Tax Socialization and Inclusion on Indonesian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Taxpayers

Taxes serve as the cornerstone of any nation's economic framework, functioning as both a regulatory mechanism and a primary source of government revenue. They are indispensable for managing taxpayer behavior, ensuring a steady stream of state income, and financing essential public services and infrastructure development. In Indonesia, the compliance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is pivotal to the nation's fiscal well-being. This study delves into the factors that influence MSME taxpayer compliance, specifically focusing on the role of tax socialization, tax inclusion, and the involvement of tax volunteers. A quantitative research approach was adopted, involving the distribution of questionnaires to MSME taxpayers in Indonesia. The data collected was then analyzed using SPSS software to test the hypotheses regarding the impact of tax socialization, tax inclusion, and tax volunteers on taxpayer compliance. The findings of this study reveal that tax socialization and tax inclusion positively influence the level of tax compliance among Indonesian MSME taxpayers. Furthermore, the involvement of tax volunteers also has a positive impact on enhancing taxpayer compliance. This study underscores the importance of tax socialization and tax inclusion in fostering a culture of compliance among MSMEs in Indonesia. The positive role of tax volunteers in assisting taxpayers and promoting compliance is also highlighted. These findings have significant implications for tax authorities in their efforts to improve tax compliance rates and enhance revenue collection.

Analysis of the Role of Tax Consultants in Improving Taxpayer Compliance (Case Study at SHC Manado Tax Consultant Office)

The role of tax consultants is instrumental especially in improving taxpayer compliance, especially in the midst of increasingly complex tax regulations. Tax consultants can increase taxpayer awareness of the importance of voluntary tax compliance, which ultimately contributes to increasing state revenue and economic stability. This research aims to analyze the role of tax consultants in improving taxpayer compliance. The method of analysis used in this thesis research is a descriptive method whose purpose is that each data is collected and then analyzed and then a conclusion is drawn and the type of research used is a qualitative descriptive approach. The results showed that the role of tax consultants is very important in helping taxpayers fulfill their tax obligations. Tax consultants play several key roles in assisting taxpayers to improve taxpayer compliance.

Implementation of Artificial Neural Networks as a Method for Early Detection of Tax Evasion Behavior in Indonesia

Research Aims: This study aims to analyze the ability of the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model in early detection of tax evasion behavior in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses a qualitative method with a descriptive approach, the types of data used in this study are primary data and secondary data. Primary data is obtained from the results of interviews to obtain the information needed by the researcher. The interview informants came from the DGT sub-Directorate of Potential, Compliance and Tax Revenue with the initials K&H, tax consultants and taxpayers. while secondary data is collected through the DGT online website and through articles and journals on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), tax evasion, and financial information data on income, expenses, amount of assets, taxes payable) and behavioral indicators (tax compliance history, frequency of late reporting, significant changes in financial statements). The data analysis technique used is descriptive analysis, namely data collection, data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawing Research Findings: The results of this study show that the use of a neural network model can be an effective tool to detect symptoms of tax evasion behavior early. This method allows tax authorities to monitor and identify suspicious activity more efficiently and effectively. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This study makes a significant theoretical contribution by integrating the use of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) in detecting tax evasion in Indonesia. The originality of this research lies in the application of ANN in the context of Indonesia's tax system, where the use of advanced technology such as ANN is still relatively new. The study also combines the pentagon's fraud theory, which adds elements of arrogance and competence in the analysis of tax evasion behavior, with a machine learning approach, creating a more holistic and innovative framework

Pengaruh Kepatuhan Pajak, Kualitas Pelayanan Pajak dan Biaya Sanksi Kepatuhan Pajak terhadap Penerimaan Pajak Kendaraan Bermotor dengan Tax Amnesty sebagai Variabel Moderasi pada UPT Badan Pendapatan Daerah Wilayah Kabupaten Kupang

This research aims to determine the effect of tax compliance, tax service quality and tax compliance sanction costs on motor vehicle tax revenues with tax amnesty as a moderating variable at the Kupang Regency Regional Revenue Agency UPT. This research involved conducting a quantitative survey. The sample used as the main data source was 100 Kupang Regency taxpayers. Inferential statistical analysis is a type of data analysis method used in this research. The results of this research statistically found that taxpayer compliance does not have a significant influence on motor vehicle tax revenue. However, the quality of tax services and sanction fees have a positive and significant influence on motor vehicle tax revenues in the UPT activities of the Kupang Regency Regional Revenue Agency. Meanwhile, the tax amnesty variable as a moderating variable has an influence on motor vehicle tax revenues, but the tax amnesty variable is unable to moderate the influence of taxpayer compliance and compliance sanctions costs on motor vehicle tax revenues. The tax amnesty variable is only able to moderate the influence of service quality on motor vehicle tax revenues in the UPT activities of the Kupang Regency Regional Revenue Agency

Making Tax Smart: Feasibility of Distributed Ledger Technology for Building Tax Compliance Functionality to Central Bank Digital Currency

The latest advancements in distributed ledger technology (DLT) and payment architectures such as the UK’s New Payments Architecture present opportunities for leveraging the hidden informational value and intelligence within payments. In this paper, we present Smart Money, an infrastructure capability for a central bank digital currency (CBDC) which enables real-time value-added tax split payments, oversight, controlled access, and smart policy implementation. This capability is implemented as a prototype called Making Tax Smart (MTS), which utilises the open-source R3 Corda DLT framework. The results presented herein confirm that it is feasible to build an MTS capability which is scalable and co-exists with the current payment systems. Smart Money CBDC has the potential to mobilise payments data, transforming the role of money from a blunt instrument to a government policy sensor and actuator without disrupting the existing money system. DLT, smart contracts, and programmable money have a crucial role to play with benefits for government departments, the economy, and society as a whole.

Determinants of Tax Avoidance Intentions in Tourism SMEs: The Mediating Role of Coercive Power, Digital Transformation, and the Moderating Effect of CSR

Tax compliance and avoidance are critical issues for governments and businesses worldwide, especially as businesses often use legal methods to minimize taxes, which can impact public revenue and equity within the tax system. This study focuses on understanding the factors influencing tax avoidance behaviors among SMEs in Greece’s tourism sector, a sector that has received limited research attention. To this end, a quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, using a structured questionnaire to explore potential factors influencing tax avoidance behavior. Data were collected from 534 SME managers and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to assess the impact of key factors and their interrelationships, including coercive power, digital transformation, tax knowledge, firm performance, and perceived fairness, on tax avoidance. In addition, corporate social responsibility (CSR) was included as a moderator variable, while coercive power and digital transformation were assessed as mediators. Furthermore, Multi-Group Analysis (MGA) was conducted to explore the differences between small and medium enterprises, as well as different ownership structures. The results indicate that all key determinants, except perceived fairness, are significantly and positively related to tax avoidance intention. Additionally, it was revealed that coercive power increases tax avoidance through firm performance and tax knowledge, while digital transformation mediates the influence of firm performance on tax avoidance by curtailing avoidance intentions. While CSR mitigates the negative influence of coercive power, digital transformation has a dual role: that of promoting transparency and strategic efforts to reduce the tax burden. These findings have important policy implications, as policymakers seek to promote digital adoption and enhance CSR engagement while formulating specific regulatory strategies to reduce tax avoidance among SMEs.

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.

Probability of Detection and Value Added Tax Compliance among Small and Medium Enterprises in Westlands Sub County, Nairobi, Kenya: Moderating Effect of Tax Service Quality

