Developments in the Use of Technologies in African Tax Administrations

Developments in the Use of Technologies in African Tax Administrations

by | Apr 19, 2022 | AMTJ, AMTJ 2022 I1

Developments in the Use of Technologies in African Tax Administrations

Authors: Jeffrey Owens and Bernd Schlenther

ISSN: 2709-8575
Affiliations: Head: Global Tax Policy Centre (GTPC) at the Institute for Austrian and International Tax Law of the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU); Independent expert and extraordinary lecturer at the African Tax Institute (ATI) of the University of Pretoria (UP)
Source: African Multidisciplinary Tax Journal, 2022 Issue 1, p. 1-22
https://doi.org/10.47348/AMTJ/V2/i1a1

Download PDF

Abstract

A substantial number of sub-Saharan African tax administrations have seen efficiency gains by adopting online systems for tax filing and payment. However, the adoption of technology for the automation of tax administration has been markedly slow in comparison to the pace of adoption in developed countries. For African countries’ drive toward domestic resource mobilisation to be successful, automation of core processes is fundamental and the adoption of standards in international cooperation, improving data quality and promoting fiscal decentralisation. This article demonstrates that while much progress has been made in automation, Tax Administration Diagnostic Assessment Tool assessments still illustrate several gaps experienced by tax administrations in compliance risk management, statistical analysis, bulk data analysis, and the quality of data. As ref lected in stagnant tax gross domestic product ratios, without mitigating these risks and not seizing opportunities offered by instruments such as the exchange of information standards, advances made in automation run the risk of being nullified eventually. Therefore, African tax administrations need a digital roadmap and a set of metrics to measure their progress in automation.

Developments in the Use of Technologies in African Tax Administrations

Determinants of Properties Tax Revenues in Sub Saharan Africa: Case of Togo

by | Apr 19, 2022 | AMTJ, AMTJ 2022 I1

Determinants of Properties Tax Revenues in Sub Saharan Africa: Case of Togo

Authors: Kodzo Senyo Adjeyi, Kokou Essegbe Amaglo and Tsotso Kouevi

ISSN: 2709-8575
Affiliations: Doctorant en sciences de gestion/FaSEG-Université de Lomé/Togo; Doctorant en sciences de gestion/FaSEG-Université de Lomé/Togo; Maître de conférences agrégé en sciences de gestion/FaSEG-Université de Lomé/Togo
Source: African Multidisciplinary Tax Journal, 2022 Issue 1, p. 23-41
https://doi.org/10.47348/AMTJ/V2/i1a2

Download PDF

Abstract

The objective of this study is to identify the determinants of property tax revenues in Togo. The data relate to the regions and prefectures and were collected from the services of the Togolese Revenue Authority (OTR) and from the Ministry of Justice over a period of five years (2016 to 2020). The results of the descriptive analysis show that the maritime region especially the capital Lomé alone generates more than 98 per cent of property tax revenues. The linear regression revealed that digitisation and awareness efforts influence positively the level of revenue collection. However, land disputes are an obstacle to the success of reforms that can optimise the mobilisation of property tax revenues.

Property Taxation and Efficiency Scores of Metropolitan Municipalities in South Africa

by | Apr 19, 2022 | AMTJ, AMTJ 2022 I1

Property Taxation and Efficiency Scores of Metropolitan Municipalities in South Africa

Author: Ada Jansen, Onesmo Kaiya Mackenzie and Wynnona Steyn

ISSN: 2709-8575
Affiliations: Associate professor in the Department of Economics at Stellenbosch University; PhD student in the Department of Economics at Stellenbosch University; Economist, Macroeconomic Research Unit at the South African Revenue Service
Source: African Multidisciplinary Tax Journal, 2022 Issue 1, p. 42-60
https://doi.org/10.47348/AMTJ/V2/i1a3

Abstract

Property taxation is a primary source of income for urban municipalities (metros), particularly in South Africa. Property tax collection amongst metros varies, which begs the question of whether differences in tax efficiency scores can be explained by institutional factors, or whether economic factors such as the size of the tax base or the ability to raise other revenues play a role. This article estimates property tax efficiency scores for eight South African metros and considers factors that affect these scores. We use municipal data and apply the data envelopment analysis method to estimate the efficiency scores for property taxation. This is followed by a Tobit regression to evaluate the determinants of these scores. The results show that although metros achieve relatively high efficiency scores, property tax collections can be improved. In addition, economic indicators explain variations in efficiency scores, but financial management remains key to delivering municipal infrastructure.

