Tax Compliance among Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana

Abstract

The aim of the study was to identify the prime factors that affect SMEs’ tax compliance. The sampled size for the study was 70 SMEs who were selected using convenient sampling for questionnaire administration. Data collected from the field was analyzed using descriptive statistics with the help of SPSS. The results revealed that taxes paid by respondents included income tax; a Kumasi Municipal Assembly (KMA) levy; VAT; and property tax. Generally, 91.4 per cent of the respondents indicated that they are aware that tax compliance is obligatory and 92.9 per cent are also aware that non-compliance is punishable by law. Ninety percent of respondents did not have any form of tax education. 82.9% of respondents ranked taxes paid high while 85.7 per cent of respondents said it was their biggest constraint. Respondents were of the opinion that a reduction in the taxable amount; use of tax collected for developmental projects; enforcement of punishment for non-compliance; as well as educating SMEs about their tax obligations would promote voluntary tax compliance. The study recommended that the authorities who impose taxation on SMEs should review the taxable amount and widen the tax net to include more SMEs to increase tax revenue. In addition, SMEs should be given proper tax education on the essence of paying tax and their taxes should be properly accounted for. The penalties for tax non-compliance should be enforced according to the law.

Keywords: Tax compliance, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana