Tax Policy Research Articles

Taxation Policy and Compliance Burden on MSMEs: An In-depth Legal Study in Indonesia

Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) are shaped by tax laws, which have a major impact on their growth prospects, competitiveness, and conduct. MSMEs in Indonesia confront many obstacles when it comes to adhering to tax laws, such as intricate administrative procedures, expensive compliance fees, and restricted access to incentives. Using a normative analysis technique, this research undertakes a comprehensive legal study to assess taxation policies and compliance constraints on MSMEs in Indonesia. The results highlight the necessity of focused initiatives to improve taxpayer education, increase incentive accessibility, streamline tax laws, and provide compliance support. By tackling these issues, Indonesia can provide a tax climate that is more favorable and supportive of MSMEs, promoting entrepreneurship, economic growth, and sustainable development.

Development of proactive mode of providing tax deductions for personal income tax

The paper studies discussion issues of the simplified procedure for obtaining tax deductions for personal income tax (hereinafter referred to as PIT). The objectives of the study are the following: to review the changes in tax legislation from January 1, 2024 in the field of proactive mode of granting tax deductions for PIT, to justify the increasing role of this interaction between individuals and tax authorities, to identify current problems and to search for ways of solving them. The authors analysed the practice of application of the simplified procedure for obtaining property and investment tax deductions; statistical data of the Federal Tax Service of Russia on the provision of tax deductions in a simplified manner (1-DDK statistical form “On the declaration of personal income”). The analysis of key changes in the provision of deductions entering into force on January 1, 20124 was also conducted. The main problems that individuals may have when receiving deductions or that tax authorities may face in the course of tax control are highlighted, and possible ways to solve them are identified. The authors concluded, firstly, that it is necessary to form prefilled applications not only while receiving tax deductions, but also when paying PIT, for example, when a person sells real estate, cars. Secondly, it is required to enshrine in tax legislation the order of priority of providing tax deductions if a taxpayer has the right for several types of them. The obtained results can be used in developing solutions to taxation of personal income and provision of tax deductions, in legislative drafting on improvement of provisions of the state tax policy.

Impact of warranty and green level of the product with nonlinear demand via optimal control theory and Artificial Hummingbird Algorithm

Due to the current environmental situation and human health, a green manufacturing system is very essential in the manufacturing world. Several researchers have developed various types of green manufacturing models by considering green products, green investments, carbon emission taxes, etc. Motivated by this topic, a green production model is formulated by considering selling price, time, warranty period and green level dependent demand with a carbon emission tax policy. Also, the production rate of the system is an unknown function of time. Per unit production cost of the products is taken as increasing function of production rate and green level of the products. In our proposed model, carbon emission rate is taken as linear function of time. Then, an optimization problem of the production model is constructed. To validate of our proposed model, a numerical example is considered and solved it by AHA. Further, other five metaheuristics algorithms (AEFA, FA, GWOA, WOA and EOA) are taken to compare the results obtained from AHA. Also, concavity of the average profit function and convergence graph of different metaheuristics algorithms are presented. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is carried out to investigate the impact of different system parameters on our optimal policy and reach a fruitful conclusion from this study.

How does the e-cigarette industry respond to tax adjustments? Evidence from China.

