The traditional economic approach to tax evasion does not appear to be particularly successful in explaining the extent of tax compliance. We argue instead that a psychological tax contract which establishes a fiscal exchange between the state and the citizens shapes tax compliance to a large...

This paper examines the effects of banning contingent fees for tax return preparation services. It develops a principal-agent model in which a taxpayer contracts with a tax practitioner to attempt to resolve tax law uncertainty. The contract must induce the practitioner to do research and take...

Most people think of tax burden as the amount of tax that is paid. Rarely does anyone think of the cost of complying with the provisions of the Income Tax Act. Government is costing us more than the taxes we see, because it's difficult to see the extra cost of complying with government...

We analyze the effect of social norms and enforcement on the dynamics of taxpayer compliance. Specifically, we develop two models to evaluate the movement between classes of compliant and noncompliant taxpayers. Our analysis suggests that the effect on compliance of changing enforcement levels...

This report sets out the findings of an extended study designed to test a diagnostic tool that has been developed for use in comparative cross-country assessments of the VAT compliance burden and its main drivers. It is based on data gathered from surveys conducted in the 47 member countries of...

This paper examines the effects of banning contingent fees for tax return preparation services. It develops a principal-agent model in which a taxpayer contracts with a tax practitioner to attempt to resolve tax law uncertainty. The contract must induce the practitioner to do research and take...

The storm of widespread public and political concerns on corporate misgivings, particularly in the financial services industry has spurred growing regulatory demands worldwide making compliance an evergreen item on the leadership and governance agenda. Compliance with prescribed regulatory...