This paper examines the pervasiveness of tax evasion among firms in Indonesia and the characteristics associated with higher levels of noncompliance. Tax evasion is estimated through a randomized, double-list experiment embedded in a nationally representative survey of 2,955 registered firms. This revealed whether firms pay all the taxes they owe with-out them having to disclose this directly. Across both list experiments, around a quarter of the firms indirectly reveal that they have evaded taxes. Firms that do not export, face intense competition from informal firms, and believe tax administration is a major obstacle to their business are the most likely to evade taxes. These findings help to inform the enforcement activities of tax authorities in middle-income countries, which face substantial challenges in estimating levels of tax evasion and identifying noncompliant taxpayers.

Download the working paper: click here

Speakers: Christopher Hoy (The World Bank), Filip Jolevski (The World Bank), Anthony Obeyesekere (The World Bank)

This seminar is co-hosted with Tax Education and Research Center (TERC) LPEM FEB UI, and will be chaired by Christine Tjen (TERC FEB UI)

Tuesday, 3 September 2024 at 08.30-09.45 WIB (online in English)

Thumbnail photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash