The multiplicity of taxpayer identities and their implications for tax ethics

Date

Authors

Wenzel, Michael
Australian National University. Centre for Tax System Integrity
Australian Taxation Office

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Centre for Tax System Integrity (CTSI), Research School of Social Sciences, The Australian National University
Australian Taxation Office

Abstract

It is argued that many social factors (ethics, norms, legitimacy) affecting tax compliance derive their meaning and potency from taxpayers’ identities, the way they position themselves socially relative to other taxpayers, and the tax authority. Study 1 explored how 1200 Australians categorised themselves spontaneously in the tax context. Study 2 used survey data from 965 Australians to investigate what implications different identities (personal, subgroup, national) have for tax ethical attitudes. An inclusive identity in terms of one’s nation was related to attitudes most conducive to tax compliance. It is concluded that the concept of identity is key to responsive regulation.

Description

Keywords

tax compliance, ethics, social factors, norms, legitmacy, identity, taxpayer, Australia

Citation

Source

Law and Policy

Type

Working/Technical Paper

Book Title

Entity type

Access Statement

Open Access

License Rights

DOI

Restricted until

Downloads

File
Description