China enacted an excise tax on e-cigarettes in November 2022, which offers a distinctive opportunity to examine the industry's reactions to this fiscal adjustment. This study delves into the industry's pricing strategies following the introduction of the excise tax, facilitating a thorough assessment of the subsequent impact on market dynamics and the government's revenue streams. We developed a TaXSiM model specifically tailored for e-cigarettes in China by integrating the country's e-cigarette tax framework. Our approach involved leveraging market data obtained from a representative product, the RELX Phantom Series, to ensure the model's effectiveness and relevance. The excise implementation of 2022 significantly heightened the tax burden on e-cigarettes, marking an increase of approximately 150 RMB per device and 19 RMB per cartridge. Despite these financial pressures, electronic cigarette firms exemplified by RELX, strategically endeavored to sustain competitiveness. Their approach involved initially implementing a 'Razor blade model' and eventually a 'comprehensive under-shifting' strategy, which mitigated the health impact of the tax hike, resulting in a relatively minor decline in sales while amplifying the impact on tax revenue. However, this strategic pricing maneuver came at a cost, as it led to a substantial decrease in profits, and therefore expedited a reshuffling of the industry by compelling smaller brands to leave the market rapidly. To effectively curb the use of e-cigarettes through tax policies, it is advisable to relocate the imposition of excise taxes on electronic cigarettes to the retail stage. This shift aims to narrow the scope for industry-level pricing strategies. Furthermore, this approach should be coupled with the introduction of an additional specific tax, strategically crafted to accentuate the health-related benefits associated with the excise taxation on electronic cigarettes.

Economic-environmental assessment of emission tax policy in developing countries: evidence from Iran

PurposeThe present study aims at quantifying the likely impacts of an environmental tax on macroeconomic variables and pollution in Iran.Design/methodology/approachThe computable general equilibrium model, which allows the prediction of the economy-wide effects of any change in policy instruments, is applied.FindingsThe main findings reveal that gross domestic product, private consumption and income in both urban and rural areas will follow a declining trend as a result of environmental tax imposition. In a scenario with the highest level of tax, the predicted percentage change to the gross domestic product and private consumption is estimated at −21.32 and −40.96, respectively. In the same scenario, pollution emissions would decrease by 12.4–22.6% for CO2, CH4 and N2O.Originality/valueThis study uses a general equilibrium model to examine the effects of the carbon tax on environmental issues and household welfare, considering the unique conditions and regulations of Iran. While the related literature examines the CO2 tax, the current study covers more pollutants, including CO2, CH4, N2O, CO, SO2 and NOx. In addition, a distinguishing feature of the current study is that it applies a modified version of the social accounting matrix (SAM) database, which includes the heavy subsidies of energy products. Another significant feature of the current study is that it examines tax policy while tax rates are exerted endogenously (compared to previous studies).

Relationship Between Product Features and the Prices of e-Cigarette Devices Sold in Web-Based Vape Shops: Comparison Study Using a Linear Regression Model.

Open-system electronic cigarette (EC) product features, such as battery capacity, maximum output wattage, and so forth, are major components that drive product costs and may influence use patterns. Moreover, continued innovation and monitoring of product features and prices will provide critical information for designing appropriate taxation policies and product regulations. This study will examine how product features are associated with the prices of devices sold in web-based vape shops. We draw samples from 5 popular, US-based, web-based vape shops from April to August 2022 to examine starter kits, device-only products, and e-liquid container-only products. We implemented a linear regression model with a store-fixed effect to examine the association between device attributes and prices. EC starter kits or devices vary significantly by type, with mod prices being much higher than pod and vape pen prices. The prices of mod starter kits were even lower than those of mod devices, suggesting that mod starter kits are discounted in web-based vape shops. The price of mod kits, mod device-only products, and pod kits increased as the battery capacity and output wattage increased. For vape pens, the price was positively associated with the volume size of the e-liquid container. On the other hand, the price of pod kits was positively associated with the number of containers. A unit-based specific tax, therefore, will impose a higher tax burden on lower-priced devices such as vape pens or pod systems and a lower tax burden on mod devices. A volume- or capacity-based specific tax on devices will impose a higher tax burden on vape pens with a larger container size. Meanwhile, ad valorem taxes pegged to wholesale or retail prices would apply evenly across device types, meaning those with advanced features such as higher battery capacities and output wattage would face higher rates. Therefore, policy makers could manipulate tax rates by device type to discourage the use of certain device products.

A new stage in the development of the Russian gas industry

The article presents the results of a study of the current situation in the Russian gas industry. The main problems are identified. Directions for the transformation of regulation to ensure its sustainable operation and development are proposed. The present moment can be characterized as the transition to a new stage for the gas industry. Gas exports to Europe are no longer a source of financing the unprofitable domestic supplies and an investment resource for the development of new production centers and the gas transmission system. Eastern projects still require large investments, and it will be possible to talk about their profitability in decades. Therefore, complex transformations are needed in the industry, including the development of competition and gradual deregulation of prices, bringing regulated prices to reasonable costs, the inclusion of a seasonal factor in prices, resolving the issue of the gas transportation tariff, a revision of tax policy for a predictable sharing of risks and profitability between the state and business under high volatility on external markets. It is also necessary to create conditions and coordinate the activities of ministries to stimulate the development of companies’ businesses in the direction of working with highly processed products, which will not only guarantee sales, but also ensure the creation of new jobs and additional GDP growth.

How Does The Public Respond To The Impact Of Carbon Tax Implementation Planning In DKI Jakarta?

Implementing a carbon tax is a policy to overcome the impact of carbon emissions on the decline in environmental quality. Implementing carbon tax policies can have complex impacts in various fields, such as economic, environmental, social, and political. This research analyzes the public's open response to the impact of carbon tax implementation. The research uses a qualitative and S-O-R method to analyze the public's response to the carbon tax. Data collection methods are carried out through interviews, observation, and documentation. The criteria for selecting sources (informants) in this research are people in DKI Jakarta who have an NPWP (Tax ID number), owners, and users of motorized vehicles, as well as academics in the field of taxation. Data analysis was done in data reduction, display, and conclusion. The analysis results in this research show that most people respond to implementing the carbon tax by agreeing with income redistribution as a reduction in rates for other types of taxes. In the environmental aspect, there is a positive response to implementing a carbon tax in reducing the impact of carbon emissions. Various responses highlighted the principles of justice regarding social inequality between social groups and the need to evaluate policy instruments in socio-political aspects. Public approval for implementing a carbon tax considering economic changes and environmental awareness still underlines the need for a fairer socio-political approach.

Comparing ad valorem and specific taxes with corporate social responsibility

AbstractThis paper examines the welfare ranking of indirect tax systems with corporate social responsibility (CSR) in a duopoly. Findings show that the two firms' cost and CSR asymmetries both play important roles. If the cost‐efficient firm has a higher CSR level, the standard result in traditional tax theory is sustainable. Namely, ad valorem tax (specific subsidy) policies are considered superior to specific tax (ad valorem subsidy) policies. However, if the cost‐inefficient firm has a significantly higher CSR level, the standard result is reversed. This result remains robust in an oligopoly model or under a tax revenue constraint.

ВЗАИМОСВЯЗЬ НАЛОГООБЛОЖЕНИЯ И ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ СЕЛЬСКОЙ ТЕРРИТОРИИ, КАК СУБЪЕКТА ЭКОНОМИКИ

In recent years, attention has been increasing to various aspects of rural development that form the socio-economic sustainability of small settlements. The subjects of the rural economy make a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the village, and in fact it is agro-enterprises that act as a driver of rural development. The issues of taxation of agricultural enterprises are the most complex and at the same time the most "sensitive", however, insufficient attention is paid to these issues in the entire range of areas of sustainable rural development. Due to the fact that there is a direct relationship between the effectiveness of tax policy and the profitability of an economic entity, agricultural enterprises need to monitor the tax burden and control its level, while complying with the requirements of legislation regarding the regulation of taxation and labor relations. The article examines the problems faced by agricultural enterprises in connection with the constant reforms of the agricultural taxation system.

Uncovering physical activity trade-offs in transportation policy: A spatial agent-based model of Bogotá, Colombia

BackgroundTransportation policies can impact health outcomes while simultaneously promoting social equity and environmental sustainability. We developed an agent-based model (ABM) to simulate the impacts of fare subsidies and congestion taxes on commuter decision-making and travel patterns. We report effects on mode share, travel time and transport-related physical activity (PA), including the variability of effects by socioeconomic strata (SES), and the trade-offs that may need to be considered in the implementation of these policies in a context with high levels of necessity-based physical activity.MethodsThe ABM design was informed by local stakeholder engagement. The demographic and spatial characteristics of the in-silico city, and its residents, were informed by local surveys and empirical studies. We used ridership and travel time data from the 2019 Bogotá Household Travel Survey to calibrate and validate the model by SES. We then explored the impacts of fare subsidy and congestion tax policy scenarios.ResultsOur model reproduced commuting patterns observed in Bogotá, including substantial necessity-based walking for transportation. At the city-level, congestion taxes fractionally reduced car use, including among mid-to-high SES groups but not among low SES commuters. Neither travel times nor physical activity levels were impacted at the city level or by SES. Comparatively, fare subsidies promoted city-level public transportation (PT) ridership, particularly under a ‘free-fare’ scenario, largely through reductions in walking trips. ‘Free fare’ policies also led to a large reduction in very long walking times and an overall reduction in the commuting-based attainment of physical activity guidelines. Differential effects were observed by SES, with free fares promoting PT ridership primarily among low-and-middle SES groups. These shifts to PT reduced median walking times among all SES groups, particularly low-SES groups. Moreover, the proportion of low-to-mid SES commuters meeting weekly physical activity recommendations decreased under the 'freefare' policy, with no change observed among high-SES groups.ConclusionsTransport policies can differentially impact SES-level disparities in necessity-based walking and travel times. Understanding these impacts is critical in shaping transportation policies that balance the dual aims of reducing SES-level disparities in travel time (and time poverty) and the promotion of choice-based physical activity.

Tax Administration and Financial Performance of Manufacturing Firms in Kenya: A literature Review

This study explores the impact of tax administration practices on the financial performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya. The manufacturing sector is crucial for economic growth and job creation, making it essential to understand how tax policies affect its performance. Tax administration encompasses procedures and policies governing tax compliance, which have evolved over time. Effective tax administration is vital for economic stability and funding public services. However, inefficient practices can hinder firm productivity and growth. Drawing on tax planning theory and agency theory, this study examines how firms strategically manage tax liabilities and navigate principal-agent relationships to optimize financial performance. The empirical review highlights findings from previous studies on the relationship between tax administration practices and firm performance in Kenya. These studies underscore the importance of tax incentives, compliance costs, and governance mechanisms in shaping firm behavior and economic outcomes. By understanding the nuances of tax administration practices, policymakers and firms can implement strategies to enhance economic stability and growth in the manufacturing sector.

Tax progressivity and its influence on tax collection levels in Mexico, 1992-2016

This study aims to examine the impact of income tax and VAT progressivity on Mexico’s tax collection. In Mexico, tax collection has persistently remained at notably low levels, attributed in part to the perceived inequity within the tax system. Initially, we compute the progressivity of income tax and VAT to ascertain the average percentage increase in these taxes relative to a 100% rise in income. Results indicate income tax's progressive nature, contrasting with VAT's regressive pattern. Subsequently, employing a time-series model, we analyze the influence of income tax and VAT progressivity on tax collection. Our findings reveal a positive correlation between fiscal progressiveness and tax collection levels over both short and long terms. These findings offer practical implications, suggesting that leveraging the insights from this research could fortify tax policies, thereby enhancing tax revenues and contributing to improved income distribution. The analysis underscores the importance of considering the level of progressivity in income tax and VAT rates for enhancing tax collection in Mexico. By leveraging progressive taxation policies, policymakers can potentially boost tax revenues while promoting a more equitable distribution of income. Furthermore, an increase in tax collection can potentially support public programs and services benefiting society as a whole, thus enhancing overall welfare.

Pay dissatisfaction and withdrawal behaviour of employees in the civil service: does personal income tax regime matter?

PurposeThe aim of the study is to explore the links between multiple personal income tax regimes, pay dissatisfaction, employee lateness and absenteeism. Accordingly, this paper examines the relationships between income tax policies, pay dissatisfaction and the work withdrawal behaviours of employees in the public service.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a quantitative design, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire from a sample of 252 respondents from the Bayelsa State Civil Service in Nigeria. Data were analysed by applying multivariate regression and structural equation modelling through the use of Stata software version 12 and SmartPLS version 4.FindingsThe results demonstrated that there was a positive relationship between personal income tax regimes and pay dissatisfaction; there was a positive relationship between pay dissatisfaction and work withdrawal behaviour of employee tardiness and absenteeism and pay dissatisfaction mediated the relationships between personal income tax regimes and work withdrawal behaviours of public sector employees.Originality/valueThe study appears to be the first to explore the nexus between personal income tax regimes and pay dissatisfaction and withdrawal behaviours of employee tardiness and absenteeism as well as the mediating role of pay dissatisfaction in public service organisations.

Environmental taxes, R&D expenditures and renewable energy consumption in EU countries: Are fiscal instruments effective in the expansion of clean energy?

In today's world, where energy demand and climate change are experienced, the transition to renewable energy comes to the fore. The main tools used in the expansion of renewable energy are taxes and expenditures. This study examines the impact of R&D expenditures, environmental taxes and economic growth on renewable energy consumption in selected EU countries from 1995 to 2019. This study used augmented mean group (AMG) and dynamic common correlated effects (DCCE), which are novel estimators. Two different long-run estimators were used to obtain robust results. According to the results of the study, Environmental taxes have a positive effect on renewable energy consumption in Germany and France, while they have a negative effect in Spain and Slovenia. R&D expenditures positively impact renewable energy in Portugal, Lithuania, and Slovakia, while negatively affecting it in Germany and Spain. EU countries, which have equal responsibilities in expanding renewable energy, need to review their tax and expenditure policies and implement them in a coordinated manner.

The Tax Attractiveness of EU Locations for Corporate Investments: A Stocktaking of Past Developments and Recent Reforms

Abstract In this paper, we illustrate the tax attractiveness of EU countries as investment locations over time in terms of effective average tax rates and evaluate potential tax reform options. Our quantitative assessment of recent tax policies suggests that corporate tax rate cuts, notional interest deductions and R&D incentives significantly reduce the effective average tax rate. When government budgets are constrained, however, tax incentives with a direct link to investment activities, such as accelerated depreciation and R&D incentives, are most suitable to stimulate private investment. Even after the introduction of the global minimum tax, these measures remain a viable tool to stimulate investments.

Analysis of the impacts of carbon neutral policy portfolios on the economy, environment, and residents' welfare based on computable general equilibrium models

The efficacy of the synergistic interplay of various programs about energy efficiency and emission reduction in China's endeavor to achieve carbon peaking and carbon neutrality remains to be determined. This research constructed a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model to examine the economic, environmental, social, and energy consequences of various policy combinations. Using data from the 2018 input-output table of China, we create 21 industry sectors and examine the combined impacts of different carbon policies. Our findings indicate that the effects of carbon emission reduction are more favorable when multiple carbon-neutral policies are implemented together, compared to the impact of a single policy. Among the various combinations of policies examined, the combination of feed-in tariff subsidy policy (FIT), renewable energy quota policy (RPS), carbon trading, carbon tax, and carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) technology proves to be the most effective. The study predicts that by 2060, this combination of policies could lead to a reduction of 32.5% in carbon dioxide emissions. At the same time, it was discovered that a combination of lower-intensity renewable energy quotas, carbon trading, carbon taxes, and higher-intensity subsidies for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, the synergy indicator θ exceeds 1, indicating a more stable economy; When the carbon tax policy is more robust, and the remaining three policies are more minor, carbon emissions fall the most and are the most ecologically beneficial. Imposing excessively high renewable energy quotas while maintaining the same level of technology and substitutability between fossil fuels and electric energy sources will result in economic instability afterward. Therefore, we suggest that to attain balanced growth of the environment, society, and economy, the government should increase the function of policy combinations and balance several objectives.