Purpose: Value-added tax compliance has remained a challenge, especially when it comes to SMEs operating in Kenya. The high level of informality of this sector provides an incentive for most of the SMEs to evade payment of VAT, a situation that has constrained the amount of tax revenues available to finance fiscal budget. This study aimed to determine the moderating role of tax service quality on the relationship between probability of detection and value added tax compliance among small and medium enterprises in Westlands Sub County, Nairobi, Kenya. Methodology: The study adopted an explanatory design targeting 751 SMEs operating in Westlands Sub- County, Nairobi, Kenya as registered by Nairobi City County. The sample frame was the list of SMEs in Westlands Sub- County that is available in Nairobi City County. The sample size was 261 owners of the said SMEs who were stratified into four categories based on the nature of undertaking of their business and a representative sample from each of these categories was drawn. Gathering of information was by use of a questionnaire. To analyze the collected information, descriptive statistics like means and standard deviations as well as multiple regression analysis was adopted. Results: Regression of coefficients showed that probability of detection had a positive and significant effect on VAT compliance of SMEs (β=0.358, p=0.000). The findings also revealed that tax service quality moderates the relationship between probability of detection and value added tax compliance among small and medium enterprises (β= 0.086, ρ<0.05). Conclusion: The study concluded that probability of detection had a positive and significant effect on VAT compliance of SMEs. In addition, the study concluded that tax service quality moderate the relationship between probability of detection, on value added tax compliance among small and medium enterprises in Westlands Sub County, Nairobi, Kenya. KRA should increase the rate probability of audit detection by coming up with new mechanisms of audit detection thus enhancing VAT compliance of VAT amongst the SMEs. The government should strive to provide SME owners in Westlands Sub County, Nairobi, with services that are of high standards for example at the tax stations as clearly stated in the corporate plan to reduce the need for spending costs to hire skilled persons such as tax consultants.

Effect of Tax Morale on Value Added Tax Compliance Among Medium Taxpayers in North of Nairobi Tax District, Kenya

Purpose: Tax compliance is important as it has a direct impact on revenue for most governments around the world. Despite the reforms that the Kenya Revenue Authority has been undertaking to increase revenue collection, it has of late failed to meet its revenue targets, particularly VAT targets. There has also been existence of fluctuations in VAT collection over the past couple of financial years. The objective of the study is to showcase the effect of tax morale on Value Added Tax compliance among medium taxpayers in north Nairobi tax district, Kenya. The study has been guided by the ability to pay theory. Methodology: The study adopted the explanatory research design and primary data was collected using structured questionnaires with closed-ended questions. The total target population was 2,376 VAT-registered medium taxpayers in north of Nairobi tax district, Kenya and the sample size was 342 respondents. Out of the 342 respondents targeted, 274 questionnaires were correctly filled and returned, indicating 80% response rate. Results: The study also found that tax morale had a positive and significant effect on Value Added Tax compliance β=0.173 p-value =0. 016. Conclusion: The study recommends that the government of Kenya should allocate resources towards improving taxpayer services, including helplines, online portals, and advisory services.

Effect of Electronic Tax Invoice Management System on Value Added Tax Compliance Among Tented Camps in Narok County, Kenya

Purpose: Value Added Tax (VAT) compliance is a critical aspect of revenue collection for governments worldwide; however, it has encountered various challenges, the most prevalent being verifying input tax claimed by taxpayers when filing VAT returns. The main objective was to examine the effect of electronic Tax Invoice Management System on Value added tax compliance among tented camps in Narok County. The theory that supports the study was Diffusion of Innovations Theory. Methodology: The study employed explanatory research design, with a target population of 150 tented camps in the Masai Mara National Reserve, out of these, 122 respondents successfully completed and returned the questionnaires, resulting in a response rate of 81.3%. The data was collected through a structured questionnaire. Results: The study found that ETIMs positively and significantly affect VAT compliance β =0.236 p-value =0.012<0.05. Conclusion: The study recommended that The KRA should enhance the Electronic Tax Invoice Management System (ETIMS) to improve VAT compliance among tented camps in Narok County. Future research should be conducted on the effects of taxpayer behavioural factors on VAT compliance.

Effect of Alternative Dispute Resolution on VAT Compliance Among Tax Agents in Nairobi County, Kenya

Purpose: Tax is a vital source of government revenue in almost all countries in the world as it ensures that the government can offer goods and services to the general public. Therefore, tax compliance is critical in all economies, which recognize the role played by revenue collected from tax in national development. The key aim of the current study was to establish the effect of alternative dispute resolution on value added tax compliance among tax agents in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study was anchored on the theory of conflict of management. Methodology: The study adopted an explanatory research design. The study targeted 321 agents in Nairobi County while the sample size was 178 respondents. In this study, 178 out of 134 distributed questionnaires were completed and returned correctly, achieving a 75% response rate. The study used primary data, which was collected through questionnaires. The data collected was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. A linear regression model was used to establish the strength of the relationship between independent and dependent study variables. Results: Alternative Dispute Resolution also exhibits a positive and significant correlation with VAT Compliance, with a coefficient of β =0.093 p<0.05. Conclusion: The study recommended that the KRA should enhance its alternative dispute resolution mechanisms by providing clear guidelines, increasing the availability of mediation and arbitration services, and ensuring that tax agents are well-informed about these options. Future research should examine the impact of the regulatory framework on VAT compliance.

