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.

Assessing Taxpayers’ Awareness on Their Right to Appeal Property Tax Assessment in Mzuzu City – Malawi

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

Assessing Taxpayers’ Awareness on Their Right to Appeal Property Tax Assessment in Mzuzu City – Malawi

Author: Prince Kaude

ISSN: 2709-8575
Affiliations: Researcher: Compassion Kind Organisation
Source: African Multidisciplinary Tax Journal, 2022 Issue 1, p. 120-137
https://doi.org/10.47348/AMTJ/V2/i1a7

Abstract

Valuation inaccuracy when assessing properties for taxation purposes, which results in taxpayers deciding to evade property taxes due to higher taxes inf luenced by incorrect assessments, affects the economy of the country negatively. This research evaluated how a lack of taxpayer awareness of their right to appeal on estimated property taxes affect property tax compliance in Mzuzu City. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected by administering questionnaires while the study areas were selected based on their planning nature and different state in terms of the income of the dwellers. Taxpayers were selected randomly and the sample from study areas was found by matching the total number of taxable properties in the area to the appropriate sample size. The study has confirmed that the majority of taxpayers do not take any action if an assessment is incorrect due to a lack of knowledge of tax appeals which often leads to tax evasion. Consequently, the government needs to extensively educate taxpayers on tax appeals through, for example, radio and television media.

Using Digitalisation Approach to Optimising Potential Property Tax Revenues in the Democratic Republic of Congo

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

Using Digitalisation Approach to Optimising Potential Property Tax Revenues in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Author: Luc Mwenelwata Butindi

ISSN: 2709-8575
Affiliations: N/A
Source: African Multidisciplinary Tax Journal, 2022 Issue 1, p. 138-154
https://doi.org/10.47348/AMTJ/V2/i1a8

Abstract

Optimising property tax is beneficial for real estate investors but can also encourage tax avoidance and fraud by economic operators if the state does not put safeguards in place to secure its rights. On the one hand, the state must first control the number of buildings per category and identify the property owners to be taxed. Thanks to digitalisation, tax administrations will change the current approach in favour of modern management tools such as those used in other countries. On the other hand, the state must encourage investors to build more apartment buildings in third- and fourth-tier localities to benefit from the tax relief associated with these properties. These proposed solutions, which are supported by figures from the city of Kinshasa, are used as an example and presented in this article. It highlights that this approach allows the two stakeholders (tax administration and taxpayers) to mutually benefit while effectively reducing the behaviour at fault.