Evaluating the influence of taxation and social security policies on psychological distress: a microsimulation study of the UK during the COVID-19 economic crisis

Economic determinants are important for population health, but actionable evidence of how policies can utilise these pathways remains scarce. This study employs a microsimulation framework to evaluate the effects of taxation and social security policies on population mental health. The UK economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic provides an informative context involving an economic shock accompanied by one of the strongest discretionary fiscal responses amongst OECD countries.The analytical setup involves a dynamic, stochastic, discrete-time microsimulation model (SimPaths) projecting changes in psychological distress given predicted economic outcomes from a static tax-benefit microsimulation model (UKMOD) based on different policy scenarios. We contrast projections of psychological distress for the working-age population from 2017 to 2025 given the observed policy environment against a counterfactual scenario where pre-crisis policies remained in place. Levels of psychological distress and potential cases of common mental disorders (CMDs) were assessed with the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12).The UK policy response to the economic crisis is estimated to have prevented a substantial fall (over 12 percentage points, %pt) in the employment rate in 2020 and 2021. In 2020, projected psychological distress increased substantially (CMD prevalence increase >10%pt) under both the observed and the counterfactual policy scenarios. Through economic pathways, the policy response is estimated to have prevented a further 3.4%pt [95%UI 2.8%pt, 4.0%pt] increase in the prevalence of CMDs, approximately 1.2 million cases. Beyond 2021, as employment levels rapidly recovered, psychological distress returned to the pre-pandemic trend. Sustained preventative effects on poverty are estimated, with projected levels 2.1%pt [95%UI 1.8%pt, 2.5%pt] lower in 2025 than in the absence of the observed policy response.The study shows that policies protecting employment during an economic crisis are effective in preventing short-term mental health losses and have lasting effects on poverty levels. This preventative effect has substantial public health benefits.

Uniform agricultural tax abolition and differential household labor supply: Evidence from China's urban household survey

Uniform government public policy has steadily shaped the labor supply from households in the past few decades in China with possible differential impact on each parent. This paper investigates how uniform tax policy change plays differential roles in household's labor supply through government public education spending. Utilizing the exogenous shock from China's agricultural tax abolition in 2005, we find that the abolition results in a reduction in female employment but an increase in male employment. Specifically, a 1% increase of agricultural tax to public revenue ratio in the reference year leads to a 0.485% labor supply reduction and 1.50 fewer hours of work per month for married women, whereas the married men's labor supply increases by 0.191% and their working hours by 1.06 h in a typical urban family with school-going children. The effects are greater on married women with primary school-age children and married men from high-asset households. Our mechanism analysis indicates that public education spending works as a substitute for private education spending and affects the household labor supply through investment in children's human capital. Our findings offer a new perspective on the decreasing female labor supply and the widening employment gap between (married) women and (married) men in the Chinese labor market. The findings suggest that public tax policy could lead to unintended consequences on household's labor supply decisions, and thus exacerbate the gender employment gap in the labor market.

The impact of environmental protection tax on corporate performance: A new insight from multi angles analysis

This study investigates the practical effects of adopting the environmental protection tax (EPT) policy on corporate performance in China. The analysis uses the Difference in Differences (DID) approach based on a quasi-natural experiment scenario. The findings indicate there is a negative impact of implementing the EPT policy on the financial performance of corporations, and the conclusion remains unchanged despite exhaustive robustness testing. The negative impact can be partly attributed to corporate technology innovation inputs. Meanwhile, enterprise property rights, pollution, and technical levels also substantially influence the implementation effect of the legislation. However, implementing this policy has improved corporations’ environmental performance and established its efficacy in enhancing their sustainable capabilities. This study comprehensively explores the impact of environmental control legislation on business performance, spanning financial, environmental, and social dimensions. Corresponding findings offer valuable insights into how firms react to environmental legislation and adjust to the external environment. Meanwhile, it also provides an objective reference for the comprehensive green transformation.