Effect of Tax Literacy on Consumption Taxes Compliance among Retailers in Starehe Sub County Nairobi, Kenya

Purpose: The ultimate purpose of Kenyan government is to raise sufficient revenue to finance its expenditure. There have been continuous reforms in the administration of consumption taxes. Government is unable to adequately raise revenue through tax collection and hence the need for this study. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of tax literacy on consumption taxes compliance among retailers in Starehe sub -county Nairobi, Kenya. The study was guided by Theory of Planned Behaviour. Methodology: Explanatory research design was adopted and the target population of this study was 4639 retailers in Starehe sub -county Nairobi, with a sample size of 368 respondents. Primary data was collected by use of questionnaires. In this study, 276 out of 368 distributed questionnaires were accurately completed and returned, reflecting a 75% response rate. The statistics generated was descriptive and inferential statistics that was analyzed using correlation and linear regression. Results: The study showed that tax literacy (β = 0. 189, p < 0.05) significantly improve consumption tax compliance. Conclusion: The study recommended that the KRA should launch comprehensive tax literacy programs aimed at educating retailers about consumption tax regulations and their benefits.

The Effect of Desk Tax Audit Practice on Tax Revenue Collection among Medium and Large Size Enterprises in Kenya

Purpose: Tax is a major issue of discussion for both developed and developing countries. For there to be significant progress in any nation, the government should look for ways of raising income to meet the needs of its citizens. The main objective of the study was to determine the effect of desk tax audit practice on Tax revenue collection among medium and large size enterprises in Nairobi region, Kenya. The study was guided by Lending credibility theory. Methodology: The target population was 562 employees in the Medium Taxpayer Office and Large Taxpayers Office Nairobi region, out of which 234 was sampled, and 167 respondents managed to fill and return the questionnaires implying a 71.4% response rate. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires that was filled by employees in Medium Taxpayers Office and Large Taxpayers Office in Nairobi region. The study employed an explanatory research design. Data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation &regression model and finally Multiple regression model. Results: The study further found that Desk tax audit had a positive and significant effect on tax revenue collection β =0.329 p-value =0.0000<0.05. Recommendation: Based on the findings, the government should consider strengthening desk tax audit practices to enhance tax revenue collection. Policies could be developed to ensure regular and comprehensive desk audits are conducted to identify and address tax compliance issues promptly.

Effect of Excisable Goods Management Systems on Domestic Tax Compliance Among Small and Medium Enterprises in Thika Sub-County

Purpose: Despite the rapid adoption of e-filing in Kenya, the filing system is still unreliable especially at peak period and on voluntary usage which lead to low level of compliance perceived by taxpayer. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of excisable goods management system on domestic taxes compliance among small and medium enterprises in Thika town, Kenya. The study was anchored on the standard economic theory. Methodology: The explanatory research design was employed. The target population was 2052 small and medium enterprises in Thika town with sample size of 334 small and medium enterprises. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires out of the 334 issued questionnaires, 261 filled the questionnaires and submitted them accordingly, resulting in a 78.1% response rate. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study found that excisable goods management system had a positive and significant effect on domestic tax compliance β = 0. 179 and p = 0.004. Conclusion: The government should invest in further enhancing the Excisable Goods Management System to ensure it is user-friendly and accessible to SMEs

Digital tax policies and compliance challenges for MSMEs in Indonesia

As digital Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) rapidly grow in Indonesia, ensuring their compliance with tax regulations has become an urgent priority. This study delves into the challenges and innovative solutions to enhance tax compliance, focusing mainly on digital content creators. This study examines the challenges and solutions for improving tax compliance among digital Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia, mainly digital content creators. The research aims to analyze the impact of tax sanctions, modernization of tax administration, and tax policy reforms on the compliance behavior of these entities. A qualitative approach was employed, utilizing interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with informants selected through purposive sampling. The findings indicate that tax sanctions significantly influence compliance, but modernization of tax systems improves transparency and efficiency, thus enhancing compliance. Policy reforms, particularly those tailored to the unique needs of digital businesses, offer the flexibility needed for fulfilling tax obligations. The novelty of this research lies in the proposed model that integrates tax sanctions, administrative modernization, and policy reforms, addressing the unique characteristics of digital MSMEs. The practical implications suggest that implementing a user-friendly digital tax system, supported by clear guidelines and targeted reforms, can simplify compliance for digital MSMEs, leading to better tax reporting. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers in designing effective, adaptive tax policies for Indonesia's rapidly growing digital economy.

Are Fairness Perceptions Related to Moral Licensing Behavior? Evidence From Tax Compliance

Are Fairness Perceptions Related to Moral Licensing Behavior? Evidence From Tax Compliance

Family affairs or Government's duty? The tax morality of a mobile society

PurposeThis paper aims to shed light on the relationship between intergenerational labor mobility and tax morale among European citizens, given the relatively limited evidence on the potential influence of tax compliance behavior on future inequalities.Design/methodology/approachExploiting data from the European Values Study (2008), we show that the larger the intergenerational mobility, i.e. better economic conditions of children respect to their parents, the larger the willingness to pay taxes. In this vein, the subjective tax payment may be meant as an investment which could be rewarded with a more mobile society result by considering different estimation strategies. This evidence remarks the importance to foster intergenerational mobility to build a more tax-compliant society.FindingsThe linkage between mobility and tax morale is stronger and significant across citizens living in high income classes, and in countries where there is a commitment of the Government in guaranteeing more opportunities to citizens regardless of their familiar starting conditions (more defamiliarized countries). We further show that the intergenerational mobility significantly shapes the attitude towards tax payment only among individuals who claim for independence from their family context (i.e. those showing less family ties). This evidence remarks the importance to foster intergenerational mobility to build a more tax-compliant society.Originality/valueWe revisit the linkage between attitude toward tax compliance and inequality, on the light of the intergenerational labor mobility, that may be seen as the dependence between children's and parents' earnings. Given the insights from the existing studies, this paper represents the first empirical work that aims to analyze the potential relationship between intergenerational mobility and personal attitude toward tax payment across European citizens.

Leveraging AI-Driven financial literacy and tax compliance solutions to foster economic growth in underserved communities and small businesses

Underserved communities and small businesses face significant challenges in financial literacy and tax compliance, both of which are critical to economic stability and growth. Limited access to financial education and the complexities of tax systems create barriers that hinder these groups from fully participating in the formal economy. This review explores the potential of leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to address these challenges by providing innovative solutions that enhance financial literacy and simplify tax compliance. AI-driven platforms can offer personalized financial education, using machine learning algorithms to identify knowledge gaps and provide tailored resources to users. Through gamification and interactive tools, AI can make financial education more engaging and accessible, especially for individuals with limited formal education. Furthermore, AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots can guide users through essential financial decisions, improving budgeting, credit management, and savings habits. In the realm of tax compliance, AI solutions can automate bookkeeping, tax filings, and other administrative tasks, reducing human error and lowering the compliance burden on small businesses. Predictive analytics can assist in tax planning by forecasting liabilities and helping businesses make informed decisions that minimize tax penalties and maximize cash flow. These advancements empower small businesses and entrepreneurs by enabling better financial management, fostering trust in the financial system, and facilitating access to funding opportunities. By integrating AI-driven financial literacy and tax compliance solutions, underserved communities and small businesses can unlock their economic potential, contributing to broader economic growth and financial inclusion. However, challenges such as data privacy, digital access, and regulatory concerns must be addressed to ensure equitable implementation of these technologies. The review concludes that with careful consideration of these factors, AI can be a powerful catalyst for sustainable economic development. Keywords: Leveraging AI-Driven, Financial Literacy Tax Compliance Small Businesses

Effect of Social Norms on Turnover Tax Collection among Micro and Small Enterprises in Meru Town, Kenya

The turnover tax has achieved a significantly low level of tax compliance since its introduction. This research examines social norms' impact on turnover tax collection among Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Meru Town, Kenya. This study used the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to evaluate the influence of social norms on tax compliance. An Analysis of 367 Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between social norms and tax compliance (β = 0.149, p = 0.007). The report proposed promoting robust tax compliance standards and improving tax education programs via seminars and advertising.