Reasons of Tax Evasion and Tax Avoidance: Case of Debre Markos Town, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara National Regional State

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to examine the causes of tax evasion and tax avoidance of tax payers’ reflection from Debre Markos town. Stratified sampling technique was applied to select respondents based on the nature of the tax payers by category A, B and C tax payers. The required sample was determined through proportional random approach from each stratum & a total of 365 taxpayers were taken as a sample. For the accomplishment of this study, the researcher used primary sources of data. Primary data were obtained through distribution of self-administered questionnaires to sampled respondents of 365 tax payers. The collected data has been analyzed through descriptive statistics by statistical package for social science (SPSS) software for the purpose of this study. The implications of these results were low quality of the service in return for taxes, absence of tax morality, non-existence of an equitable & efficient tax system and the existence of high tax rate. Poor relationship of tax payers & the authority, lack of adequate enforcement for default, lack of adequate tax incentives and greed and selfishness are not the major reasons for tax evasion and tax avoidance in the study area. Therefore, I recommended that, the town’s tax authority should promote the quality of public services, transparency and control of the public budget and minimize low tax morale by promoting a tax-paying citizen culture and educating taxpayers.

Keywords: Tax Evasion, Tax Avoidance, Taxpayers, Causes, Ethiopia

DOI: 10.7176/JESD/12-9-01

Publication date:May 31^st 2021