An Analysis of the Effects of Taxation on Income Inequalities in WAEMU

by | Apr 19, 2022 | AMTJ, AMTJ 2022 I1

An Analysis of the Effects of Taxation on Income Inequalities in WAEMU

Authors: Pouwemdéou Tchila and Mawussé Komlangan Nézan Okey

ISSN: 2709-8575
Affiliations: Chef section des analyses conjoncturelles à l’Office Togolais des Recettes (OTR) et membre de l’équipe de recherche en économie institutionnelle (ERECI), Université de Lomé-Togo; Maître de conférence agrégé, Chef de département d’économie et responsable de l’équipe de recherche en économie institutionnelle (ERECI), Université de Lomé-Togo
Source: African Multidisciplinary Tax Journal, 2022 Issue 1, p. 61-82
https://doi.org/10.47348/AMTJ/V2/i1a4

Abstract

This article analyses the potential effect that tax instruments have on income inequalities in sub-Saharan Africa particularly in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). Tax instruments are represented by various types of levies and taxes whereas income inequalities are estimated by the Gini index. Using the generalised method of moments over the period from 1990 to 2017, the results demonstrate that value-added tax, excise duties, and port charges have no effect on income inequalities whereas personal income tax and corporate income tax improve income distribution in the WAEMU. However, the globalisation of economies reverses the effect of corporate income tax. Moreover, tax progressivity reduces inequalities while the tax structure has no significant effect on income inequalities. To this end, the study recommends using direct and progressive tax instruments for the fight against inequalities. Similarly, the fight against aggressive tax optimisation must take a central stage in tax policies within an economy that is increasingly open to multinational companies.

Determinants of Municipal Taxes Payment by Informal Micro and Small Business in Côte d’Ivoire

by | Apr 19, 2022 | AMTJ, AMTJ 2022 I1

Determinants of Municipal Taxes Payment by Informal Micro and Small Business in Côte d’Ivoire

Author: Nohoua Traore

ISSN: 2709-8575
Affiliations: Assistant Professor, Université Alassane Ouattara de Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire; Membre du Laboratoire ’Analyse et de Modélisation de Politiques Economiques (LAMPE), Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire Chercheur Associé à la Cellule d’Analyse de Politiques Economiques du CIRES (CAPEC), Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Source: African Multidisciplinary Tax Journal, 2022 Issue 1, p. 83-104
https://doi.org/10.47348/AMTJ/V2/i1a5

Abstract

This article analyses the determinants of municipal tax payments of informal micro- and small businesses in Côte d’Ivoire. The data used relates to 276 informal production units surveyed in the framework of the CAPEC/IDRC project. Using descriptive statistics and the estimation of a Probit model, the study highlights the variables that both negatively and positively inf luence tax payments. It emerged that the perception of the high level of taxes, the fact that the manager of the informal production unit is an Ivorian, the narrowness of the market, and the problems regarding premises negatively affected tax payments. Conversely, the business environment, the electronic payment of invoices, the simplification of procedures, the number of employees and the difficulties in accessing financing enhance the propensity of managers to pay taxes.

Tax Policy in WAEMU: Tax Coordination or Competition?

by | Apr 19, 2022 | AMTJ, AMTJ 2022 I1

Tax Policy in WAEMU: Tax Coordination or Competition?

Author: Alastaire Sèna Alinsato and Agbokpanzo Ahouidji Tanguy

ISSN: 2709-8575
Affiliations: Laboratoire d’Economie Publique, Faculté des Sciences Economiques et de Gestion – Université d’Abomey-Calavi; Laboratoire d’Economie Publique, Faculté des Sciences Economiques et de Gestion – Université d’Abomey-Calavi
Source: African Multidisciplinary Tax Journal, 2022 Issue 1, p. 105-119
https://doi.org/10.47348/AMTJ/V2/i1a6

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to examine the effect of digitalisation on tax revenue mobilisation in Africa. Using panel data from 40 selected african countries over the period 1980-2017, econometric estimates were implemented using the generalised method of moments. Our results indicated that digitisation has both a positive and significant effect on tax revenue mobilisation in Africa over the study period. They also revealed that economic activity, level of education, financial and industrial development are the channels through which digitalisation affects tax revenue mobilisation in Africa. These results urged policy makers to further promote the digitalisation of African economies for better tax revenue mobilisation. Finally, this study encourages African states to formulate policies with a focus on the factors that should lead to economic growth, human capital formation, financial and industrial development.